The following strategies are essential parts of your sun protection policy and need to be included to meet the requirements of the SunSmart program.
We have reviewed our school's sun protection policy and believe it meets the essential criteria as outlined by Cancer Council Victoria's SunSmart Schools Program.
1. Policy implementation
a. Our sun protection policy is followed from the beginning of September until the end of April and whenever the UV Index level reaches 3 and above.
b. Particular care is taken between 10 am and 2 pm (11 am and 3 pm daylight saving time) when UV levels reach their peak.
c. From May until August, sun protection is not used unless the UV Index level reaches 3 and above.
d. A combination of sun protection measures are considered when planning all outdoor activities. (e.g. recess, camps, excursions, sporting events, swimming carnivals).
2. Shade
a. The school has sufficient shade or is working towards increasing the number of trees and shade structures so as to provide adequate sun protected areas in the school grounds.
b. Students are encouraged to use available areas of shade for outdoor activities.
3. Sun protective clothing and hats
a. Students who do not have appropriate hats or sun protective clothing are asked to play in the shade
or a suitable area protected from the sun.
b. Appropriate sun protective clothing is included in the school uniform / dress code and sports uniform.
c. All students wear a broad brimmed (minimum 7.5cm brim), legionnaire or bucket hat (deep crown and minimum 6cm brim) whenever they are outside.
4. Sunglasses [SUGGESTED]
The use of wrap-around sunglasses that meet Australian Standard 1067 (Sunglasses - Category 2, 3 or 4) is encouraged. [Suggested]
5. Sunscreen
The use of SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen is encouraged, with time for application of sunscreen allowed.
Students are reminded to apply sunscreen.
6. Role modelling
Staff are requested, and families and visitors to the school are encouraged, to act as role models by practising SunSmart behaviours
including wearing appropriate hats and clothing when outdoors.
7. Skin protection awareness
a. Programs on skin cancer prevention are included in the curriculum for each year level.
b. SunSmart behaviour is regularly reinforced and promoted to the whole school community (e.g. via newsletters, assemblies).
8. Regular policy reviews
a. The school reviews its sun protection policy regularly, at least once every three years, by monitoring the school's compliance with its policy and making suggestions for improvement.
b. Our school has an updated copy of our reviewed policy which includes the above criteria.
Terms and Conditions
As a SunSmart School Program member our school agrees to the following terms and conditions as set out in our original application and agreement with SunSmart:
To enforce our sun protection policy as documented
To take reasonable steps to ensure that all staff, students and families are aware of the sun protection policy and its requirements
To inform Cancer Council Victoria of any changes to the school's policy and practices and anything else that may relate to or affect its inclusion in the SunSmart Schools Program
On behalf of our school, I agree to the above terms and conditions:
I will upload a copy of our updated sun protection policy (next screen)
I will send a copy of our updated sun protection by post / fax
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