ANNUNCIATION SCHOOL BROOKLYN SUNSMART POLICY
(Reviewed March 2018)
Rationale
A healthy balance of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is important for health. Too much UV from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer before they reach the age of 70. Overexposure to UV during childhood and adolescence is known to be a major cause of skin cancer. Sun protection is needed whenever UV levels reach three and above. In Victoria average UV levels are three and above from the beginning of September to the end of April. During these months particular care should be taken during the middle of the day between 10am – 3pm when UV levels reach their peak. Too little UV from the sun can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the blood. It is also necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and teeth.
Objectives
The goals of the SunSmart Policy are to:
From September to April in Victoria
When average UV Index levels reach 3 and above.
1. Shade
The school makes sure there is a sufficient number of shelters and trees providing shade in the school grounds particularly in areas where children congregate e.g. lunch, outdoor lesson areas and popular play areas.
2. Clothing
3. Hats
4. Sunglasses
Children and staff are encouraged to wear close fitting, wrap around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard 1067 (Sunglasses: Category 2, 3 or 4) and cover as much of the eye area as possible.
5. Sunscreen
As some children have allergies to some sunscreens, we ask that each family be responsible for their own children’s sunscreen needs.
Children are reminded to apply sunscreen before going outdoors.
Parents are encouraged to teach their children how to safely and effectively apply their own sunscreen.
Role modelling
Staff act as role models by:
Families and visitors are encouraged to use a combination of sun protection measures (sun protective clothing and hats, sunglasses and sunscreen) when participating in and attending outdoor school activities.
From May to August in Victoria
To help maintain winter vitamin D levels, sun protection measures are not used from May until August unless the UV Index level reaches 3 and above.
Curriculum
Information on skin cancer prevention and healthy UV exposure levels is included in the curriculum for all year levels.
Review
Relevant Documents / Links
1. Victorian Government Schools Reference Guide: 4.5.11 Skin protection www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/referenceguide/enviro/default.htm
2. Building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH): Section 7.5.5 Shade Areas
3. Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Sections 21 and 23: Main Duties of Employers Section 25: Duties of Employees www.worksafe.vic.gov.au > Laws and Regulations > Acts and Regulations
4. Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC): Guidance Note for the Protection of Workers from the Ultraviolet Radiation in Sunlight www.ascc.gov.au/ascc/HealthSafety/HazardsSafetyIssues/UltravioletRaditioninSunlight.htm
5. SunSmart UV Alert (issued whenever the UV Index reaches 3 and above) www.sunsmart.com.au or
www.bom.gov.au/announcements/uv/
6. Sun protection: www.sunsmart.com.au
7. UV and vitamin D: http://www.sunsmart.com.au/vitamin_d
Annunciation Catholic Primary School
promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.