Entry FeedTomorrow I am attending a meeting to discuss the issue of school uniforms for the Toronto District Catholic School Board.
I don't understand the debate. Why would one be against the idea of uniforms in elementary school?
My kids don't wear uniforms, but if this idea goes through, they could be in navy and white by 2011. Growing up I wore a uniform from grade one through four, and again from grade ten through thirteen. I really don't remember complaining.
Sure, I bet it was a pain from a laundry perspective to have navy socks or tights and white blouses always clean. But I am sure our parents spent a lot less on clothes. And I think it really was less distracting to sit in a room with everyone dressed alike; certainly there was no competition for designer labels when everyone's shirts were the same see-through 50/50 cotton/poly blend.
Generally I think that uniforms look neater then casual dress (except for those high school girls with the barely-there kilts - come on!) I don't think that uniforms impede or limit creativity. Kids can still express themselves in many ways while wearing navy pants and white shirts, and can express themselves through their wardrobes after school and on weekends.
I want to attend this meeting tomorrow because I want to see if there will even be a debate, or if it will just be a bunch a parents drinking coffee and eating donuts saying, "Yeah, I think uniforms are a great idea."
I'll keep you posted!