GLEN DEVON PRIMARY SCHOOL NO. 4914

SUNSMART POLICY STATEMENT

PURPOSE

§ To ensure that children attending Glen Devon Primary School are protected from skin damage caused by harmful ultra violet rays

§ To develop in children an understanding of the possible dangers of exposure to the sun

§ To develop in children the Sunsmart lifestyle practices necessary to minimise their exposure to, and risk of damage from, harmful ultra violet rays

GOALS

During their time at Glen Devon Primary School, children will:

§ Be expected and encouraged to wear the school’s bucket or legionnaire hat whenever they are outside (recess/lunch/sports activities/excursions, etc) particularly during Terms 1 and 4

§ Be expected and encouraged to apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to their exposed skin before coming to school, and apply their SPF 30+ sunscreen prior to participating in school activities involving sun exposure

§ Be involved in curriculum activities that incorporate skin cancer prevention strategies and Sunsmart habits and;

§ Have access to an increasing range of shade and shelter areas and be encouraged to use those areas

PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION

§ Children will be expected and encouraged to wear the school’s bucket or legionnaire hat whenever they are outside (recess/lunch/sports activities/excursions, etc) particularly during Terms 1 and 4

§ Children without hats during Terms 1 and 4 will be expected to play in shaded/covered areas

§ Children will be encouraged to develop the habit of applying SPF 30+ sunscreen before coming to school, and carrying SPF 30+ sunscreen in their school bags to apply prior to participating in school activities involving exposure to the sun

§ A limited supply of SPF 30+ sunscreen will be available at school for all children before activities (eg. outdoor swimming and other sporting events, camps & excursions) involving extended sun exposure, to supplement home application

§ Wherever possible, outdoor activities will be scheduled before 11.00am  or at the most appropriate time to reduce students’ exposure to ultra violet rays

§ An increasing number of shelters and shade will be put in place to provide adequate shade in the school grounds, through an ongoing tree planting program and investigation into the erection of shade cover over play equipment

§ The school will regularly reinforce Sunsmart behaviour in a positive way through the newsletter, parent meetings, student and teacher activities

§ Staff and parents will be expected and encouraged to act as role models by practising Sunsmart behaviours (eg. wearing hats on yard duty and outdoor school activities) during Terms 1 and 4

§ Positive reinforcement will be used to encourage children to develop and display Sunsmart habits (eg. wearing hats and sunscreen)

§ Active parental support will be sought to promote this policy effectively