SunSmart-ness rewarded

Suburban School is the first school in the Kaikoura region to be awarded its SunSmart accreditation.

The Cancer Society visited the school last week to present the award. This included trees to provide shade to future generations, sponsored by the Kaikoura Cancer Society Group and Southern Woods Tree Nursery.

Margaret Hislop was among those from the local Cancer Society. Mrs Hislop has worked tirelessly to promote the cause for a number of years, including working closely with the school to achieve this. The school was presented with a smart plaque and an ultraviolet index teaching board which can be used as a tool to monitor the risk from ultraviolet radiation.

The SunSmart Schools Accreditation Programme has been developed to encourage SunSmart behaviour among schools, therefore reducing children's exposure to ultraviolet radiation and reducing their risk of skin cancer.

All primary and intermediate schools in New Zealand can apply for accreditation. The programme has been promoted since September 2006 in the Canterbury West Coast Region.

Successful schools need to have implemented a Sun-Smart policy during terms one and four which includes SunSmart behaviours to reduce exposure to UV, for example the use of hats and other sensible clothing and SPF30+ sunscreen.

They will also show a knowledge of SunSmart environments, promoting the provision and use of shade and rescheduling outdoor activities at high risk times. The schools undergo a three yearly review.