Policy

Policy 9490 - School Uniforms

1. INTENT

1.1.	This policy is intended to provide direction to the school principal and school Parents’ Advisory Councils (PACs) in the process of approving standards for school uniforms for each individual school, should interest be raised in the school community, and those standards would be in compliance with the School Act and the rights declared under the Charter and/or Human Rights Act.
1.2.	The school principal, working with school staff and the PAC will ensure that a consultation process is in place for the consideration of establishing and continuance of standards for school uniforms for each school.

2. PRINCIPLES

2.1.

A standard for school uniforms may develop a sense of belonging and community within and without our schools. It may also foster a safer and more respectful learning and teaching environment.

2.2.

A standard for school uniforms may contribute to a safer school community because the students registered at the school can be readily identified on- site or off-site at school or school-related functions.

2.3.

A standard for school uniforms may make a public statement for each individual school and may increase the school spirit.

2.4.

A standard for school uniforms:

a)	Should establish an orderly environment and encourage appropriate behaviour.
b)	Should reinforce the school identity.
c)	Should create an environment of equity and respect among students.
d)	Should reduce the peer pressure to purchase brand name clothing items.
e)	May improve self-discipline among the students.
f)	May create a positive attitude towards learning; and
g)	Eliminates inappropriate clothing at school.

3. PROCESS

3.1.	Parents are encouraged to be involved and active in the decision-making process through their PACs with input from school staff and in coordination with the school principal. Regulations to the policy will provide some guidance.
3.2.	The consultation process is designed to enable a majority of parents, through their PACs, to decide what an appropriate standard for school uniforms should be within their school. The process would be expected to develop a consensus on the question of school uniforms to be voted on by the parents.
3.3.	The wording of the ballot will be developed by the principal, two Parents’ Advisory Council executive members, a teacher representative and the student council president, if applicable.
3.4.	A referendum is mandatory and must have 80% of the parents/guardians (one vote per family) of registered students in the school participating in the voting process. A majority of parents/guardians in favour is defined as 80% or more of the ballots cast during the referendum. The vote should be by secret ballot and conducted by the secretary-treasurer, the school principal and the school’s Parents’ Advisory Council President.

4. PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1.	The school principal, working with school staff and the PAC at the school, will effectively communicate to all parties the standard for school uniforms and the responsibilities of all parties involved to make it successful.
4.2.	Parents/guardians should be encouraged to support the standard for school uniforms to ensure their children will arrive at school and for school-related functions, dressed accordingly.
4.3.	Students should be encouraged to comply and take pride in their school uniforms.

5. AUTHORITY

5.1.	The Surrey Board of Education supports the right of the school principal, working with school staff and the PAC, to develop and approve the use and rules governing the implementation of a standard for school uniforms.
5.2.	The process for the introduction and maintenance of the standards for school uniforms will follow the process as defined and adopted by referendum.

Revised:	2005-04-28
Approved:	2004-05-13