May 18th, 2015

Students have been  reminded that school is similar to a place of work, and that clothing is to reflect that tone. Short shorts, halter tops, muscle shirts, and thin-strapped or low-cut tops are not appropriate at school. Naturally, students ask what is meant by ‘too short’ or ‘too revealing’. Some good guidelines are:

• shorts need to have legs that reach down to the fingertips when the student is standing with arms at the side.
• tops need to have straps that are at least three fingers wide
• tops need to have necklines that are no lower than one student hand-width from the neck. Necklines are cut very low in present fashions. It is not uncommon to see student’s chests and tummies down the next of their tops. Such revealing clothing can be very embarrassing for both the student wearing the top as well as others nearby.
• tops are to be long enough that neither the tummy nor buttocks is exposed when the student sits down or holds arms overhead

Footwear is another area of concern. Students are to have shoes on their feet at all times, both in the classroom and outside on the playground. Running shoes are the most practical and safe as they provide both support and protection for  active students. Sandals and shoes that expose the bare foot are discourage as they are commonly associated with accidents like falls and skinned toes. Running shoes are required on the climbers and during soccer and other team games.

The message and placement of slogans/print appearing on student clothing was an are of discussion when the School Council reviewed Tait’s Dress Code. Print and graphics that do not support the Eight Keys of Excellence and Tait’s CARE message are considered inappropriate.

The dress code applies to students of all ages from kindergarten to grade 6. Parents are asked to help their students make good choices for suitable clothing.