The school uniform is a tradition that has been part of the fabric of Catholic high schools in Ontario for over a century.  Its purpose is to eliminate competition and to develop a unique school spirit.  The uniform contributes significantly to school unity and pride in Lakeshore Catholic High School.  The official Lakeshore Catholic uniform consists of the clothing items listed below. These items must be purchased at Maddalena Uniforms, 335 King Street, Welland (905-734 - 4600).  The Gator Shop is staffed on Wednesdays during the school year in the cafeteria from 10:00-2:00. The purchase of uniform items may also be arranged through the Main Office.

Students must be in full and proper school uniform from time of arrival until the end of the school day at 2:32. “All day, every day” includes spares and lunch periods. All uniform items are expected to be clean, to fit properly and to be in good repair.

Students who have a medical problem affecting the wearing of their uniform must bring a signed note from a parent to a Vice Principal before 7:55 a.m.  A medical note will be required for any situation requiring more than one day clearly indicating why the uniform can not be worn.  Students on field trips are expected to wear their uniform (or “better”) if indicated by the supervising teacher/administration.  The Principal’s decision is final regarding the interpretation of uniform regulations.

Footwear
Students must wear socks with their uniform shoes.  The shoe, including the sole, must be solid black.  No other colours or logos are to be visible anywhere on the shoe.  Students are not permitted to wear boots, clogs, sandals, or running shoes. The uniform shoe must have a closed heel and a closed toe.  If a student has a doctor’s note prescribing alternate shoes, the alternate shoes must be all black.

If you are uncertain whether the style of your son’s or daughter’s shoes meets our policy, we recommend bringing the shoes in for approval by an administrator before wearing the shoes to school.

Shirts
As of Sept. ’07 the Oxford shirts for boys and girls have a squared off bottom and are not required to be tucked in to the pants or kilt. The ‘old’ Oxford shirts are required to be tucked in at all times with the belt loops or the waistband of the pants or kilt visible.

Only black or white polo (golf) shirts will be sold. (Green polo shirts that are still in good condition may be worn with the uniform until June ’09.) These shirts are not required to be tucked in.

All shirts must be buttoned to the 3rd hole (or higher) from the collar.

Shirt sleeves may not be rolled and undershirts must not be visible below the  hem of the untucked shirt.
Sweaters

Only black uniform sweaters (fleece tops, cardigans, v-neck pullovers, sleeveless vests, black rugger shirts and grad sweaters) can be worn during the school day.  Sweaters must be worn from the end of October through to the end of March. A school shirt must be worn under the sweater or fleece sweatshirt with the collar visible.

Undershirts
Students who choose to wear t-shirts under the uniform shirt and sweater are reminded that only short-sleeved, plain white t-shirts are permitted. (‘Plain’ means without any decoration or text.) The length of the sleeve of the undershirt must not exceed the length of the uniform shirt. For example, long sleeved t-shirts are not to be worn under short sleeved uniform shirts.

Pants
Must be in good repair, worn buttoned at the waist, and properly hemmed to the heel of the shoe just above the floor. Uniform pants that have been improperly altered (including seam splits) may not be worn until the problem has been corrected. Students who wear their uniform pants unbuttoned at the waist will be assigned consequences.

Shorts
Only grey walking shorts provided by our uniform supplier are allowed to be worn with the summer uniform (i.e. from the end of March through to the end of October). These shorts are not to be rolled or improperly hemmed. The school logo must be visible.
Kilts

Must be properly hemmed and cannot be worn more than 8 cm above the middle of the kneecap. Girls who have rolled, outgrown, cut or altered the kilt in any way will be requested to wear uniform pants until the problem has been corrected.  Students who continue to wear the kilt inappropriately will lose kilt privileges.   *Plain black, opague tights must be worn under the kilt from the end of October through to the end of March as part of the winter uniform.
Socks

Must be worn at all times with the uniform.  Black or white knee socks must be worn with the kilt/walking shorts from the end of April through to the end of October.  Black uniform tights are then worn with the kilt from the end of October through to the end of April.

Hats and Coats
May not be worn in the school at any time.  Students leaving the building for lunch should carry their coats to the door.  Students returning from lunch are expected to remove their outer wear once they enter the building.  Bandanas and kerchiefs are prohibited.  Only uniform sweaters are permitted. All other non-uniform attire is to be stored in lockers.
Body Piercing

The wearing of rings, studs or bars in visible body piercings such as lip, tongue, eyebrow or any other facial area is prohibited as part of the uniform policy. Piercings may not be covered by a bandage or kept open with spacers. Students will be sent home until all facial jewellery has been removed and approved by Administration.

Hair and Make-up
Hair and makeup is to be styled in a way that is not distracting or conspicuous.  Only natural human hair colours/styles are acceptable.
Tattooing / Branding

Visible tattooing or branding is prohibited.  Any existing tattooing must be covered by uniform clothing items; no other covering is acceptable.
jewelery

Must be neat, respectable, inoffensive, non-distracting and coordinate with the school uniform.  Jewellery, including spiked bracelets and necklaces, earrings, chains and ear-lobe expanders, that is considered to be a safety hazard or distraction, is not permitted.

Casual Dress Policy

• No hats or bandanas are to be worn

• All clothing must be clean and in good repair

• Students are not to wear clothing that is oversized or immodestlyundersized (e.g. low cut tops, halters, spaghetti straps and tank tops, skirts/shorts no shorter than mid-thigh, etc.)

• Clothing items that contain offensive language, messages or graphics are inappropriate (e.g. drug/alcohol endorsements,offensive band logos,  sexual  connotations, etc.)