APPROXIMATELY 80 boys were yesterday barred from entering the compound of the Calabar High School in St Andrew after they turned up for classes in footwear that the principal said breached the school rules.

“A number of the students were denied entry to school this morning as they were not wearing the proper footwear,” Principal Albert Corcho told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

Teachers at the Red Hills Road-based institution disclosed that the school had been holding discussions with students and parents since January on the school’s dress code, which they say states that only ‘polishable’ black shoes must be worn to school.

They said while they have made some inroads on skin-bleaching and close-fitted trousers, some students have simply ignored the rules pertaining to their shoes and continue to wear sneakers and other footwear that are deemed improper.

Principal Corcho said that he’d had enough.

“This is a school, students have to learn to follow rules and regulations,” a stern Corcho said.

Among the boys turned away was one wearing a pair of Louis Vuitton sneakers who promised to rip the metal logo off the expensive shoes if he were allowed in.

Meanwhile, a number of parents who turned up at the gates of the institution gave mixed views on the move.

“Rules are rules and we agree with them (teachers), but we believe the rules are too harsh. The rule book states that students should wear black shoes,” said one parent who asked not to be named.

Another parent said that he felt the decision was not communicated clearly and as a result would place an additional strain on parents.

“I believe that there was a breakdown in communication… as many of them have already purchased shoes for the students leading up to the start of the school term,” said the parent.

Corcho, however, is adamant that the policy will remain.