The dress code makes particular note of short-skirt concerns on "Mass Days"

Each year QND students and parents are required to sign a "dress code contract" in which they agree to abide by the school's dress code rules and regulations. A fine of $5 may be imposed for each infraction, with a one-hour detention also possible after three violations and an in-school suspension possible after a seventh violation."A contract is a contract," Heilmann said "The bottom line is we're just asking parents to be supportive of school policy."
Short skirts are a particular concern at the Catholic co-ed school. The current dress code emphasizes that girls may only wear skirts, jumpers or dresses that are "modest" in length. Though left up to the discretion of teachers and administrators to determine if the length is proper, the code says the hem ideally "should be slightly above the knee."
The dress code makes particular note of short-skirt concerns on "Mass Days." The policy reads: "Young ladies will wear either school pants or nice pants outfits for Mass. Dresses and skirts that were too short have presented problems in the past. Walking up and down the bleachers (as Mass is held in the gym) is difficult while wearing a short dress or skirt.Redefining the Sensual Woman.Our goal is to attend the school liturgy with an attitude of modesty, respect and adoration for the Eucharist."
One proposed policy change being considered for next year wouldn't allow any skirts or dresses to be worn. Heilmann said going this route would make it easier for parents to determine if clothing choices are proper -- something that can be difficult to determine with the ever-changing fashions that come along.
"Female fashions are about as changing as you can imagine," he said. "I mean, you write a Student Handbook (entry) about female dress and then 10 days later fashion has changed."Heilmann said the aim of the proposed new dress code is "to get to that middle ground where we're not at the whim of every fashion change."Heilmann said the reaction from some students has been negative because they feel a "need to be their own person" through their clothing choices. However, he said "the bottom line is what's best for the overall school -- and also what makes it easier for parents to say ‘No, you can't wear that because it's not even close to the dress code.'"
Heilmann said QND's administrative team is still determining the proposed dress code language that might be incorporated into the Student Handbook next year. The team will then have to "run it through our School Board" for the policy to be adopted.He said the goal is to have a policy developed by late spring so students and families will know in advance what the dress code rules will be next fall. That way, everyone will have a better understanding of the rules "before they go out and buy clothes for the following August."