HEALTH PROMOTION

BE SUNSMART

Welcome back to the 2023 school year. This is a timely reminder for our students to be SunSmart. 

We recommend that all students apply sunscreen regularly as part of their daily routine. We participate in sporting events as players or spectators on a regular basis. We also attend outdoor activities throughout the year. Walking, waiting for the bus or riding a bike exposes our skin, even unknowingly, to the sun’s rays.

We are frequently told by the Cancer Council of Australia that the sun’s harmful rays can have a damaging effect on not only our skin but on our overall health. Significant UV exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence due to the comparative sensitivity of the skin. Protection from overexposure can reduce their risk of developing skin and eye damage and skin cancer later in life.   

We do have adequate shade available for our students at school in our passive areas, on both campuses. However, many students will choose to walk around or participate in sporting activities during lunchtime and recess.

For best protection during the daily sun protection times (when the UV level is 3 or higher) use all five SunSmart steps below:

• SLIP on clothing 
• SLOP on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. We recommend students have a tube of sunscreen in their lockers and apply it in the morning before coming to school.
• SLAP on a hat 
• SEEK shade 
• SLIDE on sunglasses.

The Cancer Council Australia has a SunSmart app which is a great way to check the UV Index when you are out and about. 

Look after yourself.

Susan Wilken 

Community Health and Year 9 Student Manager