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Exam students turned way for breaking dress code

Photo by Meredith Andrews Forced to Skip School: Shack Simons, 15, Gerry Wilmot, 16, Calshunte Wilson, 16, and Chrissy Smith, 16 were all barred from CedarBridge Academy yesterday for not having their ID or violating the school's uniform code.

With their final exams set to begin, dozens of CedarBridge Academy students were turned away for wearing non-approved shoes and for not carrying identification cards.

The mother of a 14-year-old student told The Royal Gazette last night said her daughter was barred for wearing "non-polished" shoes.

The woman, who requested anonymity, said students were inspected at the school's front gate by principal Kalmar Richards, teachers and security guards.

Ms Richards did not return phone calls yesterday. "I just want to know what exactly is going on," the mother said. "This is the first day of exams and I can't get in touch with anyone at the school."

At 10.30 a.m., confused students were hoping to be allowed back in to collect their possessions.

A student said that many of those prevented from entering the schools were wearing black shoes or sneakers which could not be polished. Several students said they had worn the non-approved shoes all year and were not disciplined until yesterday. There were about 150 students who were turned away, one boy said, and most of them went home. "What are we going to do? Go buy new school shoes for the last two weeks of school?" he said.

Chief Education Officer Dr. Joseph Christopher said the students were informed of the school's dress code and the needs to carry IDs last week.

"The correct uniform was expected during exams and they were informed well in advance. It was very clear," Dr. Christopher said. Dr. Christopher would not comment on allegations that students were prevented from collecting their belongings.