By Esther Lauaki
Malmsbury Primary School pupils will be walking, running, scooting or riding their way to school as the warmer weather kicks in.
VicHealth’s Walk to School month encourages primary school pupils to build healthy habits for life.
School principal Carolyn Tavener said the school received council funding to buy new scooters, skateboards and safety gear for pupils to borrow so they could get to school.
“We have a group of students called the Malmsbury Environmental Action League in grade 4 to 6 who have been active in promoting the initiative,” Ms Tavener said.
“We organised a roster so that those children and a teacher patrol the local store so that children can walk to school together safely.”
She said Walk to School month reinforced the message of sustainable living that pupils already learn about through the school’s resourcesmart program.
Macedon Rangges mayor Jennifer Anderson said walking to school was a great opportunity to develop friendships, get active and reduce traffic and pollution in the process.
“We know that regular physical exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, and it’s great to be able to support children to develop that mindset early in their lives,” Cr Anderson said.
