Brimbank pupils are double-knotting their laces and pounding the pavement this month, for fun and fitness.
Kings Park Primary School’s 480 pupils are joining in October’s Walk to School program, as are nine other local schools.
Assistant principal Jodie Park says most pupils are driven to school, so it’s a refreshing change to see them on foot.
“It’s all about encouraging them to look for alternative and active ways to travel,” she said.
“During October, the classroom teachers monitor the walks on a daily basis, and there’s definitely a difference.”
Brimbank administrators chairman John Watson says the campaign highlights walking’s benefits. “We want to encourage more kids to walk, scoot or ride to school because exercise is fantastic for their health and helps reduce congestion on our roads and the associated environmental impacts,” Mr Watson said.
Being involved helps primary students get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day and they’re encouraged to record their treks in class and via a Walk to School app.
VicHealth chief executive Jerril Rechter says children who walk to and from school build healthy lifelong habits, become familiar with their neighbourhoods and make new friends.
“Unfortunately, Australian children are now among the world’s least active. In the 1960s, one in 20 children was obese and today it’s one in four.”
VicHealth supports both councils and schools to put on the event. For details go to www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au.
