Spaghetti Strap Debacle

Incoming rant - just a little one, though.

So, Corwin and Clara go to Catholic school. The irony - we had to use MY baptismal certificate to get them in, since Hubby couldn't find his. I was baptised Catholic, but always went to Anglican with my Mom. Hubby was VERY Catholic, and I think it still bothers his parents somewhat that he is very firmly Anglican now (really, two religions couldn't be much closer!). Anyway, the Catholic school near us is very good - good teachers, good facilities, etc - so that's why we chose it. Corwin and Clara are probably "church-ier" than a lot of the kids who attend, since we go to church, and they go to Sunday school.

My issue is regarding the dress code. Every year, it seems that there are people who want to introduce a uniform. I'm totally fine with it, and have voted yes. Obviously, many others don't feel the same, so it hasn't passed yet. But there is an "optional uniform". There are articles of clothing available to purchase, and the school colours are highly suggested. Whatever. Either there is a uniform, or there isn't. I send them to school in navy/tan/white for pictures, but other than that, I'm not too concerned. After all, they are only in senior kindergarten. When they are older, there will be spirit days, etc, and they can get some school shirts with crests.

There is also a dress code. And overall, I think it is sensible. But I think they are a little over the top on some things. I completely agree that decent, not-revealing clothing is what needs to be worn to school. Clara has an outfit with a halter top and capri pants that isn't appropriate for school - it is a backyard play/going to the park kind of outfit. She also has a tummy-baring tank top with spaghetti straps that is in the same category. And many pairs of slide-on shoes (flip-flop style, but dressier) that are not for running/skipping/jumping, and therefore are not for school. What I don't understand is the teacher telling the girls that "you aren't allowed to wear spaghetti straps to school" when Clara and another little girl were wearing sundresses - that were NOT revealing at all. Hello, they are FIVE years old. FIVE. The straps were not slipping off (she has one dress that used to do that, so I wouldn't let her wear that until we remedied the problem - thanks Gramma!). Let's see, is it a good idea to make them feel ashamed of their bodies when they are not doing anything wrong, there is nothing to reveal, and it's hot out? The dress in question, let me add, is one that she wears to church. It is completely respectable.

The most interesting part of this is that Clara hasn't reported anything about it to me, and continues to wear her sundresses. The teacher hasn't sent anything home regarding the issue, either. But Corwin freaks out every day that Clara wears a sundress - "Cla-RA, you aren't allowed to wear spaghetti straps!! Remember what Madame said?!" I think that the powers-that-be need to get a grip, and let little kids just be kids.

Oh, and did I mention that Clara and Corwin will be separated in grade one? At our request. I can't handle the tattle-tale thing anymore!!!