Queensland Health supports Walk Safely to School Day

Many students like walking to school because it gives students time to talk to their friends. However, many parents or caregivers are concerned about safety issues with students walking to school. Walk Safely to School Day is an excellent opportunity for parents or caregivers to find out for themselves how safe or unsafe their child’s walk to school may be and show their child what behaviours can make it safe to walk to school.

The more students walk to school, the less traffic congestion will be around schools to cause safety concerns for walking students. Queensland Health endorses walking as a fun, healthy and environmentally friendly way of travelling.

Small school makes big walking effort

The 11 students at Ropeley State School had a great time walking to school on Walk Safely to School Day. With all the students living a fair distance from the school, it was a first for many of them to walk to school.

Students and teachers met at the Lutheran Church about 1.5 kms away from the school at 8.15am. They left the church at 8.25am and walked up hills and down dales on their way to school. Luckily there wasn't much traffic around.

On their walk they saw lots of cattle, some water in the dams, beautiful gardens, cow manure, litter, signs, clouds, blue sky, brown grass and a view of the school from up on top of the hill (through the brown grass).

At 8:50am they arrived safely at school and enjoyed a refreshing drink and a break before getting stuck into their lessons.

What a great effort!

Active and healthy kids in Leyburn

In Leyburn, lots of kids catch the bus to school. However, on Friday the bus drivers stopped a few blocks away from the school and walked with the kids the rest of the way. Many staff members and parents did the same, and walked part of the way to school

Once at school, the kids enjoyed a healthy breakfast. A perfect start to a active and healthy lifestyle.

Well done to everyone at Leyburn State School who made such a great effort.

Gypmie South walking to the beat of a drum

The school motto at Gypmie South State School is, 'together we make the difference'. Today, by walking to school, their students, teachers and parents really did make a difference.

55 students put their feet first and pounded the pavement to the beat of the drums played by Gypmie South Drum Corp who joined them for the walk.

With their school banner proudly leading the walkers and a multitude of blue and gold helium ballons floating along side, they definitely made an impact. Not just visually, but also in reducing traffic congestion and improving fitness.

The school also rewarded two lucky walkers, Ashlee Salt and Shawn Lee. Well done!

Their next walk will take place on 6 June 2008 – Queensland Day!!