BCC is a Sunsmart School

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are highest during the hours that children are at school. As children will spend a portion of their day outdoors, we are committed to protecting them from the harmful effects of the sun.

With this in mind, Bundaberg Christian College realises the need to protect children’s skin and educate them about SunSmart behaviour, thus reducing the risk of skin damage from exposure to the sun.

Bundaberg Christian College recognises that winter sun also contributes to sun damage. This policy will therefore be implemented throughout the year.The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all children attending our College are protected from the harmful effects of the sun throughout the year.

Our Commitment

• Inform parents of the SunSmart policy when they enrol their child
• Include the SunSmart policy statement in the school prospectus
• Increase the amount of shade in the school grounds, where possible, by building shelters and planting trees
• Incorporate education programs that focus on skin cancer prevention into the school curriculum
• Encourage all staff to act as positive role models for students in all aspects of SunSmart behaviour
• Seek ongoing support from parents and the school community for the SunSmart policy and its implementation through newsletters, parent meetings etc
• Ensure that all students and staff wear hats that protect the face, neck and ears; and apply 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen, prior to involvement in outdoor activities
• Encourage students without adequate sun protection to use shaded or covered areas at recess and lunch times
• Review the school dress code to conform with the Queensland Cancer Fund SunSmart Clothing Guidelines
• Incorporate a SunSmart swimsuit in the College uniform
• Ensure that, wherever practicable, outdoor activities take place before 10.00 a.m. and after 3.00p.m.
• Ensure that adequate shade is provided at sporting carnivals and other outdoor events
• Ensure that 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen is included in the College sports and first aid kits
• Have SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen listed with other items that students are required to provide for the school year
• Review the SunSmart policy annually

Our Expectations

Parents/Carers will:

• Provide a College broad brimmed hat for their child and ensure that they wear it to and from school
• Ensure that their child applies 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen prior to leaving for school
• Ensure that their child wears the correct College uniform to ensure maximum protection from the sun
• Act as a positive role model by practicing SunSmart behaviour
• Support the College’s SunSmart policy and to be involved in updating the policy when asked to do so

Students will:

• Be aware of the College’s SunSmart policy
• Take responsibility for their own health and safety by being SunSmart
• Comply with the SunSmart rules and guidelines by wearing the College hat, uniform, sunscreen and sunglasses
• Apply 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen before going outdoors
• Use shaded or covered areas when outdoors
• Act as positive role models for other students in all aspects of SunSmart behaviour
• Comment and be involved in developing the College’s SunSmart policy
• Participate in SunSmart education programs

* Developed from the Schools SunSmart Policy Guidelines- Primary, Secondary and Aged Care Queensland Cancer Fund Working Towards a SunSmart Queensland