A school uniform dress code reflects the distinctively Catholic character of our schools and supports the development of attitudes consistent with Catholic teaching. At St. Thomas Aquinas, we are committed to providing a learning environment that is safe and respectful of the needs and well-being of all individuals – we believe that a school uniform dress code supports this. Please see the Annual Review section below and visit the McCarthy Uniform website for specifics.
School Uniform Provider
The sole uniform provider for all HCDSB schools is currently McCarthy Uniforms.
Financial Assistance
A school uniform assistance program is in place at St. Thomas Aquinas to ensure that discreet and confidential financial assistance is available for families. To access this assistance, please see the School Principal.
Accommodations
The HCDSB recognizes that in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and our school board’s Equity and Inclusive Education Policy and Procedure, there may be certain religious communities or cultural groups in schools that may require specific items of dress or accommodations with reference to the school uniform. Religious and cultural attire that will be reasonably accommodated in our school includes, but is not limited to: head covering items (such as durags and other head coverings that may be required to support the care and maintenance for some Black/African textured hair), long sleeves or loose garments, religious symbols and items of ceremonial dress.
All accommodation requests will be reviewed in the context of supporting the dignity of the student, and in consultation with the school administration, the student and their parents/guardians.
Annual Review
In accordance with Policy II-41, the Catholic School Council and the Principal will review the school uniform dress code annually, and approve the uniform pieces, the monitoring and enforcement of the school uniform dress code, stakeholder consultation, and approved civvies days/spirit days.
The STA school uniform dress code was reviewed on September 30, 2025. At that time the Catholic School Council voted to include a rugby shirt as a new uniform item purchased through McCarthy Uniforms. We are still waiting to hear back from McCarthy’s to see if the rugby shirt can be included as a uniform option. Shoes can be any colour, and as per safety regulations, all shoes must have a closed toe and a closed heel. Crocs, slippers and slides do not qualify as approved footwear. During the winter months, wet boots are to be stored in student lockers and indoor shoes are to be worn while inside the building.
The Catholic School Council holds an annual review of the school uniform at the first Catholic School Council meeting of each school year.
School Uniform Policy