Skin cancers are the most common form of cancers in New Zealand. The incidence of melanoma skin cancer is among the highest in the world.
- The SunSmart schools website provides information for teachers, students and parents on how to be SunSmart.
- The SunSmart schools programme provides Cancer Society approved guidelines on how to make your school a safe place for students and the school community.
It is important to regularly review sun protection policies and practices in both schools that are enrolled in the programme and those that are not. In 2017 researchers from the Cancer Society Social and Behavioural Research Unit at the University of Otago surveyed schools on behalf of the Cancer Society. In total, 1243 schools participated.
The survey covered provision of shade, use of sun protective practices (hats, clothing, sunscreen) and whether schools had a written sun protection policy. Here is a link to an overview of key results from this report.
What's happening with SunSmart Schools?
SunSmart role models lead the way
Kapanui School mediators act as role models within the school community. A group of Rangitahi (year 8 students) are trained to mediate playground disputes and now act as SunSmart role models by distributing sunscreen to the students at lunch times. The sunscreen stations are located at two key points in the playground and are well used by all students.
Kapanui School is a large Decile 9 primary school with over 600 pupils based in Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast. The School is SunSmart accredited and the children proudly wear their bucket hats and Sunmart clothes. However not everyone can afford to have sunscreen in their children’s bags. Kapanui have taken the initiative and set up sunscreen stations so nobody misses out during the SunSmart season.
Staying Sun Safe in Principals Today
Check out the article about SunSmart schools on page 20 and see some key results from the recent survey of SunSmart Schools undertaken by the Cancer Society’s Social and Behavioural Research Unit researchers in late 2017.
issuu.com/magazinestoday/docs/pt117
SunSmart Schools curriculum in action
Watch the SunSmart Schools curriculum resources in action at Sylvia Park School. The resources are cross-curricula for Levels 1 to 4 of the NZ Curriculum, and are a great way to teach students about the sun, energy and sun protection through hands-on and inquiry lessons.
Products for Schools
Great offer for the SPF 30+ Everday 1 Litre Pump Bottle
The SPF30+ Sunscreen is UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Very High Protection. A formulation enriched with moisturising Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. Two hours water resistance. The 1 Litre has proved popular and the price remains the same for this product. Make it a Cancer Society summer at your school and early childcare centre... More
Fundraising 
A great option to fundraise with instead of chocolate and biscuits.
SPF50+ 50g Everyday Tube, Buy Price: $3.50 incl GST
Sell for $5.00 or more – clear profit direct to the school/early childhood centre.
NB: No Sale, No Return. Product must be ordered in carton lots - 48 units per carton - to achieve the fundraiser price.
Apply to be a
SunSmart School
Complete the online SunSmart Schools Accreditation Application. Your local Cancer Society Health Promoter will contact you.
Already SunSmart?
