Chalk your support album 2 by Cancer Council

2,000 photos 1 message: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NSW kids deserve betterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; This album of over 2000 photos carries messages from community members across NSW who believe it is time that the Minister for Education issue an updated and comprehensive sun protection policy for all NSW primary schools. This represents only a proportion of the people in NSW who are both surprised and concerned when they learn that NSW public primary schools are relying on out-dated and inadequate guidance for protecting children from the increased risk of skin cancers later in life. Throughout 2011/2012, we listened to our community supporters around the state about issues they thought needed to be raised with Government. In May 2012, when over 100 community advocates came together to consider priorities for advocacy, there was a clear decision: to ensure that all primary schools in NSW are required to develop and implement a comprehensive sun protection policy. Since September, we have been talking about this issue to people in communities across NSWâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from Ballina to Illawarra, and from Dubbo to Kempsey. We have had conversations with people living in metropolitan communities like Ryde, Hornsby, and Rozelle, on the fringes of the city in Camden and Mingara, as well as in rural communities like Wagga Wagga, Maitland, Scone, Yass, Warialda and Armidale. These photos and messages are from parents, grandparents, young people and school children who are all eagerly waiting for the day they can all be reassured that all primary schools in NSW are doing their best to protect children from the sun.

Regina Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Council NSW

A comprehensive Sun Protection Policy includes the following 10 recommendations:

1. Scheduling outdoor activities Outdoor activities (assemblies, sport, Physical Education etc) are scheduled in the morning or afternoon, outside peak UV times.

6. Sunscreen SPF 30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen is available, and students and staff are encouraged to apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors.

2. Shade The school community is committed to providing shade (trees as well as built and portable shade structures) in eating, outdoor teaching and popular play areas

7. Sunglasses (Optional) Staff and students are encouraged to wear closefitting wrap-around sunglasses that cover as much of the eye area as possible and comply with Australian Standard AS1067 (Sunglasses: Category 2, 3 or 4).

3. Role modelling of staff Staff are asked to role model good sun protection behaviours, including wearing sun-safe hats, clothing and sunglasses; and applying SPF 30+ broadspectrum water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors.

8. Curriculum Teachers are required to include sun protection principles in teaching programs for all year levels.

4. Hats Students are required to wear legionnaire, broadbrimmed or bucket hats. Baseball caps are not recommended. Students who do not have a sun-safe hat are asked to play in the shade or a suitable area protected from the sun. 5. Clothing The school and sports uniforms include shirts with collars or covered necklines, sleeves, longer style dresses and shorts, and rash vests or t-shirts for outdoor swimming.

9. Informing the school community Sun protection information is regularly promoted to the school community through newsletters, noticeboards, online, parent meetings, staff meetings, school assemblies and on student enrolment. Families and visitors are encouraged to use a combination of sun protection measures when attending or participating in outdoor activities. 10. Review The school parent body and staff will monitor and review the effectiveness of the Sun Protection Policy every three years.

And now we bring you...

Messages from across NSW

South West NSW REGION 1

REGION 1: South West NSW

Southern NSW REGION 2

REGION 2: Southern NSW

Western NSW REGION 3

REGION 3: Western NSW

North West NSW REGION 4

REGION 4: North West NSW

Hunter REGION 5

REGION 5: Hunter

Mid North Coast REGION 6

REGION 6: Mid north coast

Far North Coast REGION 7

REGION 7: Far North Coast

Central & Southern Sydney REGION 8

REGION 8: Central & Southern Sydney

Greater Western Sydney REGION 9

REGION 9: Greater Western Sydney

North Sydney REGION 10

REGION 10: North Sydney

Central Coast REGION 11

REGION 11: Central Coast

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for an updated, comprehensive & best practice sun protection policy.

NSW kids deserve better.

153 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 www.cancercouncil.com.au

CAN 3820 11/12

02 9334 1900