“THE STAR” Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - PAGE 37
Walk to school success BASS Coast primary schools’ students and families recently took part in Walk to School month. VicHealth’s Walk to School campaign encouraged primary school students across Victoria to walk to and from school throughout October in a bid to get more people living happier and healthier lives. The month highlights the benefits of walking for children, such as improving fitness, friendships, their confidence and the environment. Inverloch, Wonthaggi St Joseph’s, Wonthaggi North, Powlett River, Bass Valley, San Remo, Newhaven and Cowes primary schools, and Bass Coast Specialist School, participated
in the initiative. Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Pamela Rothfield said the initiative was a fun and free way for children to get active and promote healthy habits they can use for the rest of their lives. “Walking, riding and scooting to school during the month of October were really popular and parents also parked a few blocks away from school and walked the rest of the way to get some additional exercise,” she said. “Council also passed on VicHealth funding to support participating primary schools to hold healthy breakfast at their schools.” Some Bass Coast primary schools had a large number of students who
caught the bus to school; therefore four schools ran walking sessions for students who could not walk or ride home. Council and Victoria Police monitored school crossings and driver behaviour to promote safe behaviour around schools, particularly during drop off and pick up times. Walk to School month led to a significant decrease in congestion around schools while walking and riding increased. The schools, council and police hope this will continue. Council and police will continue to have a presence around schools and encourage parents and other drivers to drive safely and slowly in and around school zones.
Healthy options: Bass Valley Primary School students who catch the bus to school had the opportunity to be dropped off at the nearby V/Line car park and walk the rest of the distance to school during Walk to School month.