|
|
|
News>All aboard the Lakeside Primary Walking School Bus
| Media release: 13 October 2009 | |
Cardinia Shire’s newest ‘Walking School Bus’ departed for Pakenham Lakeside Primary School amid fun and fanfare on Tuesday 13 October.
Students left from the corner of Barwon and Shearwater Drive at 8.30am and walk along Shearwater Drive, arriving at school in time for the bell.
The launch of the ‘Walking School Bus’ follows Council’s decision to maintain the service after funding ceased in 2008. The service had now become a component of the Streets Ahead program.
Mayor Cr Bill Pearson and Central Ward Councillors George Blenkhorn, Collin Ross and Brett Owen accompanied the 12 children and five volunteer ‘drivers and conductors’ along with the Walking School Bus mascot for the inaugural journey.
Children received certificates and give-a-ways to encourage walking to school as a great way to start each school day; being active and enjoying the social aspects of walking with friends.
Cr Pearson said that the modern day trend of driving children to school is contributing to the childhood obesity problem plaguing the nation and inflating the national health bill.
“The Streets Ahead Program aims to encourage and support children to independently and safely move around the community,” he said.
“We want them to experience the fun of doing active things outdoors that usually cost very little money and give children a sense of belonging in the community.”
“The Walking School Bus is a fun way to learn about the importance of being physically active and the enjoyment of connecting with other people in the community,” said Cr Pearson.
For more information about the Cardinia Council Streets Ahead Program or the Walking School Bus contact Kate Beveridge, Active Children’s Officer, telephone 1300 787 624.
| |
| |
|