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 approved close-weave bucket hats 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 to 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 wraparound sunglasses as an optional item for 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 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 out accreditation as a Sunsmart school at the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria.
Evaluation:
This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s review cycle.
