Wilder Penfield Elementary Shines Bright with SUN AWARE

submitted by by Amanda Stefanovic, Wilder Penfield Home & School

Lester B. Pearson School Board school Wilder Penfield Elementary School is proud to announce that it has officially joined the SUN AWARE Sun Safety Certification Program, an award-winning initiative developed by Melanoma Canada. The program helps schools and community organizations across Canada protect children and staff from the harmful effects of the sun by promoting strong and sustainable sun safety practices.

Through this free and accessible program, Wilder Penfield Elementary refined its sun safety goals and strengthened awareness around daily sun-safe practices. The school also now has access to educational resources through the SUN AWARE program to help reinforce sun-safe behaviours among students. After completing the program requirements, the school was officially awarded SUN AWARE certification1 Marking an important step in its ongoing commitment to student health and well-being.

Building on this momentum, Wilder Penfield Elementary also participated in the “Bring Shade to Where Kids Shine” campaign led by Melanoma Canada in support of Giving Tuesday.

Thanks to the incredible support of families, staff, and community members, the school helped raise nearly $1,000 through nominations, with each $5 donation counting as one entry. Because of this outstanding community effort, Wilder Penfield Elementary received the highest number of nominations in Canada and was officially named the $5,000 Bonus Shade Package Winner!

The school was notified of the exciting win on February 18. Principal and staff members found the process easy to coordinate and quickly put the initiative into action. By the end of April, Wilder Penfield Elementary had received and installed five high-quality shade stations, including sturdy stands and umbrellas, throughout the school yard.

These new shaded areas provide students with safer and more comfortable outdoor spaces to learn, play, and gather during warmer months. The addition of the five shade stations is a practical first step in continuing to improve sun safety within the school environment.

Excessive sun exposure during childhood can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, including melanoma. Simple habits such as wearing hats, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade can make a significant difference in protecting children while they enjoy outdoor activities.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and support of many members of the Wilder Penfield community. Special thanks go to the Wilder Home and School Association for initiating the campaign, as well as to the principal and staff for helping bring the project to life and into the school yard for students to benefit from every day.

The school also extends its gratitude to Melanoma Canada and Shade Sails Canada for their continued commitment to promoting sun safety and supporting schools across the country.

Together, the Wilder Penfield community is helping create a safer and healthier outdoor environment and ensuring students can continue to shine safely.

For more information about the SUN AWARE program, visit Melanoma Canada SUN AWARE Program.