Pupils step out to school

St Margaret’s Primary School pupils Liam and Eden joined Maribyrnong council deputy mayor Sarah Carter as part of Walk Safely to School Day. (Damjan Janevski) 279247_04

St Margaret’s Primary School pupils walked the walk to promote ongoing healthy behaviour on Friday, May 20, with pupils taking part in the annual Walk Safely to School Day.

Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman and chief executive Harold Scruby said an Australian Bureau of Statistics 2017-18 health survey showed that childhood obesity continues to affect one in four children across Australia and walking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of obesity.

“Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day,” he said.

St Margaret’s Primary School principal Gavin Brennan said the program allowed for pupils to walk or ride bikes along the safe paths outlined in the Maribyrnong council’s Active Paths Program and increase their and their parents awareness of how to walk to school safely.

“It’s getting the parents aware of it as well, whether they walk all the way or walk part of the way,” he said.

Details: www.walk.com.au/WSTSD/