Health Centre News SunSmart

As we approach the long awaited warmer weather, it is a timely reminder to parents to look a our School Sunsmart Policy.

Too much UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Overexposure to UV during childhood and adolescence is a major factor for future skin cancer risk. You can’t see or feel the sun’s UV so don’t be fooled. Whatever the weather, if the UV levels are three or more, it’s important to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide! Our school aims to protect children and staff from too much UV to help minimise future skin cancer risk.

When we come back to school in Term 4, we ask that you make sure that your child:

Has sunscreen in their school bag so they can apply this before going out for recess and lunch. For those students in the earlier grades, please make sure that you teach your child how to apply sunscreen effectively so they can do this independently.
Children must be wearing their hat to protect their face. If they do not have a hat, then they will be asked to be in a designated shady area for recess and lunch.

The purpose of our School Sunsmart Policy is:

To ensure all students and staff members are aware of the effects of UV exposure, about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and maintaining safe levels of vitamin D.
To instruct students on how to protect themselves from skin damage caused by the harmful rays of the sun, and assist students to be responsible for maintaining their own sun protection.
To promote the adoption of good personal sun-safe practices.
To ensure sun protection is used when UV levels are above 3 (generally mid August to the end of April in Victoria) when students are on or off site.

We look forward to seeing you back in Term 4!

Warms regards,

Nurse Cecile