STUDENTS at Mitchells Island Public School have taken a fashion tip from the book of the Blues Brothers, adding a pair of sunglasses to their traditional slip, slop, slap sun protection kit in a move introduced by principal Kim Wallis.
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The sunglasses will be phased in in an effort to bolster eye protection at the school.
"The glasses will protect against pterygium and will aid eye health in general," Mrs Wallace said.
"We do so many outdoor activities, including gardening and physical development, that it's important we look after their eyes as well."
The idea came to Ms Wallis after attending a primary school's principal meeting earlier this year.
The glasses, made by School Shades, cost $10, with the school subsidising the original price.
"Rather than a random collection of sunglasses, we have good, UV protective glasses that come in school colours," Mrs Wallis said.
Students at the school were impressed with the new shades as well, with some describing the new addition to the uniform as "cool."
"It's really important to protect your eyes," said school captain Bevan Smith.
"You only get one pair and you can't replace them."
Mrs Wallis said phasing in the glasses was an advantage that the school of 34 students has.
"It is an advantage of a smaller school, the expense of bringing these in is a lot less," Mrs Wallis said.
Mrs Wallis said she hoped the move would be adopted at other schools around the region.
She said Old Bar Public School had already taken similar steps towards eye protection.
The glasses will complement the original sun safety campaign of slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen and slapping on a hat.
Students will now be encouraged to seek shade and slide on some "sunnies".
"We are very proud of our uniform and the sunglasses fit it perfectly," Mrs Wallis said.
lachlan.leeming@fairfaxmedia.com.au
