uniform guide
Hillfield Strathallan College
This booklet serves as a guide to the Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC) uniform, ensuring that students from Early Education to Senior School adhere to the dress code rules. Proper uniform attire is required during school hours and for special College occasions to reflect the values of the College community. As ambassadors of the College, students are expected to maintain good health and hygiene practices at all times, and present themselves in a manner that reflects our community, from 18 months to 18 years. Students are expected to adhere to these uniform guidelines, and any infractions will be subject to the guidelines outlined in the HSC Code of Conduct. This guide outlines acceptable uniform items for Number 1 Dress, Number 2 Dress, physical education and athletic team wear, Spirit wear and uniform seasons.
Standards of Dress and Appearance
Proper uniform attire is required for all students during school hours (from arrival until 4:45 p.m.) and for special College occasions. Our standards aim to foster a respectful and unified community image.
Presentation and Personal Appearance:
As ambassadors of the College, from our youngest learners (18 months) to our graduating students (18 years), all students are expected to maintain good health and hygiene practices at all times and present themselves in a manner that reflects our community's values.
Jewelry, Piercings, and Body Art: These must align with the values of our College community and be appropriate for daily classroom and co-curricular activities. College staff may request a student to remove or cover any item that poses a health and/or safety risk or is deemed not in alignment with our College values.
Undershirts: If an undershirt is visible at the neck, it must be the same color as the outer shirt being worn.
Hats: Hats are not permitted at any time inside HSC buildings.
Belts: If a belt is worn with dress pants, it must be either black or brown.
Acceptable Uniform Bottoms:
Black Watch Kilt
» Must be worn with opaque navy tights (no pantyhose) in all seasons. The kilt and tights together are considered one uniform item.
» The hem of the kilt must be no more than 5 inches from the bottom of the kneecap (measured from below the kneecap).
» Tights must be in good condition and must not have any rips or tears. Students wearing ripped tights will be required to purchase a new pair from the Campus Store on that day.
Dress Pants:
» Must be grey or navy.
» Must have a traditional dress pant fit with no visible external seams.
» Must be made of standard dress pant material.
Shorts (Summer Dress Only):
» Middle and Senior School: Permitted in crested grey or navy, purchased from Lands’ End and InSchoolwear, during designated summer dress times (September 1 to October 31 and April 1 to June 30).
» Early Education: Grey or navy blue shorts sourced from retailers of their choice are acceptable.
» Black Watch shorts are available at the Campus Store and are also permitted during summer dress.
Lands’ End and InSchoolwear Pants/Shorts:
HSC has partnered with Lands’ End and InSchoolwear to provide convenient options for purchasing HSC crested shorts and acceptable grey and navy dress pants. Information regarding online ordering will be communicated via email during the summer.
Black Watch pants and shorts purchased from the Campus Store are also acceptable Number 2 Dress bottoms. www.landsend.com
Acceptable Dress Pants/Shorts Shades:
MEDIUM GREY DARK GREY
NAVY BLUE CADET NAVY
Ties:
Only the official College tie, House ties, and the Pride tie are acceptable uniform ties. They must be worn appropriately.
Socks
When wearing uniform pants or shorts, students must wear grey, navy, or school tartan (adult sizes only) socks. Socks should be pulled up appropriately.
Shoes
» Students must wear approved brown or black leather dress shoes that can be polished.
» Heels must be no higher than 1 inch.
» Shoes must have a closed toe and heel.
» Casual footwear is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, Birkenstocks, Blundstones, boots, Keds, Sperrys, canvas shoes, or shoes with white soles.
» Black leather athletic shoes are not permitted.
Grey or Navy
Trouser Socks
College Tartan Dress Socks
Acceptable Shoes: Not Permitted:
College Tie
Birch/Earn Maple/Tay Pine/Yre Cedar/More Pride
To ensure comfort and appropriateness throughout the academic year, the College uniform transitions between two distinct seasons: Summer Dress and Winter Dress. Summer Dress, observed from September 1 to October 31 and again from April 1 to June 30, incorporates all standard uniform pieces with the option of adding grey or navy kneelength dress shorts (please refer to the detailed rules regarding acceptable uniform bottoms). For students in Middle and Senior School, these shorts must be college-branded and sourced exclusively from Lands’ End or InSchoolWear. During the summer
months, knee-high navy blue socks may be worn with tunics, and house T-shirts are permitted on Spirit Wednesdays. It is important to note that the Black Watch kilt is specifically paired with navy opaque tights and never with socks.
