Please help your children to choose clothing that covers high sun exposure areas like the shoulders. A wide brimmed hat is needed every day please.

There is sunblock available in the office foyer for students to use during break times or for parents to put onto children before school.

From our Sun Protection policy

(link for policies can be found here -Schooldocs- search for Te Ra Waldorf School - username is TeRa - password is Raumati)

EOTC = Education Outside The Classroom

Timing of sun protection practices

Our core sun protection practices (below) apply during school hours and/or activities in terms 1 and 4. During terms 2 and 3 when UVI is generally lower, students do not normally need to wear hats, apply sunscreen, or stay in the shade, unless they are outdoors for an extended period of time, or are near highly reflective surfaces such as snow. The UV index is a useful tool for understanding when sun protection is required.

Sun protection practices

• We ensure that sun protection is considered for all outdoor school events and activities, on-site and off-site, including sports and EOTC. We try to plan outdoor activities to minimise exposure to the sun (UVR) during the summer (i.e. we consider timing and use of shade).

• Students and staff are encouraged to make use of shaded areas when outside. Students eat lunch in the shade or inside, as appropriate.

• We encourage students and staff to keep hydrated by drinking water.

• We require students to wear hats that shade the face, neck, and ears whenever they are outdoors during school hours and/or activities, e.g. interval and lunch breaks, P.E., sports days, outdoor EOTC trips, and other school activities. Students at school without a hat must remain in an allocated shaded area or (if allowed) inside at break times. Hats must be broad-brimmed (min. 7.5 cm), or legionnaire/bucket hats (min. 6 cm brim, deep crown).

• We encourage students and staff to protect themselves with broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF30. Students are encouraged to apply sunblock before school and during lunchtime. Sunscreen is available at school in the staffroom and office.

• We encourage students to wear clothing that protects the skin (e.g. long sleeve tops, rash tops) when at risk of extended sun exposure (such as at sports days, school camps, and picnics), or when swimming outdoors.