Sydenham-Hillside Primary School pupils have been stepping out in this year’s VicHealth Walk to School program.
Teacher Henry Nicdao says the initiative helped ease vehicle congestion around the school’s grounds as well as providing health benefits for the students.
“It’s been really well received by the wider school community,” Mr Nicdao said.
“The kids and parents have embraced the fitness benefits attached to the program and it’s also helped reduce traffic around the school, which has been really noticeable.
“We’ve established designated points neighbouring the school, and from those points children are able to walk to the grounds in a safe, supervised environment. Participants also have the chance to win a big screen television, which has generated some excitement, too.”
The program is the second in a line of fitness endeavours the school has participating in, with pupils recently riding two wheels to school instead of being driven in four.
“We recently took part in the ride to school month as well, which was part of our endeavours to make our school a more active one,” Mr Nicdao said. “It’s not just students involved – it’s staff and parents, too.
“At the end of the day, we’re all about encouraging an active lifestyle and you have to practise what you preach.”
The Walk to School program, which was established in 2006, was also supported by Glengala/Sunshine West Primary and
St Albans Primary.
