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Rationale:
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun causes sunburn, skin
damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. New Zealand the highest melanoma
rates in the world. One or more episodes of sunburn in childhood and adolescences
have shown to increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
This sun protection policy will apply during Terms 1 and 4, (especially between 11am
and 4pm). However from the beginning of September UVR levels are increasing,
therefore, sun protection should be used in September when children are outdoors
for extended periods e.g. sports days.
This policy is adopted from January 2012 so that children attending Paparangi
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 7.5cm), legionnaire or bucket
hats (min 6cm brim, deep crown) during Terms 1 and 4.
Provide extra hats for children to borrow if appropriate.
Implement a No hat, Play in the Shade policy. Require children without hats
to play in shade or indoors.
Work with wider 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.
long sleeves and collars).
Encourage Staff to role model SunSmart behaviour, particularly the use of
appropriate hats within the school grounds and during outdoor activities.
Regularly publicise and reinforce the SunSmart Policy via school newsletters
and website.
Inform parents of the policy at enrolment, especially the use of appropriate
hats, clothing and 30+ sunscreen.
Curriculum
Incorporate SunSmart education and activities at all levels via the Health
curriculum.
Environment
Work towards developing and improving existing shade, particularly where
students congregate.
Whenever possible schedule activities and sports events before 11am.
Organise 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.
Approved: June 2011
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