Bridgetown High School has won $10,000 towards new shade infrastructure after taking out Cancer Council WA's inaugural SunSmart High School Shade Competition.
The competition supported secondary schools across WA to strengthen their sun protection policies and practices, with schools going in the draw to win $10,000 to help create safer, more sun-protected outdoor spaces for students and staff.
Bridgetown High School Principal Carol Thorsby said the school community was thrilled to receive the prize.
"Our school community would like to say a big thank you to Cancer Council WA for their incredible generosity," Ms Thorsby said.
We're still considering the best way to use the funds, but one option we're exploring is improving the shade infrastructure around the school bus stop.
Cancer Council WA Southwest Regional Cancer Prevention Coordinator Emma Handreck said the competition was a great way to encourage high schools to prioritise sun protection and build on the success of the SunSmart Primary Schools Program.
Cancer Council WA congratulates Bridgetown High School on its commitment to sun protection and reducing over-exposure to UV in the school community
"Students spend much of the school day outdoors, often when UV levels are high. Schools play a vital role in protecting students from harmful UV radiation and helping them develop lifelong sun protection habits" Ms Handreck said.
"Too much UV exposure during childhood and adolescence significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
By creating shaded outdoor spaces and encouraging practical, ongoing sun protection behaviours, schools like Bridgetown High School are helping reduce their students' risk of skin cancer in the future.
Sun protection in schools
Shade is an important part of a comprehensive approach to sun protection. Schools can also support sun-safe behaviours by providing access to sunscreen, encouraging sun-protective clothing and hats, displaying the UV Index and planning outdoor activities outside peak UV periods.
If your school has questions or would like support to improve sun safety standards, visit Generation SunSmart or email [email protected].
