Sunsmart Policy

Rationale:

Over exposure to the sun presents a serious health risk. Students must therefore be educated as to the need for suitable sun protection, and protected from over exposure to the sun whilst at school.

Aims:

To educate students as to suitable sunsmart protection strategies.
To encourage children and teachers to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun.

Implementation:

This policy is to be read as part of our Student Dress Code.
Children will be required to wear Anti-Cancer Council approved close-weave broad brimmed hats (at least 6 cm rigid brim) during terms 1 and 4 whenever they are outside.
Staff will act as role models by also wearing broad brimmed hats when outside.
Children without broad brimmed hats will be restricted play in designated shaded areas.
Children will be actively encouraged to wear a broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen (SPF30+). Sunscreen will be provided in each classroom, and on excursions. Sunscreen will be applied by students according to the manufacturer’s directions, under the supervision of teachers.
School Council will also investigate the use of close fitting UV protection wrap around AS1067:2003 sunglasses by both students and staff.
Whenever possible, outside activities on hot days should be scheduled before 11:00 am.
The school council will provide adequate shade structures for students as practicable; particularly over high density play areas such as sand pits and play equipment.
The Parents and Friends Association will ensure that school uniform broad brimmed hats are available for purchase from the uniform store.
The school newsletter and school assemblies will be used to highlight and reinforce the sunsmart policy.
Sunsmart activities and sun protection will form part of the Health and Physical Education curriculum at all year levels.
Our school will seek accreditation as a Sunsmart school at the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria.

Evaluation:

This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three-year review cycle.