Conversely, Winter Dress is in effect from November 1 to March 31, requiring students to adhere to the uniform guidelines appropriate for the colder weather. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring students comply with these seasonal dress requirements.
Gently Used Uniforms - Support HSC!
Did you know the HSC Parents' Guild organizes several gently used uniform sales throughout the school year? It's a fantastic way to find affordable uniform pieces, and the best part is that all proceeds go directly back into the College through various fundraising initiatives. Sales are held in the PG portable, adjacent to the buses and the Strathallan building. Keep an eye on your email for upcoming sale dates!
Donating Your Uniforms
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community, we kindly ask that all HSC uniform pieces be donated or sold only through the College. If you have uniform items you no longer need, please bring them to the Campus Store and deposit them in the purple bin located just inside the doors.
Questions about gently used uniforms? Contact the PG for more information at pg@hsc.on.ca or visit their topic page on myHSC.
NUMBER 1 DRESS
No. 1 Dress Expectations for Middle and Senior Students
Middle and Senior School students are expected to present themselves in full No. 1 Dress on the following occasions:
Every Friday (or the final day of the academic week): This helps to foster a sense of community and pride as the week concludes.
Designated Special Occasions: These may include, but are not limited to:
» Formal assemblies
» Closing Ceremonies
» Carol Service and Remembrance Day Ceremonies
» College events where formal attire is requested
Components of No. 1 Dress:
To ensure uniformity and adherence to the dress code, the following specific items are required:
Top: A crisp white dress shirt is mandatory. This should be buttoned appropriately and neatly tucked into the waistband of the pants or kilt.
Bottoms: Students have the following options for their lower garment:
» Grey or Black Watch dress pants: These should be tailored and worn appropriately at the waist.
» Black Watch kilt with navy tights: The kilt should be of the correct length, and navy tights must be worn underneath.
Tie: Students must wear the designated College tie, their House tie, or the Pride tie. The tie should be tied correctly in a knot appropriate for a dress shirt collar.
Socks: The following sock options are permitted when wearing dress pants, and should be pulled up appropriately.:
» Grey trouser socks
» Navy trouser socks
» College tartan socks
Items Not Permitted as Part of No. 1 Dress:
To maintain the formality and consistency of No. 1 Dress, the following items are not permitted:
Shorts: Regardless of weather conditions, shorts are not an acceptable alternative to dress pants or the kilt for No. 1 Dress.
Navy pants: While navy may be part of other uniform options, they are not permitted as part of the designated No. 1 Dress.
By adhering to these guidelines, Middle and Senior students contribute to the overall smart and respectful appearance of the College on designated days. If there are any questions regarding No. 1 Dress, students are encouraged to speak with a member of the Senior Leadership Team for clarification.
NUMBER 2 DRESS
Number 2 Dress Expectations
Number 2 Dress is the standard uniform that can be worn on days when Number 1 Dress is not specifically required. It offers a more relaxed yet still smart and unified appearance for all students.
Components of Number 2 Dress:
Students have several options for the different elements of Number 2 Dress: Bottoms (General Wear):
» Grey dress pants: These should be appropriately sized and worn neatly.
» Navy dress pants: Similar to grey dress pants, these should be well-fitting and presentable.
» Black Watch dress pants: Offering a touch of tradition, these pants are also permitted.
» Black Watch kilt with navy opaque tights: The kilt should be of appropriate length and worn with navy opaque tights for modesty and warmth.
Tops:
» Short-sleeve crested polo: This is a standard option for warmer weather or general wear. It must bear the College crest.
» Long-sleeve crested polo: Suitable for cooler days, this option also features the College crest.
Second Layers (Worn Over Polo):
» Fleece crested pullover sweater: A comfortable and warmer option for layering. It will feature the College crest.
» 1/4 zip crested knit sweater: A smart and versatile layering piece with the College crest
» Button-up crested cardigan: Offers a more formal layered look and will also display the College crest.
Footwear:
» Black or brown polishable dress shoes: Shoes should be clean and well-maintained. Polishable leather or similar materials are required to ensure a smart appearance.
