Sun Protection

Background

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with 2 out of 3 people developing some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. Much of the damage occurs during childhood and adolescence. Research suggests that severe sunburn is a contributor to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as wrinkles, sunspots, blemishes and premature aging. As few as 5 - 6 sunburns seems to increase the risk of skin cancer. Most skin damage and skin cancer is preventable.

Schools can help reduce the risk of skin cancer, and the number of related deaths, by encouraging all members of the school community to take effective measures. The aim of this policy is to promote among the students, staff, and parents of Pulteney Grammar School:

positive attitudes towards skin protection
lifestyle practices, which can help, reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related deaths, for example, by using shade and wearing protective clothing.
personal responsibility for decision-making about skin protection
awareness of the need for environmental changes in the school to reduce the level of exposure to the sun.

Implementation Strategies for Skin Protection

The School implements the skin protection policy by:

incorporating in the school curriculum an appropriate educational programme which focuses on skin cancer prevention,
encouraging positive role-modeling of ‘sun wise’ behaviour by all members of staff,
encouraging staff and students to protect themselves adequately from the sun,
seeking continuing support from parents and the school community for the Sun Protection Policy and its implementation,
encouraging students without adequate protection to use shaded or covered areas at recess and lunchtime,
timetabling as many outdoor activities as possible out of periods of strongest sunshine (i.e. 10.00am to 2.00 pm, or 11.00am to 3.00pm daylight saving time),
making sun screen available in a variety of easily accessible locations to meet the needs of the students,
require students to wear an appropriate hat when at play in the Parklands at lunchtimes and during any outdoor activities.
As part of the Physical Education Programme and Sport Programme the school will encourage all students to:
wear an appropriate hat for all outdoor sporting activities;
wear long or short sleeved, school sports shirts;
apply sun screen to unprotected skin;
wear protective sunglasses for outdoor activities when and where appropriate.

All Middle School students are required to own a white or blue broad brimmed ‘Greg Chappell’ style hat. This should be kept in their locker and be worn in Physical Education lessons and when playing in the park at lunch times or in the sun at any time. Sunscreen is available from dispensers in the gymnasium and outside Nicholls Building. The broad brimmed hat, or for tennis and rowing, the school cap, is to be worn on the sports field at training and during matches. All students are encouraged to bring a water bottle for use during physical activities, and in class, during hot weather.