Northland School Board of Trustees
Sun Protection Policy
Rationale:
The major cause of skin cancer is believed to be over-exposure to the sun during childhood and adolescence. This policy helps to ensure that children attending Northland School are protected from skin damage caused by the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun while they are at school and during school hours, particularly in Terms 1 and 4.
Purpose:
• To protect children from the harmful effects of the sun during outdoor activities, particularly in Terms 1 and 4.
• To educate children about the importance of sunsafe practices.
• To work towards providing a safe school environment which has shade for students and staff.
Guidelines:
• During Terms 1 and 4, all students will be required to wear sunsafe hats while they are outside, eg broad brimmed, legionnaire or bucket style. Students may provide their own sunsafe hat, or purchase a standard hat through the school.
• During Terms 1 and 4, all students without sunsafe hats will be required to stay inside or in a designated shaded area, following explanation. Parents of students who consistently do not wear a sunsafe hat will be informed.
• The school will encourage the use of SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Parents will be informed at enrolment, and reminded subsequently, of the need to provide sunsafe hats and sunscreen. Exemptions for cultural, medical, disability or religious grounds will be recorded at enrolment.
• Staff will act as good role models by wearing sunsafe hats, protective clothing and sunscreen. Parents are encouraged to do the same.
• Programmes on protection of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun will be included in the curriculum on a regular basis. Evaluation and monitoring of the programmes will be included as part of the normal evaluation and review cycle.
• The Board of Trustees will plan to provide adequate areas of shade around the school.
• Where possible, in scheduling outdoor activities, the school will use low risk times of the day, or ensure that sufficient shade is available.
• This policy will be reviewed every two years.
Approved: 18 August 2009
Review Date: 2012