​Our Commitment 

Our Lady of the Rosary School will:

• continue to monitor and increase the amount of shade in the school grounds, where possible, by building shelters and planting trees

• incorporate education programs that focus on skin cancer prevention into the school curriculum

• encourage all teachers and staff to act as positive role models for children in all aspects of SunSmart behaviour

• seek ongoing support from parents and the school community for the SunSmart policy and its implementation, through newsletters, parent meetings etc.

• ensure that all students and staff wear hats that protect the face, neck and ears.

• encourage all students and staff to apply SPF15 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, when involved in outdoor activities

• require students without adequate sun protection to use shaded or covered areas at recess and lunch times

• review the school's dress code to conform with the Queensland Cancer Fund SunSmart clothing guidelines

• encourage parents to purchase SunSmart swimsuit as part of the school uniform

• ensure that wherever practicable, outdoor activities take place before 10.00 am or after 2.00 pm

• ensure that adequate shade is provided at sporting carnivals and other outdoor events

• review the SunSmart policy annually.
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Rationale

Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two out of every three Queenslanders will develop some sort of skin cancer in their lifetime. Research suggests that at least two thirds of all melanomas occurring in Australia could be prevented if children were protected from the sun during their first 15 years.

Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. Research shows that severe sunburn contributes to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as sunspots, blemishes and premature aging. Most skin damage and skin damage is therefore preventable.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are highest during the hours children are at school. With this in mind Our Lady of the Rosary School realises the need to protect children's skin and educate them about SunSmart behaviour, thus reducing the risk if skin damage from exposure to the sun.

The policy aims to:

• provide ongoing education that promotes personal responsibility for skin cancer prevention and early detection

• provide environments that support SunSmart practices

• create an awareness of the need to reschedule work commitments and outdoor activities to support SunSmart practices.
  
  

Procedures

Our school recognises that winter sun also contributes to skin damage. The implementation of this policy will therefore be conducted throughout the year.

The purpose of the SunSmart policy is to ensure that all children attending our school are protected from the harmful effects of the sun throughout the year.

Our Expectations

Parents / carers will:

• provide a SunSmart hat for their child and ensure that they wear it to and from school. The Queensland Cancer Fund recommends the following hats - 8-10 cm broad-brimmed legionnaire style

• ensure that their child applies SPF 15 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before leaving for school

• ensure that their child's clothing provides adequate protection from UVR. The Queensland Cancer Fund recommends clothing that has the following features dark colours, collars and sleeves, loosely woven fabric natural fibres

• act as positive role models by practising SunSmart behaviour

• support the school's SunSmart policy and help to design and regularly update the policy. 
  
  

Students will:

• be aware of the school’s SunSmart policy

• take responsibility for their own health and safety by being SunSmart

• comply with SunSmart rules and guidelines by wearing suitable hats, clothing and sunscreen. The wearing of sunglasses is optional at Our Lady of the Rosary School

• apply SPF 15 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors

• use shaded or covered areas when outdoors

• act as positive role models for other students in all aspects of SunSmart behaviour

• help to design and regularly update the SunSmart policy

• participate in SunSmart education programs.