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Tenth Walk To School DayStudents and schools across Bass Coast Shire participated in the Tenth National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 15 May By Bass Coast Shire Council - 18th May 2009 - Back to News Bass Coast Shire Council Walking School Bus Facilitator, Lisa Archibald, said the aim of Walk Safely to School Day is to develop healthy, active kids by encouraging children to exercise regularly and include at least 30 minutes of walking in their daily routine.
"Students and schools have taken up the challenge and participated in various ways," said Ms Archibald.
"Wonthaggi Primary School participated with a week long competition encouraging active participation with the most active class winning a healthy breakfast at Over 2 Kate’s in Wonthaggi.
"The winning grade five and six class has shown great leadership with 70 per cent of the students walking to school in the week before Walk Safely to School Day," said Ms Archibald.
"We hope all students who participated in Walk Safely to School Day will continue to walk to school as often as possible.
"Some schools have a Walking School Bus program which helps students walk safely to school all year round," explained Ms Archibald.
Wonthaggi Primary School Physical Education teacher, Will Rankin, said the school is encouraging students to walk to school as often as possible.
"Children develop lifestyle habits when they’re young," said Mr Rankin.
"Encouraging them to walk regularly, instead of jumping into the car is an effective way to help them create these healthy habits.
"It’s great for the students to get a breakfast as a reward for their efforts, but the real reward is the health benefits they get out of regular exercise."
Council would like to thank local Walk Safely to School Day sponsors Over 2 Kate’s, Bakers Delight, Coles and Murray Goulburn for providing the food and venue for the breakfast.
"The students were really excited to have their café breakfast, which simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support of sponsors," said Ms Archibald.
For more information about becoming involved in the Walking School Bus program, contact Lisa Archibald on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or email l.archibald@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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