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First Wonthaggi Walking School Bus LaunchedBass Coast Shire Council’s Wonthaggi Primary School Walking School Bus™ was officially launched on Monday 7 November. By Bass Coast Shire - 14th November 2005 - Back to News The Bus is the first to start walking in Wonthaggi, following the success of a Riding School Bus recently launched in Newhaven.
Representatives from Council, Wonthaggi Primary School, VicRoads and Victoria Police, along with parents greeted the Bus as it arrived at the school.
The children and volunteers were then presented with certificates and showbags at the School Assembly.
Wonthaggi Primary School’s Acting Principal, Vin Hally, thanked Council, VicHealth and volunteer parents for making the program possible.
"This is a very successful community partnership, which will hopefully build in the months and years to come.
"The program addresses both health and road safety issues and the kids like it," said Mr Hally.
Seven children are currently participating in the Walking School Bus™, with room for around 10 more to join now the program has officially launched. The Bus will operate on Monday and Friday mornings along a 1km route from Stewart Street down Cape Paterson Road.
Benefits of the Bus
"The aim of the program is to change the travel patterns of children and parents," said Council’s Walking School Bus Coordinator, Kerri Ritchie.
"It’s about reducing traffic around schools, encouraging daily exercise for children and providing a safe environment for the children to develop road safety skills."
Volunteers needed
"The support from the school has been wonderful," said Ms Ritchie. "But we are keen to find more adult volunteers, so we can add extra days onto the schedule."
St Joseph’s Primary School is also currently trialing a Walking School Bus™ program, but is in need of additional volunteers before a full program can be launched.
Ms Ritchie said that Council was eager to get more volunteers involved so that all of the Shire’s Primary Schools could run the Walking School Bus™ program.
"The benefits of the program are really significant," said Ms Ritchie. "We encourage members of the community to support this and get involved."
Anyone interested in volunteering for The Walking School Bus™ program or who would like further information, should contact Council on (03) 5671 2211 or (03) 5951 3311.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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