Walk to School program continues

Published on 07 October 2020

The annual Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program will continue in 2020 but in a different format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An annual highlight of the school calendar, this year’s program will encourage primary school children and their families to be active before or after school while making sure they stay safe and follow the latest health advice.

“Council is pleased to have partnered with local health agencies and primary schools across the municipality since 2013 to run this popular VicHealth program,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“The program’s message of being active by walking, cycling or scooting to and from school, or the school bus, will continue to be promoted.

“Being active every day is good for children’s physical health and mental wellbeing and can help lift their mood, self-esteem and improve learning outcomes. It’s also a great way for children to connect with their family, their friends and their community.”

The program, which begins this week, coincides with the resumption of on-site learning at primary schools across the Gannawarra, with motorists to be mindful of extra traffic vehicles and pedestrians around local schools.

“Being back at school and involved in the Walk to School program throughout October will help resume some form of normality,” Murrabit Group School principal, Greg Adams said.

“It will also help encourage our students and their families to get back out in the fresh air enjoying walking and riding to school and safely connecting with others.

“Seeing our students being active in the community will help to motivate other community members to increase their own physical activity levels and to take small steps to confidently start connecting safely with others.”

The Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program is a partnership between local primary schools, Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, Mallee Family Care, and the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.

Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au 

ABOVE: Murrabit Group School students Shanae West, Jack Keath, Lachlan Maher, Emily Murray and Wendy Henderson are looking forward to participating in the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program. 

NOTE: This publication is certified in accordance with the Gannawarra Shire Council Governance Rules.