Sunsmart

SUNSMART POLICY

Sunshine Harvester Primary School is a SunSmart school. We believe that all students should be protected from skin damage caused by the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun. Our Sun Protection Policy will operate throughout the year but with particular emphasis from mid-August to the end of April, when UV exposure is highest.

Behaviour

• Require students to wear hats which protect the face, neck and ears whenever they are outside during times of high UV (during recess, lunch, sport, excursions, before and after school). Students without hats will be asked to play in the shade.
• Encourage students to use available areas of shade for outdoor activities.
• Enforce the rule, "no hat, no play" which requires students without hats to play under suitable shelter.
• Encourage staff and students to bring and use SPF 50+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
• Encourage staff and parents to act as role models by practising SunSmart behaviours.

Curriculum

• Incorporate programs on UV exposure and skin cancer prevention into the curriculum.
• Regularly reinforce SunSmart behaviours in a positive way through newsletters, parent meetings, student and teacher activities.
• Schedule outdoor activities before 11 am and after 3 pm during times of high UV whenever possible.
• Organise outdoor activities to be held in areas of shade whenever possible.
• Work toward increasing the number of shelters and trees so as to provide adequate shade in the school grounds.

Evaluation

• The school leadership team will review effectiveness of this policy each year.
• Review the SunSmart behaviour of students, staff, parents and visitors and make recommendations for improvement.
• Assess shade provision and usage and make recommendations for increases in shade provision.
• Update and promote curriculum material relevant to SunSmart activities.

Click here to view the Cancer Council of Victoria's SunSmart webpage