Walk to School Month now a term-long celebration

Published on 12 October 2022

Primary school students across the Gannawarra are encouraged to walk, scoot or cycle to and from school, or the school bus, this school term as part of a revamped VicHealth Walk to School program.

An annual highlight of the Gannawarra’s school calendar, primary school children and their families are encouraged to be active every day to lift their mood, self esteem and improve learning outcomes.

“Our local primary schools have been enthusiastic participants of the local VicHealth Walk to School program since 2013, and we look forward to celebrating this expanded program,” Gannawarra Shire Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“October to December is a great time of year to walk, cycle or scoot to and from school, or the school bus, especially as the rain clears and the weather starts to warm up.”

As part of this year’s initiative, local primary schools will display Walk to School banners and include Walk to School messaging in their newsletters. Schools have also been encouraged to host activities that promote healthy habits and support children to be active. 

“Being active every day by walking to school, or the school bus, fosters confidence, independence and builds resilience in children so that they can safely navigate their local community as they grow and develop,” Mr Rollinson said.

“Schools host a range of activities to promote active and healthy lifestyles such as walking school buses, healthy breakfasts, pedestrian safety activities and community walks. Daily walking circuits are also encouraged so that children who are driven to school or arrive on the school buses also have the opportunity to fit some extra walking into the school day.” 

The 2022 VicHealth Walk to School program is coordinated by Gannawarra Shire Council in partnership with local primary schools, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police and Mallee Family Care.

Walk to School is an initiative of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, VicHealth. For more information regarding the 2022 VicHealth Walk to School program, please visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au