Launch of SunSmart Policy and hats
Girton Grammar School is proud to announce the launch of our revised SunSmart Policy, which has now been published on Astra, as well as the release of our new-design hats, now available in store at Bob Stewart.
We would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Prefect Zoe MacGregor (12 Riley), who has been instrumental in instigating these initiatives. Zoe conducted an extensive review of the latest research, highlighting that UV damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer in later life. Australia currently has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, with more than two in three Australians diagnosed during their lifetime. The positive news is that the majority of skin cancers can be prevented by adopting suitable sun protection measures whenever UV levels rise to 3 or higher.
Our revised SunSmart Policy provides a comprehensive set of guidelines grounded in the latest evidence, with the goal of safeguarding our School community from UV radiation while fostering independent sun protection skills. Below we have summarised some of the key guidelines from the revised policy.
Key SunSmart guidelines
- New-design hats: Students are required to wear a School-approved hat whenever they are outside between 1 September and Foundation Day, which is when UV levels are most likely to reach 3 or higher. From the beginning of the 2024 school year, students will need to wear one of two new-design hats, with the current options being phased out over the remainder of this year. The new hats are now available in store at Bob Stewart, and will soon be available on their website.
- Sun-protective clothing and accessories: Girton’s uniform suites include cool, loose-fitting, sun-protective clothing made of densely woven fabric. Where practical, students are also encouraged to wear close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard 1067 when outside.
- Sunscreen: Students and staff are encouraged to use the sunscreen supplied by the School, available in stands across our grounds. Alternatively, they can use their own SPF30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
- SunSmart widget: Staff, parents and students are encouraged to access the daily local sun protection times via the SunSmart widget on the Astra home page.
- Family, visitors and volunteers: For their own safety and to reinforce our School’s sun protection strategies, family members, visitors and volunteers are asked to adopt the sun protection measures outlined in our SunSmart Policy (e.g. wearing a sun-protective hat and clothing) when visiting School grounds or at outdoor School events taking place offsite.
- Staff role modelling: Girton’s staff actively role model our SunSmart Policy, including seeking shade, wearing the required hats and protective clothing, and applying sunscreen. Staff are empowered to enhance their knowledge of sun protection strategies and promote SunSmart education across the curriculum.
- Physical environment: The School will continue to review the availability and quality of shade within our grounds, as well as when planning outdoor activities and excursions. Students are encouraged to use available areas of shade when outside.
- School curriculum: Sun protection and UV safety is incorporated into the Junior School curriculum, and reinforced in Senior School through a range of health promotion strategies. Students are encouraged to take an active role in promoting and modelling sun protection measures.
Girton Grammar is committed to maintaining our SunSmart membership, and will continue to review the effectiveness of our policy and make revisions as required. We thank everyone who contributed to revising our SunSmart Policy.