Socks (with pants):
» Grey trouser socks
» Navy trouser socks
» College tartan socks
Additional Guidelines:
Polo Requirement: A crested polo shirt (either short-sleeved or long-sleeved) must be worn underneath any second layer, such as pullovers or cardigans. This ensures a consistent and neat appearance.
Second Layer for Early Education:
Recognizing the needs of our younger students, Early Education students are required to wear a second layer (e.g., a crested pullover or cardigan) over their polo for Chapel on Fridays. This provides an extra layer of warmth and formality for the occasion.
Optional
Undershirts:
If students choose to wear an undershirt beneath their polo, it must be the same colour as the polo or outer shirt This maintains a clean and uniform look.
Athletics & hPE
HSC Active Team Gear Requirement:
All students are expected to have HSC Active Team Gear for participation in physical education classes and athletics. This branded gear must be appropriately sized and adhere to the grade-level specific requirements outlined below.
Required Footwear: Running shoes with non-marking soles are mandatory for all physical education activities.
Grade-Specific Requirements:
PK/MT - Grade 4/M9:
Students in these grades do not change into specific active team gear for physical education classes. Running shoes are required for safe participation.
Grades 5 - 12:
All students participating in athletic teams, using fitness areas, and attending physical education classes must wear HSC Active Team Gear. The required items include:
» HSC branded PE shorts
» HSC branded PE T-shirt, HSC House T-shirt, HSC longsleeved shirt or sweatshirt (team jerseys are not permitted for PE)
» A change of athletic socks
» A pair of both indoor and outdoor running shoes
» Outdoor running shoes
Grade 12 Team Games HPE Class
Exception: Students enrolled in this class may be permitted to wear approved customized PE shirts as part of specific course requirements. Details regarding these shirts will be provided by the course instructor.
Athletic Apparel for Competitive Teams
(Grade 4/M9 - Grade 12):
Mandatory Travel Attire: All HSC athletes from M9/Grade 4 to Grade 12 who travel with competitive College teams are required to wear an HSC tracksuit:
» To and from the College when traveling for competitions.
» Over their team uniform while still at HSC (e.g., in classes and Lawson Hall) on travel days.
» On all home game dates.
Additional Team-Specific Uniform Items: Please note that some athletic teams may have additional mandatory uniform purchases available through the Campus Store (e.g., purple socks, rugby shorts). Coaches will communicate these specific requirements to team members.
Practice Attire: All student-athletes are required to wear HSC Active Team Gear for all team practices.
Use of HSC Team Active Gear:
While mandatory for HPE and athletics as outlined, the use of HSC Team Active Gear, including House shirts, is also strongly encouraged for various College events such as the Turkey Trot, Cross Country meets, the Mile Run, and House Track & Field. This helps to build school spirit and team unity.
HSC Spirit Wear
Spirit Wear Wednesdays
Every Wednesday is designated as a Spirit Wear Wednesday, offering students the opportunity to showcase their College pride. On these days, the following HSC-branded items are permitted as alternatives to the standard Number 2 Dress top:
» Standard HSC-branded hoodie (in oxford grey - plain or with team designation -, charcoal grey, purple, or green)
» Standard HSC-branded crewneck (in oxford grey - plain or with team designation -, charcoal grey, purple, or green
» Standard HSC-branded longsleeved T-shirt (in oxford greyplain or with team designation -, charcoal grey, purple, or green)
» House hoodie
» Alternate spirit wear hoodies purchased in the Campus Store
» During the Summer Dress period, House T-shirts are also permitted as spirit wear on Wednesdays.
Important Notes for Spirit Wear Wednesdays
» Gym shirts are not considered spirit wear and are not permitted as part of the Wednesday spirit wear attire. Students in Grades 5-12 are still required to bring a change of clothes for their scheduled gym classes, even on Spirit Wear Wednesdays.
» A polo shirt must be worn underneath all hoodies and crewnecks to maintain a neat and layered appearance.
Dress Down/Civies Days
Throughout the academic year, the College will occasionally announce “Dress Down” days. These special days may be organized around a specific theme or to acknowledge a significant event. On these days, students are permitted to wear clothing that deviates from the standard uniform, provided they adhere to the following guidelines:
» Coverage: Shirts must be long enough to meet the top of the pants at all times. Necklines should be modest, resting no lower than the collarbone.
» Bottoms Length: Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be of an appropriate length, with the hemline no shorter than 5 inches above the knee.
