Uniform Program

General Statement

The dress code policy for St. John XXIII Catholic School has been established to provide firm guidelines for acceptable clothing. Parents are to enforce the guidelines on a daily basis. We believe that proper attire reflects and promotes good behavior and attitudes. Children are expected to dress in good taste and follow the uniform policy stated below and in our Parent-Student Handbook.

All St. John XXIII Catholic families with students in K5-8th grade are required to purchase uniforms for each of their students. The below items listed are acceptable for any school day, including Mass days and field trips (unless otherwise notified by the Teacher, Staff or Principal).

*SJ23 Spirit Wear is now considered acceptable clothing (TOPS ONLY) for students in K5-8th grade on a daily basis. Please Note: hooded sweatshirts are not allowed on Tuesdays (Mass). 

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PRE-3 & K4:

Students in Pre-3 and K4 do not have to wear school uniforms, however, we would like each family to follow the below guidelines to ensure their safety, while still being mindful of our school policies:

• PROPER FOOTWEAR: Students should come in sneakers/tennis shoes every day. Whether they have gym class, are enjoying class in our Early Childhood Outdoor Classroom, learning in our Greenhouse, or spending some time on our playground, we want to ensure their safety and make sure they are prepared for adventure at all times!
• SNAP DAYS: Please have your child(ren) come dressed in comfortable clothes that can get dirty and/or possibly stained. Teachers will be utilizing Thursday & Friday each week as dedicated SNAP (Science. Nature. Adventure. Play.) Days!
• TUESDAY MASS: In preparation for Elementary School, our K4 class will be attending Mass throughout each month. Students should come looking presentable (please no holes in pants and/or sweatshirts/hoodies).

GENERAL RULES FOR KINDERGARTEN – 8TH GRADE:

*Mandatory Uniforms
*Unacceptable Out of Uniform Wear: short shorts, ripped jeans, spandex, spaghetti straps, cropped tops (no belly exposed), no cleavage, and if leggings are worn – shirts must cover bottoms. 

• Students must wear uniforms all day—including arrival and dismissal.
• No visible logos or labels (unless it’s official school Spirit Wear).
• Uniforms should be clean, well-fitting, and in good condition.
• The first Friday of each month is Out of Uniform Day (more may be announced throughout the year).
• Additional Fridays of the month are considered “Sport Days” (with Uniform Bottoms)
• Shorts are only allowed from May 1 to October 31 (unless otherwise noted by staff)
• Knee-Length is required for all skirts, jumpers, and shorts.

Uniform Shirts

• Styles: Polo (long/short sleeve), turtleneck, or Peter Pan collar (white only).
• Colors: Solid navy blue, white, or true red (no patterns or designs).
• Layered shirts (under sweaters or jumpers): Must also be solid white, red, navy blue, or black.

Uniform Pants/Shorts

• Material: Twill chino or corduroy.
• Colors: Navy, black, or khaki (no light blue, gray, or jeans).
• Style: Plain, straight-leg (no cargo pants, no patch pockets, no elastic ankles, no bell bottoms).
• Shorts: Must be knee-length and not cargo style.
• No yoga pants, leggings, or jeggings as pants.

Jumpers/Skirts/Skorts

• Styles: Hamilton Plaid (Red/Navy/White), Classic Navy Plaid (from Lands’ End), or solid navy, black, or khaki.
• Must be knee-length.
• Bike shorts (not to be visible under hemline), and/or leggings are required to be worn underneath. 

Sweaters/Sweatshirts

• Styles: Cardigan, pullover, or vest. 
• Colors: navy blue, true red, or white.
• *Hoods are not allowed on Tuesday

Leggings, Tights, and Socks

• Worn only under skirts/jumpers from Nov 1 to Apr 30.
• Colors: Solid white, red, navy blue, or black.
• Bike shorts may be worn under skirts, but must not be visible.

Sweaters/Sweatshirts

• Styles: Cardigan, pullover, or vest (no hooded sweatshirts on Tuesdays).
• Colors: Navy blue, true red, or white.
• A uniform shirt must be worn underneath.

Footwear

• No flip-flops
• Socks or tights must be worn (same solid colors: white, red, navy blue, or black).

Hair, Jewelry & Accessories

• Hair must be natural colors—no visible unnatural colored highlights.
• Only ear piercings allowed.
• Makeup and jewelry must be minimal, age-appropriate, and non-distracting.
• Hats are not allowed inside unless it’s part of a special event or theme day.

Outdoor Recess

• Students must be prepared with weather-appropriate gear year-round.

VIOLATION TO THE DRESS CODE:

1. Parents will be notified.
2. A school-approved item will be provided for the day.
3. After two violations in one trimester, a third violation will result in a written warning.

Note: Final decisions about uniforms, appearance, and appropriateness are made by school staff and administration.

Order from our School Store on Lands’ End! *School Number: 900122300