Appropriate Dress(2023)

Revised Student Dress Code Starting in the 2020-21 School Year

APPROPRIATE DRESS AT PALMERSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL

Palmerston P.S. expects that all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day.  Students have a right to learn in a safe and caring space that is free of bias and discrimination, and have a right to express their individuality respectfully. It is an expectation that student dress choices respect the UGDSB’s intent to promote a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities.

Students must wear:

  • A shirt or the equivalent (e.g., sweater etc) with fabric in the front, back and on the sides under the arms, AND
  • Pants or the equivalent (e.g. skirt, sweatpants, leggings, dress, shorts), AND
  • Shoes or the equivalent (e.g., boots, sandals etc.).

Clothing must fully cover genitals, buttocks, and breasts with opaque (not see-through) fabric.

Students cannot wear:

  • clothing or accessories containing violent language or images
  • images, logos or language depicting drugs, alcohol or any illegal item or activity
  • images, logos or language that portray: ethic prejudice, racism, sexism, vulgarity, gang-related markings, obscenities, profanity, hate speech, and/or pornography
  • images, logos or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment
  • any clothing that reveals visible undergarments (visible waistbands and visible straps are allowed)
  • swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice)
  • accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon (with the exception of religious accessories or articles of faith such as a Kirpan)
  • for safety consideration; clothing items must not obscure the face, except as a religious observance.

UGDSB philosophy on Student Dress Codes:

It is the policy of the Upper Grand District School Board to ensure a safe and inclusive learning and working environment for all students, staff and the community, regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, socio-economic status, employment, housing, sex, and sexual orientation (Policy 504 Equity and Inclusive Education).

Our values and beliefs:

  • All students should be able to dress for school without fear of unnecessary discipline, body shaming, bias or discrimination.
  • Individuals are responsible for managing their own personal biases and or perspectives/ opinions (distractions) related to others’ choices of clothing.
  • All students are treated equitably regardless of their race, age, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socio-economic circumstances, or body type/size.
  • Students have a right to wear clothing of their choice that expresses their self-identified gender.
  • Students have a right to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.

Please note:

  • Schools must maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is required. For example, athletic shoes for Physical Education
  • Parents/Caregivers will be contacted if a significant or repeated violation of the dress code occurs.