» Appropriate Content: All clothing worn on Dress Down days must align with the College’s Code of Conduct. Garments must not display any racist, offensive, homophobic, or hate speech messages or gestures. Additionally, clothing that promotes alcohol or drug consumption is strictly prohibited.
By following these guidelines, students can enjoy the opportunity to express themselves while still maintaining a respectful and appropriate appearance that aligns with the values of the College. Announcements regarding specific Dress Down days and any associated themes will be communicated in advance.
HSC HSC HSC
Montessori & Junior
Montessori & Junior
Toddler
School-Specific Dress codes
The following sections outline the specific dress code requirements for various schools within the College. These guidelines are thoughtfully designed to be both age- and stage-appropriate and tailored to the developmental needs of our students, fostering a sense of community, pride and respect. The requirements evolve as students progress through the College, ensuring a consistent and appropriate appearance for all throughout the school day and at College events. Adherence to these standards helps to create a positive learning environment and reflects our shared values. Please review the details carefully for each respective grade level.
Montessori School
Mt – M9
Toddlers
To support our earliest learners, the following uniform items are permitted for toddlers:
n Elasticated pants or leggings (grey or navy)
n Running Shoes
M3 – M9
n Grey, navy or Black Watch dress pants
n Black Watch tunic with navy tights
n Short-sleeve crested polo
n Long-sleeve crested polo
n Black or brown polishable dress shoes
n Black running shoes (for HPE)
n Grey or navy socks
Please note:
n All sweaters, cardigans, hoodies and crewnecks require a crested polo underneath.
n A second layer is required for chapel on Friday’s.
n Undershirts must be the same colour as the outer shirt.
Second layer
n 1/4 zip crested fleece pullover sweater
n 1/4 zip crested knit sweater
n Button up crested cardigan
Athletic team wear
n Tracksuit jacket
n Tracksuit pants
n Other team wear as required (uniforms, socks, warm-up attire etc.)
Spirit Wear
n House spirit T-shirt
n House spirit hoodie
n College oxford grey hoodie
For Summer Dress
n Black Watch shorts
n Grey or navy dress shorts
n Navy knee high sock (for tunic)
Long-sleeve crested polo
Long-sleeve crested polo
Short-sleeve crested polo
Short-sleeve crested polo Polishable dress shoes
1/4 zip crested fleece pullover sweater
Button up crested cardigan
1/4 zip crested knit sweater
Black Watch tunic Navy tights
Grey dress pants Navy dress pants
Black Watch pants Navy knee high sock Grey or navy socks
Grey dress shorts
Navy dress shorts
Black Watch pants
Athletic tracksuit jacket Athletic tracksuit pants
HSC
Oxford grey HSC hoodie Birch Earn hoodie Maple Tay hoodie Pine Yre hoodie Cedar More hoodie
Trojan HPE T-shirt
Birch Earn T-shirt
Maple Tay T-shirt
Pine Yre T-shirt
Cedar More T-shirt
Junior School
PK2 – Grade 4
PK2/PK3
To support our earliest learners, the following uniform items are permitted for toddlers:
n Elasticated pants or leggings (grey or navy)
n Running Shoes
JK – Grade 4
n Grey, navy or Black Watch dress pants
n Black Watch tunic with navy tights
n Short-sleeve crested polo
n Long-sleeve crested polo
n Black or brown polishable dress shoes
n Black running shoes (for HPE)
n Grey or navy socks
Please note:
n All sweaters, cardigans, hoodies and crewnecks require a crested polo underneath.
n A second layer is required for chapel on Friday’s.
n Undershirts must be the same colour as the outer shirt.
Second layer
n 1/4 zip crested fleece pullover sweater
n 1/4 zip crested knit sweater
n Button up crested cardigan
Athletic team wear
n Tracksuit jacket
n Tracksuit pants
n Other team wear as required (uniforms, socks, warm-up attire etc.)
