As I walk down the hallway, I am struck by the sight of a cluster of boys with un-tucked shirts, ill-fitting sport jackets, and poorly tied ties.

That’s when I ask why we even have a winter uniform. Boys already wear polo shirts from August to October and from April to June. We should be able to wear them all year.

If the school is trying to make its young men look more presentable and professional, then polo shirts are the way to go. Shirts and ties do not look professional when they’re worn incorrectly.

When tuition is over $12,000, the winter uniform just doesn’t make financial sense. The school is making a Catholic education even more expensive.  Families are forced to spend more money on shirts, ties, and sport coats, which don’t always come cheap.

Finally, the introduction of a new tagline and master plan make the school seem like it has an eye for its image. So why does it encourage a uniform that doesn’t proudly display the school’s symbol? When boys go out into the community wearing their polo shirts, they represent JC. When they’re wearing shirts and ties, the “uniform” does not even give a hint as to which private school they attend.

If the school aims to make its boys look presentable, save its families some money, and put out a positive image, then it should implement a dress code with polo shirts year-round.

Collin Hoofnagle can be reached for comment at [email protected].