Standards of Dress and Grooming

The following guidelines have been established by a representative group of Western Canada students, parents, and staff, along with CBE Administrative Regulation 6010 – Standards of Dress and Grooming. 

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.

Standards:

(1) The principal or designate is encouraged to co-operate 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) the 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  does not represent a hazard in classes/work areas.

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

Appropriateness of Dress

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

Clothing must not display inappropriate or offensive language, slogans, or suggest membership in any unauthorized student group or gang.  Any messages that display or promote discrimination, hatred or violence, profanity or obscene gestures, the use or promotion of drugs/alcohol, or are connected to gang affiliations, are unacceptable.

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

Safety and Health

Suitable footwear must be worn at all times in the school.  Special protective clothing, as required for some shops and labs, must be worn when necessary.

Any accessories (heavy industrial chains, spikes, or anything that could be used as weaponry) are strictly prohibited.

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

School Spirit Wear

In addition to the policies laid out in CBE Administration Regulation 6010, the following policy around school spirit wear and Redhawk attire also applies:

Redhawk and School Spirit Attire
(School Policy)

We call upon Western Canada students, student-athletes, families, staff, and our fan base to create a safe, secure, and respectful environment that is welcoming for everyone, inclusive of cultural and linguistic diversity, race, and ancestry.

Western Canada High School has shown leadership and commitment to reconciliation.  We continue to embrace the opportunity to educate, share information, and create best practices in our ongoing effort to fulfill the Calls to Action identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

While engaging in or supporting school spirit activities at the school or at other venues, we require that all participants exercise sound judgment and generate an inclusive tone by including a combination of our school colors alongside references to Western Canada and/or the Redhawks. (i.e., a balance of red and white body paint).

Our expectations is that all participants and observers acknowledge cultural sensitivity to ensure our school community remains a safe environment.  For that reason, students, staff, and community members, including parents, may not wear red-face, black-face, or brown-face to any school event.