Walk to School month, an annual Program that encourages primary school students to walk, scoot or ride to school throughout October, has wrapped up for another year.
Congratulations to Bass Coast Specialist School, Bass Valley Primary School, Cowes Primary School, Inverloch Primary School, Newhaven College, Newhaven Primary School, Powlett River Primary School, San Remo Primary School, St Joseph's School, Wonthaggi North Primary School, Wonthaggi State Primary School and Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School, who participated in a range of Walk to School activities throughout the month.
Students participating in the program received recognition through awards, certificates and prizes including cinema tickets and YMCA vouchers. Bendigo Bank generously donated water bottles and the use of their mascot "Piggy".
Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative that provides children with a fun way to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day, as well as a great environment to learn about road safety, pedestrian safety and bike safety.
Bass Coast Shire Council supports the Walk to School Program and provides Walk to School maps, which identify footpaths and safe crossing points, Walk and Drop Zones and valuable safety tips.
This year, a new initiative of the Program was the installation of decals on footpaths around primary schools in Inverloch, Wonthaggi, San Remo, Newhaven and Cowes. The decals encourage pedestrians to "Stop, Look, Listen and Think" when crossing roads, with the message extending beyond Walk to School month.
Throughout the month, Council and Victoria Police monitored school crossings and driver behaviour, to promote safe behaviour around schools, particularly during drop off and pick up times. This presence will continue, to encourage drivers to take extra caution in school zones.
VicHealth funding assisted schools to hold events or healthy breakfasts throughout the month, to promote the importance of exercise and healthy eating habits.
San Remo Primary School, Newhaven College Junior School and Newhaven Primary School held school walk, ride or scoot to school events followed by a healthy breakfast, while Powlett River Primary School held a tabloid sports carnival day.
