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SUNSMART POLICY STATEMENT
Rationale
Levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) are particularly
high across the Northern Territory due to our location, clean air
and high number of hours of sunshine.
Research suggests that at least two-thirds of all melanomas occurring
in Australia could be prevented if children were protected from
the sun during their first 15 years.
Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative
exposure to the sun. Research shows that severe sunburn contributes
to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as sun spots
blemishes and premature aging. Most skin damage and skin cancer
is therefore preventable.
Radiation levels are highest between the hours of 1100 to 1500
( Central Australian Standard Time ); 60% of the day’s radiation
occurs within those four hours.
With this in mind Bakewell Primary School realises the need to
protect children’s skin and educate them about Sunsmart behaviour,
thus reducing the risk of skin damage from exposure to the sun.
Aims
The policy aims to:
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provide on going education that promotes personal responsibility
for skin cancer prevention and early detection |
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provide environments that support Sunsmart practices |
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create an awareness of the need to reschedule work commitments
and outdoor activities to support Sunsmart practices. |
PROCEDURES
Our school recognises that dry season sun also contributes to skin
damage. The implementation of this policy will therefore be conducted
throughout the year.
The purpose of this Sunsmart policy is to ensure that all children
attending our school are protected from the harmful effects of the
sun throughout the year.
Our Commitment
Bakewell Primary School will:
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include the Sunsmart policy statement in the school information
pack. |
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increase the amount of shade in the school grounds, where
possible, eg planting more trees. |
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incorporate education programs that focus on skin cancer prevention
into the school curriculum. |
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encourage all teachers and staff to act as positive role models
for children in all aspects of Sunsmart behaviour. |
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seek ongoing support from parents and the school community
for the Sunsmart policy and it’s implementation, through
newsletters, parent meetings etc. |
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ensure that all students and staff wear hats and strongly
encourage SPF 15 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant
sunscreen, when involved in outdoor activities. |
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request students without hats to use shaded or covered areas
at recess and lunch times. |
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ensure that, wherever practicable, outdoor activities take
place before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. |
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ensure that, at sporting carnivals and other outdoor events
being held within the 11-3 time slot, adequate shade is provided. |
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review the Sunsmart policy annually. |
Our expectations
Parents/carers will:
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provide a hat & SPF15 or higher broad-spectrum, water
resistant sunscreen. |
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act as positive role models by practising Sunsmart behaviour. |
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support the school’s Sunsmart policy and help to design
and regularly update the policy. |
Students will:
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be aware of the school’s Sunsmart policy |
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take responsibility for their own health and safety by being
Sunsmart |
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comply with Sunsmart rules and guidelines by wearing school
hats, sunscreen, and suitable clothing |
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apply SPF 15 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant
sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors |
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act as positive role models for other students in all aspects
of
Sunsmart behaviour |
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help to design and regularly update the Sunsmart policy |
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participate in Sunsmart education programs. |
Strive and Grow with Respect and Co-operation
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