Uniform Update - March 30, 2009 - click here

Uniform Update - Warm Weather Wear - April 7, 2008 - click here

IMPORTANT UPDATE - SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY AND ISSUES

December 18, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians,

When St. Catherine of Siena opened its doors in September of 2004, it did so as the first elementary school in the London District Catholic School Board with a school uniform policy. Since then, two more elementary schools in our district have adopted school uniform policies.

Over the past few years, the policy has continued to evolve, but there have also been some variations in student clothing that have crept in, which are outside of the school uniform policy. During the late fall, members of the original Uniform Committee, administration, staff representatives from school council, and other interested school council members met to discuss uniform issues, and to formulate a plan to address these issues.

Those discussions have resulted in the information in this update. We have included the following:

- revised and clarified uniform policy

- strategies for compliance

- a list of “acceptable”/ “unacceptable” items

- information from the supplier, RJ McCarthy

We are asking that over the Christmas holidays, you go through your child(ren)’s wardrobe(s) and put aside any items which do not fall within the school uniform policy. At the school, we will be having discussions with the staff and with the students about proper uniform wear, and our plans for enforcement, beginning in January of 2008. We have also put up a display outside the office, of proper uniform wear, courtesy of our supplier, RJ McCarthy. This should be helpful to clarify acceptable items for students to wear.

We hope that the attached information clarifies the uniform policy, and that working together, we can minimize any issues, and continue to grow as a strong, unified, school community.

Sincerely,

The St. Catherine of Siena School Uniform Committee

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School - Uniform Policy
Revised - November, 2007

Preamble

By choosing to attend St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, students and their parents have made a serious long-term commitment to Catholic Education. Our school seeks to promote inclusiveness and participation in a faith community, as expressed in our Mission Statement. In making this decision, parents and students accept the school uniform as an integral part of the school community life. Though we recognize our individuality, the uniform at St. Catherine of Siena is part of what unites us as one community.

Uniform Components

The school uniform at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Elementary School consists of the following:

1. A navy or white, short or long-sleeved collared golf shirt; a plain white, short or long-sleeved, collared blouse; a plain white, long-sleeved, button-up shirt; a plain white or navy, long-sleeved turtle-neck shirt. Additionally, students may wear a solid navy, zippered fleece or solid navy, hooded sweatshirt. All of the preceding may be crested with approved school logo only.

2. Navy or khaki pants, walking shorts, skorts, and tunics, purchased from the supplier or of a style and length similar to those provided by the supplier.

3. Additional navy items, with school logo, are available at the supplier and are deemed to comply with the school uniform policy.

4. For students in junior and senior kindergarten only, plain navy sweat pants and a plain navy, or plain white t-shirt comply with the school uniform policy.

Modifications to the components of the school uniform will be deemed to comply with the school uniform policy where necessary, to accommodate students with special needs.

The school will respond to families who may require financial assistance in obtaining items provided solely by the supplier. Affected parents will be encouraged to directly contact the school principal.

A ‘Uniform swap’ will be established for the donation, sale, purchase and exchange of gently-worn items in good condition by, from and with other parents.

Parents are encouraged to clearly label all items to facilitate the return of lost items.

Strategy for Compliance:

The Board’s policy states “Expectations will be stated for student compliance with the school policy and will take into consideration local circumstances and the principal’s authority under the Education Act.” The following represents the school’s strategy for compliance:

1. Copies of the school’s uniform policy will be published annually to the school community.

2. Brochures from the supplier will be provided to the families of all new students, to acquaint them with items that may be purchased from the supplier. Brochures will also be available at the office as needed.

3. A “fitting” night will be held at least once per year, to allow families to size items and place orders. Orders can then be picked up at the school, or shipped for a flat fee of $5.00.

4. Information will be conveyed to parents regarding the procedures for return and exchange to enable parents to make returns or exchanges from home, at the expense of the supplier. As well information about ordering online will be provided.

5. The Fundraising Committee will solicit a donation from the supplier as needed for community fundraising activities.

6. School staff and administration will be able to purchase items from the supplier.

7. A ‘uniform swap’ will be held for parents who wish to donate, sell, purchase or exchange gently-worn items in good condition to, from or with other parents.

 

School Uniform Policy, Appendix A
(to be included in Code of Student Behaviour)

The following steps will be taken when a student does not comply with the mandatory wearing of the school uniform. These will be presented at the School Council meeting in September of each year.

Regular reminders about acceptable uniform wear
Uniform infraction notice in the agenda
Teacher calls parent (2nd infraction)
Principal or Vice-principal calls parent/guardian for third infraction and asks for correct uniform wear to be brought to school
Student loses recess or has detention (at discretion of administration)

Please click here to see the "acceptable/unacceptable" chart and the information from the supplier.