Dress Code

The SDCH dress code has been constructed in order to help the school meet its mission. Student dress can at times cause a distraction to the learning and interaction that happens in the school. Initiating a student dress code which includes school uniforms positively impacts learning. It gives the student an immediate sense of belonging in the student body, it enhances the image of the school in the community, and it does away with many discipline situations that relate to student dress.

Students are expected to observe all aspects of the following dress code for all school days and schoolrelated activities, unless alternate standards have been approved by administration. Students must be in compliance with the dress code policy before and during regular school hours, including lunch and spares. While we put some considerations in place, we realize that it is not possible to address all potential concerns. Note therefore that externals or ways of wearing the school wardrobe that are not in keeping with the spirit of the dress code policy will not be acceptable.

School Wardrobe Specifications
All school clothing must be purchased at R.J. McCarthy. Their showroom is located at 30 Thorncliff Dr., St. Catharines (1-800-668-8261 x305). The approved wardrobe pieces can be viewed by logging on to the supplier’s website at http://www.rjmccarthy.com. Purchase information will be part of our communication relating to registration.

School Wardrobe Considerations
Students may wear any of the prescribed wardrobe choices on any school day. The following points give further definition to our policy:

All school clothing must be worn as designed.

Clothing must be clean, non-transparent, size-appropriate, and in good repair.

Bottoms must be neatly hemmed.

Undergarments must not be visible.

Undergarments worn under a white shirt or top must also be white.

All T-shirts or tank tops worn underneath school tops must be plain white.

Shirts and tops must be appropriately buttoned for modesty.

Tops, other than those approved, are not to be worn inside during the school day; they are to be put in the locker upon arrival at school and are to remain there until the student leaves the building.

Footwear is according to student choice, but shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops and slippers will not be permitted.

Specific course-related clothing (i.e. Physical Education, shop, etc.) must be worn only during those courses.

Hats, bandanas, head coverings, sunglasses and gloves may not be worn in the school building.

Belts, when worn, must be solid black or brown and must be threaded through the belt loops and buckled.

Students who are choir members must purchase the black dress pants and the long sleeved white oxford shirt.

Outings Away from School
Away-from-school outings need to be recognized as part of the learning of the school. As such, uniforms will be required on learning outings.
There may be occasional trips for which uniforms are not required (e.g. the grade 12 Quebec trip, Canada’s Wonderland). On such occasions, students will be expected to dress in a fashion and style that are fitting for a Christian teenager.
Students who leave the building during spares or lunch periods will be asked to stay in uniform and represent the school well on their honour.

Special Dress Days
At the discretion of the administration, and with their pre-approval, portions of the dress code may be temporarily suspended for special dress days or certain outings. In these cases, students will be expected to conform to the following SDCH policy regarding dress:
Students are to dress in a neat and clean fashion and in a style that is fitting for a Christian teenager who is part of an academic environment. Clothing should demonstrate respect for one’s sexuality. Therefore distracting or immodest clothing that is excessively tight, revealing, low, has rips or tears, or reveals undergarments is not acceptable. All articles of clothing bearing suggestive or offensive materials reflecting anti-Christian values are not permissible. All tops must cover the shoulders and have sleeves, and must overlap the waistband of the pants, shorts, or skirts. Non-uniform shorts or skirts must extend beyond the bottom of a student’s extended finger tips.