SunSmart

MPRPS is an accredited member of the Cancer Council's 'SunSmart schools' program. This policy helps protect our students and staff from sun damage. All students and staff are required to wear a school hat from the beginning of September until the end of April. A 'No hat, no play' policy operates at the school during these dates. Children with no will sit in an undercover area in the courtyard.

Shade

The school ensures there are sufficient shelters and trees to adequately shade the school grounds, particularly in the following spaces:

where students congregate for lunch
outdoor lesson areas
popular play areas
assembly areas.

Clothing

Our uniforms include sun-protective clothing such as:

loose, cool, closely-woven fabrics
shirts with a collar and or higher necklines
tops with elbow length or long sleeves
longer style shorts and skirts.

Hats

Students and staff are encouraged to wear hat styles which protect the face, neck and ears. That is:

broad brimmed hats
bucket hats.

Please note: Caps and visors offer little protection and are not recommended.

Sunscreen

We encourage and remind students and staff to:

apply SPF-30 (or higher) broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
apply a generous amount to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outdoors
re-apply sunscreen every two hours or more often when sweating or swimming
check and follow the use-by date stated on the packaging
store sunscreen below 30°C
do not rely on sunscreen alone as it does not provide full protection - combine with other sun protection measures.

Role modelling

As part of OH&S risk control and role-modelling, during sun protection times when the UV levels are 3 or above, staff are encouraged to:

wear broad-brimmed hats, clothing and sunglasses for all outdoor activities and duties
apply SPF-30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
seek shade whenever possible.