SOUTHERN MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Sun Smart Policy
SUN SMART POLICY
POLICY STATEMENT
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all members of the school community are protected from
skin damage caused by harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.
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Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with skin cancers accounting for
around 80% of all new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia, with one in every two Australians
being diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun and exposure
to the sun's ultraviolet radiation during childhood and adolescence is the major cause of skin
cancer in later life.
Skin cancer is preventable. Appropriate protection during childhood and adolescence means lifelong reduced risk.
AIMS
Southern Montessori School, through its SunSmart Policy, aims to promote among students, staff and
parents:
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Positive attitudes towards skin protection.
Lifestyle practices which can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related
deaths.
Personal responsibility for, and decision making about, skin protection.
Awareness of the need for environmental changes to reduce the level of exposure to the sun.
IMPLEMENTATION
This policy will be implemented every day from 1 September to 30 April and throughout the year when
the UV index is forecast to reach 3 and above.
All members of the school community will be strongly encouraged to use the following skin protection
strategies:
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Minimise exposure to UV radiation when it is 3 and above.
Students will eat lunch in the classroom or in a shaded area.
Whenever possible, outdoor activities will be scheduled for times when UV is below 3 and care will
be taken during the peak UV radiation times.
During major school events such as School Sports Day all reasonable precautions will be taken to
protect students from unhealthy levels of sun exposure.
The use of shade trees, pergolas, umbrellas and verandas will be encouraged for outdoor
activities, and due consideration will be given in school development plans for the further provision
of shade.
The wearing of appropriate clothing which protects the skin will be encouraged at all times and will
be reflected in the school’s uniform/dress code.
Students, staff and volunteers at school will be expected to wear a broad-brimmed, legionnaire, or
bucket style hat with a deep crown and a 6cm brim, whenever involved in outside activities.
Students will be expected to wear collared shirts that cover the shoulders, and longer style shorts
and skirts.
If not wearing appropriate clothing and hats, students’ access to outdoor activities will be restricted
and the NO HAT – PLAY IN THE SHADE (and any sun-protected area) rule will be applied.
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SOUTHERN MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Sun Smart Policy
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Students will be encouraged to bring SPF30 or above broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen
preparations from home and to apply these 20 minutes prior to outside activities and reapply every
2 hours if staying outside for extended periods.
EDUCATION
The message of this Sun Smart Policy will be reinforced in classroom activities and in general school
procedures:
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Staff and volunteers will be encouraged to model appropriate Sun Smart strategies when involved
in any school activity - on or off campus.
Skin cancer prevention, sun protection and vitamin D information will be included in the Health
curriculum of the school and will be regularly reinforced and promoted to the whole school
community via newsletters, assemblies, bulletin boards, parents and staff meetings and all families
and staff members will be informed of the policy.
Staff will be kept up to date with information and resources, through The Cancer Council SA’s enewsletter.
Recent research indicates many Australians don’t receive enough vitamin D from sunlight, so
consideration will be given to receiving healthy levels of sun exposure when the UV level is below
3, to assist with the development and maintenance of strong, healthy bones.
The School will review its Sun Smart Policy regularly (at least every three years) to ensure that the
information remains current and relevant.
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