Walk safely to school day
2 May 2008 During today’s beautiful sunny morning, Jenny Macklin MP, Federal Member for Jagajaga, walked up Eltham’s hills along with a team of students from Our Lady Help of Christians Walking School Bus in recognition of Walk Safely to School Day. The Australian Government is again supporting Walk Safely to School Day, a national event promoting physical activity and good nutrition among school aged children.
“Our Lady’s has set a great example of the benefits of walking to school”, Ms Macklin said.
“The school has four Walking School Bus routes covering much of Eltham which operate throughout every week each term.
“All of the children I walked with today were enthusiastic about walking to school and it is easy to see the benefits – the social as well as for health.
“At the assembly today, a sea of hands went up to show the children who had walked to school today, which is a marvellous result”.
“Walking Safely to School Day offers an excellent opportunity to remind ourselves that getting around on foot isn’t so hard – even parking the car 1km from school and walking the rest of the way is a great way to get some exercise.
“This activity teaches children a number of things; about pedestrian safety, about their local streets and people, and can also help address childhood obesity.
“I am very happy that the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has contributed $50,000 to this program which promotes the health and wellbeing of our children.
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