-Uniform idea 'resonated with us': principal-

OSOYOOS TIMES-October 22, 2008-

By Paul EverestrnOsoyoos Times

Putting a uniform on in the morning could become a reality for Osoyoos Elementary School students in the future.
On Oct. 17, the school's Parent Advisory Council announced it will be holding an information meeting to give parents and students a chance to share their feelings on the idea of bringing in a uniform policy for the school.
According to a council press release, the school is exploring the idea of uniforms because they have been found to promote school unity, eliminate bullying and make schools safer as strangers and guests are more easily identified.
Principal Bo Macfarlane said the uniform idea popped up about two years ago after school officials heard about the introduction of a uniform policy at Pearson Road Elementary School in Kelowna.
As a result, (that school) had some very important positive changes, he said, adding that the school experienced a reduction in bullying while academic achievement improved.
Pearson Road Elementary School Principal Susan MacNeil said the uniform policy was adopted in 2004 to deal with high numbers of discipline issues.
She said that in the year before the policy was put in place, she had faced roughly 3,000 discipline problems.
Having students wear uniforms was seen as a way to improve the school environment and the school's reputation in the city.
We looked at a strong academic focus, a behavioural plan and how the school is viewed in the community, MacNeil said.
When the idea was first brought up, one-third of the school's students said they were opposed to the concept, one-third were curious and one-third supported the idea.
But eventually most of those against the uniform idea changed their minds and after the policy was adopted, MacNeil said, the school experienced its own Cinderella story.rnThe turnaround was astounding for us, she said, adding that the number of discipline problems dropped to below 500 during the first year uniforms were mandatory and the number of students leaving the school each year decreased from one-third of the population to only a handful.
Since then, students carry themselves differently, MacNeil said.
Incidents of teasing went down and the school raised itself up from a rock-bottom academic standing to placing 10th overall in terms of scholastic achievement within its school district.
While bullying isn't a huge problem at his school and students are excelling in their studies, Macfarlane said the uniform concept resonated with us as it could be used in a proactive way to get the most out of the students.rnOur principal goal is culture and climate, he said, adding that if students feel happy and safe, their achievement rates will go up.rnIf we can help kids get to the next level, we're going to explore it.rnIf parents and students are supportive of the uniform concept, the next step would be for School District 53 to approve a policy.
District Superintendent Juleen McElgunn said she is involved in the process and supports having a conversation about the uniform idea between the school and community.
Should the policy be approved, Macfarlane said the uniforms would likely be golf shirts and dress pants.
One option would be to have students wear uniforms four days of the week and their own clothes on the fifth day, he added.
The information meeting will be held at the school's library on Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m.
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