Our SunSmart policy has been developed to ensure that all children attending our school are protected from skin damage caused by ultra-violet rays of the sun. It is to be implemented throughout the year, but with particular emphasis in terms 1 and 4. As part of our general strategies of implementation we will carry out the following in each of the listed areas of the curriculum.
Behaviour
Make the wearing of hats, which protect the face, neck and ears compulsory whenever the children are outside during terms 1 and 4.
Children not wearing suitable headwear are to play, or be seated in shade areas during their time outside.
Hats will only be acceptable if they are plain red, with or without a school logo and must be legionnaire style or have a wide brim. Both styles are for sale at the school.
Organise outdoor lessons and activities to be held in the shade if suitable and encourage children to use available areas of shade for all of their own outdoor play.
Encourage SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen and allow time for application.
Encourage staff and parents to act as role models by practising SunSmart behaviours.
Sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as practical is provided as part of the school uniform.
Curriculum
Regularly reinforce SunSmart behaviour in a positive way through our newsletter, assemblies, parent meetings, student and teacher activities.
Schedule outdoor activities before 10.00 am and after 2.00 pm from September to April (before 11.00 am and after 3.00 pm during daylight saving time).
Provide information and activities about sun protection in at least three year levels.
Refer to the SunSmart policy when planning outdoor activities.
Environment
Work towards increasing the number of shelters and trees so as to provide adequate shade in the school ground.
Take into consideration shade availability when organising outdoor activities.
Ascertain student understanding and awareness of the principles of the SunSmart program by observation of work produced, class discussion points and behaviour in the school grounds.
By observation, ascertain the number of children wearing hats and work to maintain or increase the numbers accordingly.
Check parent awareness of the SunSmart program and its implementation within the school. This will best be achieved by:
- encouraging communication regarding the SunSmart program and its implementation within the school.
- providing a high profile for the program by way of displays and/or advertising.
- observing the standards of SunSmart behaviour encouraged by parents.
ReservoirWestPrimary School is a SunSmartSchool and supports initiatives which ensure staff and students are protected from the sun. On days when the temperature reaches extreme levels, measures need to be taken to address this issue.
Students running and playing in the sun on days of excessive heat is to be avoided wherever possible. It is recognised that these days are infrequent but do occur from time to time.
Guidelines
On designated “hot days” the Principal will invoke the Hot Weather Policy. This decision is at the discretion of the Principal, or his/her delegate, and is to occur when the temperature reaches 35°C at 1.00pm.
When the Hot Weather Policy is invoked:
Children will remain inside for the 50 mins of lunch with a supervision roster organised.
Air conditioners are to be utilised in each classroom.
Teachers are to give students frequent reminders about the importance of regular water intake and encourage students to use personal water bottles in the classroom.
Children are to be given suitable activities in the classroom.
Conclusion
This policy will only be invoked in cases of very high temperatures but will ensure that the children at Reservoir West Primary are not unduly exposed to extreme temperatures.
