SunSmart Policy

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and most sun damage happens in childhood. St Mary's College is a member of the Cancer Council Victoria SunSmart Schools program, and this policy explains the practical steps we take, from the compulsory navy wide-brim hat to shade and sunscreen, so that students can enjoy the yard, sport and carnivals safely.

Purpose

To protect students and staff from over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, and to build lifelong sun-protective habits in our students.

Scope

This policy applies to all students from Prep to Year 12, staff, volunteers and visitors during school hours, at sport, on excursions and camps, and at any college activity held outdoors, including the Junior Athletics Carnival on Friday 4 September 2026 and the Senior Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 8 September 2026.

Policy statement

Sun protection is required whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Victoria this is the case for the whole of Terms 1 and 4, and often on clear days in late Term 3 and early Term 2. The College uses a combination of measures: hats, clothing, sunscreen, shade, and timetabling outdoor activities away from peak UV where possible. Staff check the daily UV forecast (SunSmart app or the Bureau of Meteorology) and adjust supervision accordingly.

Procedures

• Hats. The navy wide-brim college hat is compulsory in Terms 1 and 4 for all students Prep–Year 12 whenever they are outside, and at other times when the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above. Caps and bucket hats that do not shade the neck and ears are not acceptable. Hats are available from the Uniform Shop (see Uniform Shop) and must be clearly named.
• No hat, play in the shade. Junior students without a hat play in the undercover area beside the Junior building at recess and lunch. Senior students without a hat use the shaded courtyard or the Library. Spare hats are not lent for hygiene reasons.
• Sunscreen. SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is provided in every Junior classroom and in each Senior sport kit. Students are encouraged to apply sunscreen before school and to re-apply before lunch and before PE or sport. Students may bring their own sunscreen if they have sensitive skin; parents should advise the classroom teacher of any allergy on the medical forms.
• Clothing. The college uniform includes collared shirts and dresses with sleeves. Rash vests or sun shirts are required for swimming lessons and the swimming carnivals, and sunglasses (close-fitting, AS/NZS 1067) are permitted outdoors.
• Shade and timetabling. Outdoor lessons and assemblies in Terms 1 and 4 are held under the Junior sails, the Hall verandah or the trees on the Main Oval boundary where possible. Carnival organisers provide marquees for each House and schedule long outdoor events to include indoor or shaded breaks.
• Heat. When temperatures are extreme, the Extreme Weather Policy applies and sport may be cancelled or moved indoors.
• Staff and volunteers. Adults model SunSmart behaviour by wearing hats and sunscreen on yard duty, excursions and sport.

Responsibilities

Parents and carers

• Provide a named college wide-brim hat and check it goes to school every day in Terms 1 and 4.
• Apply sunscreen before school on high-UV days and ensure your child has a drink bottle.
• Tell the College about any skin conditions or sunscreen allergies.

Students

• Wear your hat outside in Terms 1 and 4 and whenever asked; apply sunscreen before going outside for PE, sport or lunch.
• Seek shade during breaks on hot days.

Staff

• Enforce the hat rule consistently and direct hatless students to the shade.
• Check the UV forecast, take sunscreen to outdoor lessons and plan outdoor activities to minimise peak UV exposure.

Related documents

• Uniform & Grooming Policy
• Sport Uniform
• Extreme Weather Policy
• Athletics Carnivals
• Swimming Carnivals
• Uniform Shop
• Medical Forms & Health

Review

Policy owner: Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Mission. Approved by the College Leadership Team October 2025; ratified by the College Advisory Council; next review October 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hat compulsory in Terms 2 and 3?

Not routinely. During Terms 2 and 3 hats are encouraged on any day the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above, and teachers will ask students to wear them on those days. From Monday 5 October 2026, the first day of Term 4, hats are compulsory again.

My child has lost their hat. What happens tomorrow?

They will spend recess and lunch in the shaded area until a new hat arrives. Check Lost Property first; replacement hats are available from the Uniform Shop on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons, and second-hand hats are sometimes available at P&F sales.

Can my child wear a cap for sport?

No. Only the navy wide-brim hat meets the SunSmart standard. For carnivals, the college hat is worn with the House polo.

Do teachers apply sunscreen to Prep students?

Junior teachers supervise and remind students, and help Prep and Year 1 students who cannot apply sunscreen themselves. Please apply a first layer at home so your child arrives protected.

Is the sunscreen the College provides suitable for sensitive skin?

The College uses a fragrance-free SPF50+ product. If your child reacts to it, send a named alternative in their bag and let the teacher know.