Policies

Sunsmart

Summer is just around the corner and the weather will be warming up.  A reminder to ensure your children have a sunsmart hat and apply sunscreen for the remainder of the school year.  Students without a hat during recess and lunch will be asked to remain under the covered area near the library.  

About Skin Cancer

The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation during childhood and adolescence is a major risk for future skin cancer.  Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Schools play an important role in promoting and teaching sun and UV protection behaviours that students benefit from throughout life. Melanoma is one of the most diagnosed cancers in young Victorians aged 15 to 29 years. It is the third most diagnosed cancer in Australia.

UV radiation:

• cannot be seen or felt
• can be reflected off surfaces such as buildings, asphalt, concrete, water, sand and snow
• can pass through light clouds
• varies in intensity across the day and the year (highest from mid-August to the end of April in Victoria)

• is at its peak during school hours.

   

Overexposure to UV radiation can cause:

• sunburn
• skin damage
• eye damage
• premature ageing
• skin cancer.

A combination of sun protection measures is recommended for all skin types when UV levels reach 3 or higher. At these levels, damage can occur to skin and eyes.

Each time skin is damaged by UV, changes take place in the structure and function of the skin cells. If UV damage continues, skin cells become less able to repair, increasing the risk of skin cancer.