Tom Parry
NATIONAL Walk Safely to School Day occurs tomorrow, and motorists are being urged to keep alert.
Schools across the nation and Gippsland will be participating in the initiative, including Stratford Primary School.
According to principal Kate Steele, approximately one-quarter of the school’s 83 pupils regularly walk to and from school, a number she is keen to see increase on the day.
“Most of our children, the younger ones will get dropped off by mum and dad; and because these days most parents work, they’re dropping them off on the way to work, or they’re in before and after school care,” Mrs Steele said.
“Stratford is such a lovely community and a safe community… if we can be encouraging more of our children, who can, walk to school or ride their bike to school, we’d love to see that happen.”
While Stratford Primary is within walking distance for a large number of students, Mrs Steele acknowledged that there are some barriers which prevent them from walking to school safely.
“For our kids here (in Stratford), we’ve got the highway going through the middle of town – that can be a challenge there,” Mrs Steele said.
“We’ve also got the railway line, that (pupils) have to learn how to safely cross.
“It can also be distance… for some of the children who are living in the outer areas of Stratford, on the lifestyle blocks – that distance can be a challenge for them to walk to school as well.”
But the biggest barrier is the duty-of-care to students when walking to or from school: “if mum and dad are working, it’s not always the safest option.”
To overcome these barriers, Mrs Steele is setting-up a safe meeting point to encourage students to walk to school, and accompany them to the school grounds.
Her goal is to have half of the school’s students accompany her on the day.
Photo: Tom Parry
This year marks the 24th anniversary of National Walk Safely to School Day, which is typically held on the third Friday of May annually.
Championed by the Pedestrian Council Australia and supported by Victoria Police, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking, or alternative active transport – especially to and from school – can offer in assisting the long-term wellbeing of children and adults.
And the advantages go further than that.
“Apart from the environmental and physical health benefits, walking to school for any of us helps us to mentally prepare for the day – releasing those good endorphins to clear our minds!” Mrs Steele said.
In the lead-up to Friday, she is urging drivers to pay attention and be aware of children, particularly around her school.
“Be aware of the speed limit – it is a 40 kilometre-an-hour speed zone, regardless of whether we’re at school or not,” Mrs Steele said.
“Just take notice of any child walking or riding to school.”
Additionally, this Friday, May 19 coincides with Stratford Primary School’s Crazy Sock and Crazy Hair Day – allowing those who are otherwise unable to walk to school to feel included in the day’s activities.
Pupils are being encouraged to dress in their craziest socks or wear their craziest hairdo in return for a gold coin donation, with all money raised going toward the Footprints Foundation.
