Its 20 years since the Cancer Council SA launched the SunSmart program. This week it recognised 70 schools and early childhood centres as founding members.
A number of Catholic schools are among those being recognised:
Emmaus Catholic School, Woodcroft
Saint David's Parish School, Tea Tree Gully
St John Bosco School, Brooklyn Park
St Joseph's Memorial School, Norwood
St Joseph's School, Payneham
St Margaret Mary's School, Croydon Park
St Martin's Catholic Primary School, Greenacres
St Mary MacKillop School, Wallaroo
St Joseph’s School Hectorville is just one of just three schools who have held a SunSmart status for 20 consecutive years. Their efforts alone have reduced the skin cancer risk of thousands of young Australians.
St Joseph’s School Principal Liz Thomas said that being a part of the SunSmart Program is a vital part of their school culture and curriculum.
“Our students experience a variety of different SunSmart educational tools within the school setting and our staff also show positive role modelling by following the five SunSmart steps when on yard duties, excursions and school camps, which reinforces the importance of sun protection to our students.”
“Since we started with the program we have noted significant changes to student attitudes and awareness towards being SunSmart. Very few students now need to be reminded at playtimes to wear their hats and in most situations, it’s the students that remind each other. On our special event days, excursions and camps, students have become very proficient with applying their sunscreen and reapplying throughout the day.
“The important SunSmart education we are providing our students in their early years is building a foundation for them towards generational change and reinforcing an attitude towards sun care for the future.”
The program teaches students how to protect their skin, how to understand UV radiation and the importance of slip, slop, slap, seek and slide when you’re outside.
Since the program was introduced into South Australian schools in 1998, it now operates in over 800 schools, early childhood centres and OSHC services across the state and protects more than 114,000 South Australian children and staff from overexposure to UV radiation.
With Melanoma the most common cancer in Australians aged 12 – 24, Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Lincoln Size says that this important program is only possible through the generous support of the South Australian community.
“The SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program in South Australia operates solely on community donations and was are incredibly proud of how it has reduced the lifetime skin cancer risk for every South Australian child and educator at a SunSmart school and early childhood centre through effective education, policy and practice.”
To find out more about the SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program, or to check the SunSmart status of any South Australian school or early childhood centre, visit www.sunsmart.org.au, contact the SunSmart Team on 8291 4265 or email sunsmart@cancersa.org.au.
Catholic schools across South Australia are offering mid-year Reception enrolment intake for students who turn five on or before October 31.
