Teachers and parents welcome National Walk Safely to School Day initiative

Walk Safely to School Day 2021

On Friday, May 14, students across the Peninsula will begin school with a stroll and participate in the 22nd anniversary of National Walk Safely to School Day.

Students will be encouraged to walk to and from school.

The national event aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking can provide for the long-term well-being of students.

All primary schools across Australia are expected to participate in the event, with Pretty Beach Public School no exception.

Assistant Principal, Dave Rattray, said the students and families of Pretty Beach Public School have participated in this campaign for years.

“We always have a teacher on duty to meet and greet the morning bus and walk the students safely across the road …on Friday this will remain, however, parents and family members are being encouraged to do their part [and] teach and encourage safe road skills throughout our community,” Rattray said.

“Teachers will [also] proudly meet students at the school gate to celebrate this campaign and give out some merchandise to those who participate.”

Rattray also said it was essential for both parents and educators to help maintain a ‘strong emphasis’ on physical activity, particularly with recent advances in technology.

“It is for these reasons that we should be doing what we can to encourage and maintain physical activity that inspires children to want to be active and to build these healthy habits into their everyday lives as teenagers and young adults,” Rattray added.

“It definitely doesn’t start or stop at the school gate!”

Students from Umina Beach Public School will also participate on the day, hosting a breakfast for students with donations of fruit from Woolworths.

Principal, Chad Tsakissiris, said the school is ‘strongly; encouraging their students to participate on the day and engage in a healthy and active lifestyle.

“Teachers will be discussing the safety aspects of safely crossing the road in classroom lessons throughout the next two weeks [and] we are encouraging parent to accompany the students on the walk to school,” Tsakissiris said.

“Our teachers will be at the gates in the morning to welcome students and their families to school and to supervise the streets adjacent to the school.

“We think it is important for families to do this together and share the learning.”

Maisy Rae