Attendance

school in the community. The goal of the Hamilton District Christian High wardrobe is to present ourselves both in school and out in the community as ambassadors of HDCH. As such, we expect our students to look neat, yet comfortable. Wardrobe will be clean and in good repair at school. In case of a wardrobe malfunction at school, there may be emergency wardrobe pieces available to borrow.

The dress code policy is in effect from arrival at school until 3:00 pm, including lunch and spares. Students are expected to observe all aspects of the dress code for all school days and school-related activities unless alternate standards have been approved by the administration.

Hamilton District Christian High currently has a contract with McCarthy Uniforms. For more information about locations, options and ordering online, please contact them directly at www.mccarthyuniforms.ca. 14. Wardrobe Basics a. Tops – Tops must include a McCarthy shirt. Shirt options include: long or short sleeved golf shirt, navy and burgundy rugby shirt, white button-down shirt. Students may wear a McCarthy sweater or vest. Sweater options include: HDCH logo hoodie or crew, sweater vest, pull-over sweater, and zip up sweater. Students may wear a t-shirt under their McCarthy shirt for warmth or comfort; t-shirts may be crew neck or v neck (no collar or hood), long- or short-sleeved, and solid colour with no visible patterns or slogans. b. Pants – Pants must be solid navy or beige/tan in colour. They may be purchased from McCarthy or another store, provided they meet the colour, style and fabric specifications. Long pants will be flat front or pleated, straight-legged or elasticized casual pants. Shorts or capris will be the same styling as above, and mid-length or longer. Athletic “soccer” shorts are not considered appropriate for school uniform use. c. Accessories – To enhance your personal style you are welcome to wear jewelry, socks, belts, and hair ornaments provided they do not detract from, cover up, or change the uniform style and fit. Hats, headscarves, bandanas, and scarves should not be worn during school hours, particularly inside the school building. 15. Other Considerations a. Wear and repair – Clothing will be worn as designed (no tying back shirts or rolling up pants). Items must be clean, the proper size, and in good repair. Pants must be without holes. Clean, comfortable shoes must be worn at all times. b. Course-related clothing (e.g. PE or shop) will be worn during those courses only. c. Special Dress Days (i.e. Dress Down Days) – Student Council is responsible for requesting special dress days. Criteria for special dress days will be in the announcements before the date. Expectations for fit, lifestyle, and appropriateness for a learning environment will apply. Criteria are as follows: i. Any messages, brands or images on your clothes or skin need to be appropriate for a Christian learning community (ie: no offensive slogans, messages, signs or symbols; no promotion of drugs or alcohol, hate, violence, or promiscuity) ii. Any rips or tears in clothing must not reveal underwear iii. Shorts must be mid-length or longer (must have a visible “leg”) – no “short” shorts iv. Tops must cover the midriff and have an appropriate neckline v. Hats are not permitted unless they are part of a themed dress day

It is required that students remain in secondary school until they have reached the age of 18 or obtained an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. At HDCH, students are required to be working towards the HDCH Diploma as well as the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (see the Program section for full requirements). For all students enrolled at HDCH, regular and punctual attendance is a requirement for all classes and all official school functions. Staff may initiate contact with parents at any time regarding any absence from school. 1. Lates and Absences – We ask that parents communicate with the school office any time their child will be late, absent, or leave school during the day. (This includes extended absences such as family vacations.) Please email info@hdch.org, call 905-6486655, or send a note to let us know. 2. Lates – Students are expected to move to their classes with the warning bell and to be in their seats when classes begin. Students arriving at school after 9:00 a.m. must report to the office to sign in. The classroom teacher will deal with all other lates.