2011 – Sun Safety and Shading

Legal References
Education Act
Related References
Policy 2000 Environmental Values
Administrative Procedure 4130 – Severe Weather Conditions (Bus Cancellation – Student Dismissal – School Closing)
Administrative Procedure 4140 Recess / Lunch Outdoor Activities Severe Weather Conditions
Shade Audit Information Guide and Tool, Region of Waterloo
Administrative Procedure 4490, Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI)
Effective Date
January 2012
Revisions
March 23, 2015, January 11, 2021, January 14, 2026
Reviewed
March 20, 2017, June 11, 2018

1. Purpose

1.1 The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) promotes public health through the development of a culture of sun safety through education, communication and action.

2. Application

2.1 The WRDSB recognizes that exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) poses an identified health risk (such as skin cancer).

2.2 The WRDSB recognizes that the strategic provision of shade:

  • reduces the urban heat island effect by reducing the temperature of hard surfaces including paved areas and parking lots
  • enables students to play in outdoor environments while protecting them from the harmful impact of UVR.

2.3 The WRDSB acknowledges the important role of communicating and promoting sun safety awareness and protective strategies to students, parents and staff which include:

2.3.1 The potential ill effects of sun exposure

2.3.2 Protective Strategies:

  • providing shaded areas for outdoor activities
  • wearing protective clothing (long sleeved shirts and long pants and tightly woven fabrics)
  • wearing hats with wide brims, visors and/or back flaps
  • wearing UV protective sunglasses
  • using sunscreens
  • using portable shade devices

2.4 The WRDSB recognizes the importance of the provision of shade, either natural (trees or other appropriate vegetation) or constructed, as an essential element in the planning and design of new or renovations to WRDSB facilities. Where possible, the removed trees will be replaced with suitable native species.

2.5 When plans for school construction, additions or renovations include the removal of healthy trees from the school property, the overall communication process should inform and allow input from school communities and surrounding neighbours.

2.6 Existing school sites will be reviewed periodically to ensure that appropriate shaded areas are being provided for students.

2.7 The WRDSB supports and encourages schools and school councils to develop school based greening solutions to address ongoing sun safety behaviours and shading initiatives.

2.8 The WRDSB acknowledges and accepts its responsibility in the community to participate in the development and support of a Region Wide Shade Policy with community partners.

2011 – Sun Safety and Shading