Westmere School has joined over half of the schools in the Whanganui-Waimarino-Rangitikei region to become a Cancer Society Sun Smart School.
Cancer Society health promoter Judy McIntyre presented the sun smart plaque to senior student Paige Cromarty at a recent assembly. "Westmere School is working on improving current shade at the school and as with all our accredited schools they have a sound policy that includes wearing broad-brimmed hats when outdoors."
New Zealand still has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Over-exposure to ultra violet radiation (UVR) in childhood and adolescence increases the risk of developing skin cancer. The purpose of the Cancer Society's Sun Smart Schools Programme is to promote policies and practices in schools that reduce students' exposure to UV radiation.
Becoming a sun smart school is a way for schools to show their communities they have made the commitment to creating a sun safe environment.