Dressing for School

Calgary Board of Education Administrative Regulation 6010 - Standards of Dress and Grooming:

“It is recognized that there is a diversity of opinion in society as to what constitutes suitable dress for school activities. In addition, standards of dress may differ somewhat among schools, depending on the varying standards of communities.

(1) The principal or designate is encouraged to cooperate with parents and students in the development of standards of dress and grooming.

(2) The criteria to be used should include standards which will encourage:

(a) cleanliness, neatness, and generally positive attitudes;
(b) appropriateness for the particular activity; and
(c) safety in all activities.

(3) The principal or designate is responsible for ensuring that standards of dress and grooming are developed using the following guidelines for all students:

(a) appropriate clothing suitable for indoor wear,
(b) suitable footwear,
(c) special physical education clothing as required,
(d) special protective clothing in shops as required,
(e) hair that is neat and well-groomed and does not represent a hazard in work areas, and
(f) appropriate makeup.

(4) Students may wear faith-based jewelry, objects and articles of clothing at school and during school sponsored activities, as long as they are worn discreetly, do not have a proselytizing message, and meet the standards of this regulation.

(5) Students are not permitted to wear articles of clothing, jewelry or accessories that indicate or suggest membership in a sorority, fraternity, secret organization or unauthorized student group or gang.

(6) The principal may determine which articles of clothing, jewelry or accessories indicate or suggest membership in a sorority, fraternity, secret organization or unauthorized student group or gang.

(7) The principal may require any student not conforming to dress standards to return home and change to suitable clothing before being admitted to class.

Parents are responsible for ensuring their child is properly prepared for learning daily. This includes ensuring students are dressed appropriately for school according to Vanier’s dress code. GP Vanier School promotes positive character; part of this is our belief in a ‘dressed to work’ concept. Dress respectfully for an active school environment, and comfortably for a variety of settings, which also means finding a reasonable equilibrium between individual freedom of expression and communal standards and expectations. Students may need to sit on the floor, or present in front of others which may present wardrobe challenges.

The following are not permitted:

• Dress that exposes genitalia.
• Visible underwear – males and females. Suggestive, rude or profane slogans on shirts.
• Hoods must be removed at the door (boys and girls) – Religious/medical exemptions.
• Shoes with soles that mark the floor.
• Outdoor jackets in classes.

In some school environments, for example the Foods and Construction Labs, dressing safely is also important – students may not wear bare feet, loose clothing or open-toed shoes. All students will change into Vanier gym strip for PE classes unless directed otherwise by their PE teacher. School Staff will determine on a case-by-case basis if a student dress is problematic and will seek guidance from the school administrators. Students who are found to be dressed inappropriately for school may be asked to change their clothing. From time to time, Dress Policy is reviewed by School Council and staff with input from students through Student Voice. This is also governed by our administrative regulation 6010.

Physical Education Dress Expectations

G.P. Vanier gym strip (t-shirts and shorts) may be purchased from the school. 

Shorts, t-shirts, sweats, and hoodies with the school logo at sold at Physical Education Office or online. We encourage students to purchase GP Vanier gym strip, but it is not mandatory. The school will provide a code for parents which will be sent through school messenger; purchased items will be delivered to the school. School gym strip also acts as a uniform for some school athletic teams. Students may also choose to buy their own gym attire from an alternate source. It is imperative that students wear proper gym attire in order to participate in physical education. Proper gym attire consists of a t-shirt and shorts (different from the clothing the student wears to school) as well as proper athletic shoes. Low cut, scoop or V-neck shirts and tank -tops are not permitted as gym attire. If a student chooses to wear these inappropriate clothing, they will be asked to change into a loaner set. Failure to bring proper gym attire may result in disciplinary consequences should the situation become recurrent.