Spirit Wear
n House spirit T-shirt
n House spirit hoodie
n College oxford grey hoodie
For Summer Dress
n Black Watch shorts
n Grey or navy dress shorts
n Navy knee high sock (for tunic)
Junior School UNIFORM LEGEND
Long-sleeve crested polo Long-sleeve crested polo
Short-sleeve crested polo
Short-sleeve crested polo Polishable dress shoes
1/4 zip crested fleece pullover sweater
Button up crested cardigan
1/4 zip crested knit sweater
Black Watch tunic Navy tights
Grey dress pants Navy dress pants
Black Watch pants Navy knee high sock Grey or navy socks
Grey dress shorts Navy dress shorts
Black Watch pants
Athletic tracksuit jacket
Athletic tracksuit pants
HSC
Oxford grey HSC hoodie Birch Earn hoodie Maple Tay hoodie Pine Yre hoodie Cedar More hoodie
Trojan HPE T-shirt Birch Earn T-shirt
Maple Tay T-shirt
Pine Yre T-shirt
Cedar More T-shirt
Middle School
Grade 5 – Grade 8
Number 1 Dress
n College crested blazer
n Long-sleeve dress shirt
n Short-sleeve dress shirt
n Grey or Black Watch dress pants
n Black Watch kilt with navy opaque tights
n Black or brown polishable dress shoes
n Grey, navy or College tartan socks
n College, House or Pride tie
Number 2 Dress
n Grey, navy or Black Watch dress pants
n Black Watch kilt with navy opaque tights
n Short-sleeve crested polo
n Long-sleeve crested polo
n 1/4 zip crested fleece pullover sweater
n 1/4 zip crested knit sweater
n Button up crested cardigan
n Black or brown polishable dress shoes
n Grey, navy or College tartan socks
Please note that all sweaters, cardigans, hoodies and crewnecks require a crested polo underneath.
Physical Education Attire (HPE Kit)
n College HPE short
n HSC branded HPE T-shirt
n HSC branded long sleeve T-shirt
n House T-shirt
n Athletic socks
n Indoor AND outdoor running shoes
Athletic team wear
n Tracksuit jacket
n Tracksuit pants
n Other team wear as required (uniforms, socks, warm-up attire etc.)
Spirit Wear
n House spirit T-shirt
n House spirit hoodie
n College hoodie/crewneck (standard or team)
For Summer Dress
n Black Watch shorts
n Grey or navy crested dress shorts
Senior School
Grade 9 – Grade 12
Number 1 Dress
n College crested blazer
n Long-sleeve dress shirt
n Short-sleeve dress shirt
n Grey or Black Watch dress pants
n Black Watch kilt with navy opaque tights
n Black or brown polishable dress shoes
n Grey, navy or College tartan socks
n College, House or Pride tie
Number 2 Dress
n Grey, navy or Black Watch dress pants
n Black Watch kilt with navy opaque tights
n Short-sleeve crested polo
n Long-sleeve crested polo
n 1/4 zip crested fleece pullover sweater
n 1/4 zip crested knit sweater
n Button up crested cardigan
n Black or brown polishable dress shoes
n Grey, navy or College tartan socks
Please note that all sweaters, cardigans, hoodies and crewnecks require a crested polo underneath.
Physical Education Attire (HPE Kit)
n College HPE short
n HSC branded HPE T-shirt
n HSC branded long sleeve T-shirt
n House T-shirt
n Athletic socks
n Indoor AND outdoor running shoes
Athletic team wear
n Tracksuit jacket
n Tracksuit pants
n Other team wear as required (uniforms, socks, warm-up attire etc.)
Spirit Wear
n House spirit T-shirt
n House spirit hoodie
n College hoodie/crewneck (standard or team)
For Summer Dress
n Black Watch shorts
n Grey or navy crested dress shorts
SIZING DETAILS
hsc campus store
Hillfield Strathallan College
299 Fennell Avenue West Hamilton, ON L9C 1G3
905-389-1367, ext. 112
www.hsc.on.ca
campusstore@hsc.on.ca
Located in the lower level of the Strathallan Building
n School books
n New and gently used uniforms
n Spirit wear
n Supplies
Regular Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Payment:
n Visa
n Mastercard
n Debit
n HSC Account
Uniform appointments available for new students: Call 905-389-1367, ext. 112
Respect. Integrity. Community. Individuality. Determination.
Our core mission is to develop joyful and engaged students who live life with purpose.
The best learning happens when students are happy to come to school, have opportunities to follow their passions, and participate in deep learning experiences that challenge them.
Joyful, engaged students develop strong relationships with their peers and with the caring adults who spark and support their learning both inside the classroom and beyond.
Their journey at HSC prepares students to live with purpose—to understand their world, inspire, lead, act, and make a difference in their own unique ways.