Beaumaris Primary School are the lucky recipients of new shade through Cancer Council WA's SunSmart Schools Program.
In a recent competition, Cancer Council WA, in partnership with the West Coast Eagles, offered schools the opportunity to win $10,000 worth of shade simply by joining or being a part of the SunSmart Schools Program.
Cancer Council WA's SunSmart Manager, Mark Strickland, said the competition is a great way to encourage schools to join the SunSmart Schools Program.
"Children are at school during peak UV times of the day so encouraging children to be SunSmart is a responsibility that all schools need to take seriously," Mr Strickland said.
"By generously funding more shade structures in schools, we are helping to reduce the overall amount of excess UV exposure children receive thus reducing their skin cancer risk."
Beaumaris Primary School Corporate Services Manager, Donna Attwood, says the school is grateful to have won the shade and is thrilled to see more children utilising the playground since the shade was installed.
"Beaumaris Primary School would like to put out a big thank you to Cancer Council WA and the West Coast Eagles," Ms Attwood said.
"This was an unused playground with little appeal to our students.
"Children found it difficult to play on in summer, and as a SunSmart School, our parents were always concerned about our students spending time on this playground during the highest UV times of the day.
"The new sunshade has transformed how our students interact with each other during recess and lunch times and has had a positive impact on our school community as a whole and increased play time."
About Cancer Council WA's SunSmart schools program:
- The SunSmart Schools program aims to minimise student and staff exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun at school and during school-associated activities.
- The SunSmart Schools Program recognises schools that have comprehensive sun protection policy and practices in place to protect the students and staff in their care.
- The program is free and you can register at generationsunsmart.com.au/wa-school-registration/
