We meet with our School Council on an annual basis to update our dress code for the coming school year. Our community understands that clothing and grooming can sometimes affect student behavior and commitment to learning. We also know that parents play a vital role in helping students have a successful school year, which includes appropriate choices when it comes to clothing, accessories, and grooming. In order to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, we expect all of our Boas in the building (students, staff, and visitors) to adhere to our Dress (for success) Code.

Tom Baines School strives to develop students who are respectful and compassionate humans. We expect students to respect themselves and others. While we encourage individuality, our dress code aims to foster a positive and healthy environment. Student attire and grooming must permit students to participate in learning without posing a risk or distraction to the learning or safety of self/others.

• Clothing must cover undergarments.
• Shorts and skirts should reflect proper business attire and should be no shorter than 5 inches above the kneecap
• No short shirts that expose stomachs
• A student’s face must be visible to staff, and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff (thus, hats, hoods, and sun glasses must be removed upon entering the school).  The only exceptions would be in accordance with religious/cultural considerations, and health and safety regulations (i.e. Covid-19 Facemask bylaw)
• Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including science labs, Construction and Design, Outdoor Education, and other activities where unique hazards exist.  (i.e. Flip flops are not safe in these environments).
• Jewelry or accessories that may be used as weapons (i.e. heavy chains or spiked jewelry) are prohibited.
• Pajamas or pajama bottoms are not professional attire and may not be worn at school.
• Jackets/coats must be kept in lockers.
• Backpacks and purses must be kept in lockers.
• Clothing and accessories that display or promote negative messages are not permitted.  
• Clothing, including gang identifiers (including bandanas) must not be worn at school.
• Clothing must not depict hate speech targeting groups based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected classification.