Dress Code Policy:

DEVELOPMENT OF POLICY

This policy is developed in conjunction with the Board of Management, staff, parents & guardians and students.

It is developed in order to help maintain a child-friendly learning environment, where all pupils can pass through the various stages of their development, without any unnecessary pressures.  The purpose of the dress code is to promote styles of dress which help create a positive image for all students.

The policy compliments the existing Health and Safety policy.

AIMS OF POLICY

The aims of this policy are;

·         To promote a sense of pride and to build self-esteem

·         To ensure a neat, well-groomed appearance

·         To maintain and enhance a positive image of the school

·         To promote equality amongst all students

·         To ensure that students are safely dressed for school activities and their environment

GUIDELINES

It is understood that pupils may wish to express their individuality, confidence and culture though their clothes and appearance.  Students are free to wear items related to their religion or creed e.g. a cross or a head-dress, as this respects our multi-denominational expression.  Parents of students who, for religious, cultural or health reasons may need to modify the school dress code significantly, are invited to discuss this with the Principal.

However, we request that all parents & guardians ensure that the clothing worn to school by their children, complies with the following guidelines;

·         Clothing should be appropriate to an environment shared by children of primary school age.  For example, cropped/belly/bikini tops, off-the-shoulder tops, halter-necks or spaghetti straps are not suitable school wear.  Children should wear clothing that fits comfortably, neither too small nor too big.

·         Hoods / hats should not be worn in the class room.

·         Clothing worn to school throughout the week should always allow pupils to play actively and safely in the yard.  Physical exertion at break times is an integral part of the school day and a student’s mode of dress should not inhibit them from fully participating in normal childhood games; items such as very wide/very long trousers and shoes/boots with elevated heels should not be worn.  Flip-flops are particularly unsafe and should not be worn.  Heeleys are never allowed in school.  Shoe Laces must be securely tied at all times. This is a health and safety matter.

·         Students should not wear make-up or false nails.

·         Hair should be kept neatly groomed and kept out of the eyes.  Hair spray is prohibited on health and safety/allergy grounds.

·         The wearing of slogans, which could cause offence to other members of the school community, must be avoided.

·         In the interest of health and safety, it is very important that children should wear appropriate sportswear and footwear to school on those days when their class has a timetabled PE session or has swimming lessons.  The PTA has made arrangements with a retailer who will supply OPTIONAL tracksuit and other leisurewear, featuring our school logo.  This is a practical and cost-effective option for families.  Details are available on our school website.

·         The wearing of jewellery is discouraged; necklaces, chains and long/dangly earrings may all be pulled, accidentally or otherwise, whilst the wearing of large rings, brooches or badges could pose a risk to fellow pupils.  Earrings, if worn, should be kept small.

·         From time to time, students may be invited to wear seasonal clothes such as dress-up at Hallowe’en and for Christmas concerts.

·         Children should dress appropriately for the season.

The dress code guidelines apply equally to time spent off-campus whilst representing the school e.g. school tours, extra-curricular activities.

It is strongly recommended that all items, especially coats, hats, gloves, scarves, are marked with the student’s name.  Displaced clothes will be placed in “lost & found” and will be sent to an appropriate charity if unclaimed at the end of each term.  Details of label providers are also available from the school website.

Parental/Guardian support is necessary and greatly appreciated.

This policy will be reviewed from time to time, and as appropriate.

For review and update at Staff Meeting, 11 June 2009