Sun Protection Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) New Zealand has the highest melanoma incidence in the world.

Our sun protection policy applies during terms 1 and 4. Fernside School aims to: 

• protect our students and staff from excessive exposure to the sun's UVR while they are at school, or involved with off-site school activities 

• educate the whole school community about the harmful effects of excessive exposure to the sun's UVR, and how to keep themselves safe. The school models sun-safe practices between 10 am and 4 pm, and ensures that staff and students take the following steps to protect themselves. Sunsafe behaviour 

• We require students to wear hats that shade the face, neck, and ears, whenever they are outside and involved in school activities. Students at school without a hat must remain in an allocated shaded area or inside at break times. Hats must be broad-brimmed (min. 7.5 cm), or legionnaire/bucket hats (min. 6 cm brim, deep crown). These hats provide significant protection to the eyes. 

• We encourage students to protect themselves with broad spectrum sunscreen (which the school provides) of at least SPF30 (SunProtection Factor), and by sitting/playing in the shade where possible. 

• When outside and involved in school activities, staff model appropriate sun-safe behaviour by wearing hats that shade the face, neck, and ears, and making use of shade whenever possible. Parents are also encouraged to wear sunhats and be positive role models when picking up children or participating in school activities. 

• We encourage students to wear swimwear that covers them as much as possible when swimming outdoors, e.g. long-sleeve rash tops. 

• We encourage students to wear clothing that protects the skin (e.g. long sleeve tops) when at risk of extended sun exposure, such as sports days and picnics etc. See Sunscreen for information about correct application, and an explanation about SPF ratings. School activities 

• Students eat lunch in the shade as appropriate. 

The school educates the whole school community by: 

• providing information about skin cancer and its health risk in class programmes every year. See SunSmart Schools. 

• alerting caregivers to the health problem of excessive UVR (see Everyday communication) 

• informing parents of new students about our sun protection policy. Board responsibilities 

The board: 

• includes shade creation as a priority for its property planning 

• ensures ongoing assessment of sun-smart behaviour, shade provision, and curriculum emphasis 

• we reviews the sun protection policy with the staff and parents at least every three years.  

This policy is currently under review.

Go to    https://fernside.schooldocs.co.nz/Logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f

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