Dress Code

The Board has approved a dress code policy for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School. A commitment to the dress code requires self-discipline and is an outward sign of support for the goals of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School. Students must comply with the dress code at all times. In order to ensure uniformity, all uniform items must be purchased through R. J. McCarthy Ltd., the Board’s sole supplier. Students will be disciplined if their uniform items do not comply with this standard. Clothing can be purchased online at www.rjmccarthy.com by phone 1-800-668-8261, or at 733 Park St. S., Unit 1, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 3T3.

Students who enroll at St. Thomas Aquinas do so with the full awareness of the uniform requirements. When a student chooses St. Thomas Aquinas, he/she agrees to abide by the established dress code. Our school uniform creates a distinct school identity. By respecting the dress code, students uphold this goal.

UNIFORM INFORMATION

• Students must be in FULL uniform during the school day and will not be admitted to class otherwise. This may include excursions as well.

• STA sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn as part of the school uniform. Jackets and non-uniform sweatshirts are not permitted in class.

Hats are NOT permitted at any time.

• A short sleeved t-shirt may be worn under the uniform golf shirt. It must be white, grey or navy blue.

• If the vest is worn, a uniform shirt MUST be worn with it. If the cardigan is worn, a uniform shirt is required underneath.

• Kilts should be worn at an appropriate length.

• Appropriate footwear must be worn.

•Each month students will have the option of earning a Non Uniform Appreciation Day.

Only uniform items purchased from R.J. McCarthy Ltd. or its agent are allowed at St. Thomas Aquinas. Students will be disciplined if their uniform items do not comply with this standard.

The following is expected behaviour with regards to our school uniform policy:

Expected Behaviour

Students must comply with the dress code upon entering the school. This includes the time between classes, during lunch and study periods.

    • Students must be in dress code to attend a class or write an exam.

    • Hats, scarves and other head apparel are not to be worn in the building.

    • Coats should be kept in lockers along with school bags and knapsacks.

    • Upon arrival to school, outerwear such as hats, coats, jackets, and non-uniform sweaters must be removed.

    • The only hoodies that may be worn are the St. Thomas Aquinas School hoodies.

    • The STA logo must be clearly visible on all clothing.

    • Clothing must be worn in the original form (no tears, roll ups or alterations)

    • Team and physical education clothing and special event clothing must not be substituted.

    • Wallet chains must be secured in a pocket for safety reasons.

Reasons for Expected Behaviour

    • The Board has approved a dress code policy for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School.

    • A commitment to the dress code requires self-discipline and is an outward sign of support for the goals of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School.

    • Consequences for Dress Code Infractions

    • Students are not allowed in class at any time in improper attire. Students, in defiance of this requirement, will be required to report to the office. Students will not return to class until in proper uniform.

Non Uniform Days

On Non Uniform days, students must dress respectfully which includes:

  • No ripped/torn clothing

  • Tops (for both males and females) must have sleeves

  • Midriff must be covered

  • No offensive slogans or images

If students arrive at school out of uniform, they will be asked to change into their uniform or call home and ask for a uniform to be brought to the school. Students will not be admitted to class out of uniform. Students out of uniform during the school day will be asked to conform to the dress code and will be assigned an office detention. Detentions will be issued and all detentions will be tracked through the main office. A missed detention will result in a second detention and could result in an office referral and/or suspension. The uniform expectations are listed on the school website.

We are asking all students to comply with the dress code. The school uniform is intended to develop a sense of pride and self-discipline and unites us as a Catholic learning community. Full compliance will be rewarded with additional non-uniform days throughout the year. (One Non-Uniform Appreciation Day per month.)

Spirit Wear Wednesday's

St. Thomas Aquinas team shirts, house shirts, spirit wear shirts, physical education shirts and St. Thomas Aquinas special event shirts may be substituted for uniform clothing on Wednesday's only.

Uniform bottoms must be worn.