SunSmart and Sunscreen

Irymple Primary School is a SunSmart School!

We are a SunSmart School
SunSmart recommends that all schools have a SunSmart policy to ensure a healthy UV exposure balance – one that minimises skin cancer risk and helps with vitamin D. This also helps address duty of care and health and safety responsibilities for staff and students. 

SunSmart members encourage a balanced approach to UV to help with vitamin D levels and ensure appropriate sun protection measures are used to minimise skin and eye damage and the risk of skin cancer. The majority of Victorian primary schools and over half of special education schools are registered members of the SunSmart schools program.

Sunscreen
SunSmart recommends an SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. The school provides a standard SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen that is available for all staff and student's to use every day. Recently Choice Magazine conducted a survey of all sunscreens on the market and has provided some important information around nano-particles found in some sunscreens.

Please note: From September to April each year children that do not apply sunscreen may miss out on outside activities such as sport and physical education if they are not protected. Students will be asked to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours if outdoors for extended periods. If your child has special needs or requires their own sunscreen we ask that you provide it to the school so that it is available for all outside sports and classroom activities.
Students are reminded to apply sunscreen before going outdoors for recess and snack however as substantial shade areas are provided and most children take advantage of these cooler areas we do not expect students to apply sunscreen at those times to be able to play outside.

Sun Protection
SunSmart members encourage a balanced approach to UV to help with vitamin D levels and ensure appropriate sun protection measures are used to minimise skin and eye damage and the risk of skin cancer. The majority of Victorian primary schools and over half of special education schools are registered members of the SunSmart schools program.

Ultraviolet Radiation Explained
A healthy balance of ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure is important for health. Too much of the sun's UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life determines to a substantial degree the lifetime potential for skin cancer, while sun exposure in later life determines the extent to which this potential is realised. Too little UV from the sun can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and muscles and for general health.

SunSmart also provide a great iPhone app that lets you know when you need sun protection outdoors across Australia.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us at the school.

Thanks for your support!


Wayne Sparks
Occupational Health and Safety Representative