Rationale:
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun causes sunburn, skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. New Zealand, along with Australia, has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One or more episodes of sunburn in childhood and adolescence have been shown to increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
Throughout New Zealand sun protection is required from October to March inclusive, especially between the hours of 11am and 4pm. Therefore, this policy applies only during Terms 1 and 4.
Note: There are also benefits from sun exposure, including Vitamin D absorption, which is important for the development of healthy bones, muscles and teeth.
During the winter months, students should be encouraged to actively enjoy the sun. This policy is adopted from ( DATE ) so that children attending Selwyn School are protected from harmful UV radiation from the sun.
______________________________________________________________
As part of general SunSmart strategies, during Terms 1 and 4, between 11am and 4pm, our school will:
Behaviour
• Require children to wear broad-brimmed (min 7.5cms), legionnaire or bucket hats (min 6 cm. brim, deep crown) when they are outside (e.g. interval, lunch, sport, excursions and activities).
• Provide extra hats for children to borrow if appropriate.
• Encourage a "No Hat, Play in the Shade" rule where children without hats play in shaded areas.
• Work with wider school community to promote students’ use of SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen (*).
• Encourage children to wear clothing that protects the skin from the sun (e.g.
sleeves and collars).
• Require staff to role model SunSmart behaviour, particularly the use of appropriate hats, within the school grounds and during outdoor school activities.
• Regularly publicise and reinforce the SunSmart Policy, for example, through newsletters, parent meetings, student and teacher activities.
• Inform parents of the SunSmart Policy at enrolment, especially the use of appropriate hats, clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and encourage parents to practise SunSmart behaviour themselves.
Curriculum
• Incorporate SunSmart education and activities at all levels when delivering the curriculum.
Environment
• Work towards developing and improving existing shade, particularly in areas where students congregate. Shade can be both built and natural (e.g. constructed shelter and trees).
• Whenever possible schedule outdoor activities and sports events before 11am (**).
• Organize outdoor activities to be held in areas with plenty of shade whenever possible.
Reinforcement and evaluation
• Ensure ongoing assessment of SunSmart behaviour, shade provision, and curriculum emphasis.
• Review of the SunSmart policy by the Board of Trustees and Principal at least every 3 years.
• *Sunscreen should not be the sole or primary form of protection.
• **The Cancer Society recommends holding school excursions early in the day to cut down the exposure to UV radiation. Plan them for venues where adequate shade is available or alternatively provide your own shade by taking umbrellas or tents.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun causes sunburn, skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. New Zealand, along with Australia, has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One or more episodes of sunburn in childhood and adolescence have been shown to increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
Throughout New Zealand sun protection is required from October to March inclusive, especially between the hours of 11am and 4pm. Therefore, this policy applies only during Terms 1 and 4.
Note: There are also benefits from sun exposure, including Vitamin D absorption, which is important for the development of healthy bones, muscles and teeth.
During the winter months, students should be encouraged to actively enjoy the sun. This policy is adopted from ( DATE ) so that children attending Selwyn School are protected from harmful UV radiation from the sun.
______________________________________________________________
As part of general SunSmart strategies, during Terms 1 and 4, between 11am and 4pm, our school will:
Behaviour
• Require children to wear broad-brimmed (min 7.5cms), legionnaire or bucket hats (min 6 cm. brim, deep crown) when they are outside (e.g. interval, lunch, sport, excursions and activities).
• Provide extra hats for children to borrow if appropriate.
• Encourage a "No Hat, Play in the Shade" rule where children without hats play in shaded areas.
• Work with wider school community to promote students’ use of SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen (*).
• Encourage children to wear clothing that protects the skin from the sun (e.g.
sleeves and collars).
• Require staff to role model SunSmart behaviour, particularly the use of appropriate hats, within the school grounds and during outdoor school activities.
• Regularly publicise and reinforce the SunSmart Policy, for example, through newsletters, parent meetings, student and teacher activities.• Inform parents of the SunSmart Policy at enrolment, especially the use of appropriate hats, clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, and encourage parents to practise SunSmart behaviour themselves.
Curriculum
• Incorporate SunSmart education and activities at all levels when delivering the curriculum.
Environment
• Work towards developing and improving existing shade, particularly in areas where students congregate. Shade can be both built and natural (e.g. constructed shelter and trees).
• Whenever possible schedule outdoor activities and sports events before 11am (**).
• Organize outdoor activities to be held in areas with plenty of shade whenever possible.
Reinforcement and evaluation
• Ensure ongoing assessment of SunSmart behaviour, shade provision, and curriculum emphasis.
• Review of the SunSmart policy by the Board of Trustees and Principal at least every 3 years.
• *Sunscreen should not be the sole or primary form of protection.
• **The Cancer Society recommends holding school excursions early in the day to cut down the exposure to UV radiation. Plan them for venues where adequate shade is available or alternatively provide your own shade by taking umbrellas or tents.
