The successful enforcement of a school dress code requires both an understanding of the school and community culture, and the application of common sense and sound judgment. Follow the board policy on dress code development.
Dress codes are established in each school in accordance with the mandates noted below:
- The Education Act Section 302 (5) governing appropriate dress
If required to do so by the Ministry, a board shall establish policies and guidelines respecting appropriate dress for pupils in schools within the board’s jurisdiction, and the policies and guidelines must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify.
- Ontario Regulation 612, School Councils Section 19 (1)
In addition to its other obligations to solicit the views of school councils under the Education Act, every board shall solicit the views of school councils established by the board with respect to the following matters:
- ii. Policies and procedures established under subsection 302 (5) of the Act respecting appropriate dress for pupils in schools within the board’s jurisdiction.
- Ontario Regulation 298, Operation of Schools – General Section 11 (19)
In addition to his or her other obligations to solicit the views of the school council under the Education Act and the regulations, the principal of a school shall solicit the views of the school council with respect to the following matters:
- 1. The establishment or amendment of school policies and guidelines that relate to pupil achievement, or to the accountability of the education system to parents, including:
ii. School policies or guidelines related to policies and guidelines established by the board under subsection 302 (5) of the Act respecting appropriate dress for pupils in schools within the board’s jurisdiction.