SunSmart Policy

Rationale

Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Of all new cancers diagnosed in Australia each year, 80% are skin cancers. Given students and staff are at school during peak ultraviolet radiation (UVR) times throughout the day, between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m., schools play a major role in both minimising UVR exposure and providing an environment where policies and procedures can positively influence sun safe behaviours. 

Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun.  Research shows severe sunburn contributes to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as sunspots, blemishes and premature ageing. Most skin damage and skin cancer is therefore preventable.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are highest during school hours. As children and staff will spend a portion of their day outdoors, we are committed to protecting them from the harmful effects of the sun.

With this in mind, Cooroy State School realises the need to protect its students’ and staff members’ skin and educate them about sun safe behaviour, thus reducing the risk of skin damage from exposure to the sun.

Aims

The policy aims to :

• Provide ongoing education that promotes personal responsibility for skin cancer prevention and early detection.
• Provide environments that support sun safe practices; and

• Create an awareness of the need to reschedule play and outdoor activities to support sun safe practices.

Procedures

Cooroy State School recognises that winter sun also contributes to skin damage. This policy will therefore be implemented throughout the entire year.Students, their parents/caregivers and staff will be made aware and reminded of the Sun Safety Policy through a variety of methods such as school web site, assemblies & parades and in classes. The purpose of this sun safety policy is to ensure all students and staff members attending our school are protected from the harmful effects of the sun throughout the year.

Guidelines

Cooroy State School will :

• Inform parents of the school’s sun safety policy when they enrol their child;
• Inform new staff of the school’s sun safety policy upon commencement of duties
• Include the sun safety policy statement in the school communications, school website and in the monthly Possum Press.
• Communicate sun protection requirements in packing lists and permission letters for sport, excursions and camps.
• Increase the amount of shade in the school grounds, where possible by providing more shade structures and planting trees;
• Incorporate education programs that focus on skin cancer prevention into the school curriculum across all year levels and subject areas ;
• Encourage all teachers and staff to act as positive role models of sun safe behaviour;
• Seek ongoing support from parents and the school community for the Sun Safety policy and its implementation, through newsletters and parent meetings;
• Ensure all students and staff wear hats that protect the face, neck and ears and apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen, when involved in all outdoor activities;
• Ensure students without adequate sun protection use shaded or covered areas at recess and lunch times;
• Ensure wherever practicable that outdoor activities take place before 10.00 a.m. and after 3.00 p.m.
• Ensure adequate shade is provided at sporting carnivals and other outdoor events;
• Ensure SPF30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen is purchased for every classroom as part of the Physical Education annual budget.
• Ensure SPF30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen is included in sports kits and is readily available for students and staff.
• Review the Sun Safety policy annually.

Implementation

The school takes proactive measures to ensure all students abide by sun safe practices.

1. Cooroy State School endorses a “no hat, no play” policy.

2. Students without a hat are only allowed to use fully shaded areas of the school at play times.

3. A broad brimmed hat is available as part of the uniform policy. Caps are not accepted.

4. The provision of 30+ sunscreen is made in all classrooms. Students are encouraged to wear this.

5. Funds are provided through the annual Physical Education budget for sunscreen purchase.

Our Expectations

Students and Staff will :

Be aware of the school’s Sun Safety policy;

• Use shaded or covered areas when outdoors

• Take responsibility for their own health and safety by being sun safe;

• Comply with sun safety rules and guidelines by wearing suitable hats, clothing and sunscreen.

• Act as positive role models for other students in all aspects of sun safe behaviour;

• Help to design and regularly update the Sun Safety policy; and

• Participate in initiatives to protect the school population from excessive exposure to the sun.