Sun Awareness Policy

At a meeting held on Tuesday 2 November 2000, a number of issues were highlighted by the parents and teachers present. Sun damage is a serious issue which is easily ignored because the results of exposure at a young age will usually only become apparent much later in life. It is therefore easy for schools to say that this is not their problem. We believe that to ignore sun damage for this reason would be to act irresponsibly. The meeting took note of the fact that the prevailing culture at the moment is one of 'unawareness', and that a gradual education of our parents, teachers and pupils will need to take place.

The following decisions were taken at the meeting:

In the Prep School

To actively create an awareness of the sun and the damage that it can cause. To this end, visits to the school by prominent people to speak to both children and parents about sun awareness will be arranged.

Hats are compulsory in summer during breaks if children are playing in exposed areas.

Hats are to be worn when classes are involved in activities which take place outside. This will include physical education and outings. Hats are to be worn during sport in summer in the afternoons where these activities take place outside.

All children are to have a hat at school at all times, clearly marked with their names. This has to be enforced or points 2, 3 and 4 will not be possible. Second Skins are compulsory in the Pre-primary, Junior Primary and are being phased into the Senior Primary. These are available from the Uniform Shop.

In the College

We will endeavour to continue the education process undertaken in the Prep School to create an awareness of the sun and the damage it can cause, with the emphasis on pupils taking responsibility for their own protection.

November 2000

Minor changes made August 2001