Champions of getting active crowned

Kids active health program singles out two schools for their efforts in 2022 campaign

Local organisations in the Glenelg Shire have joined together to help encourage active habits in kids to last a lifetime. Portland District Health and Glenelg Shire Council are reflecting on the success of ‘Walk2School’ held late last year as primary school students return for 2023.

The Walk2School Campaign was a month-long program funded by VicHealth, encouraging students and schools to get active in their commute to and from school. More than 1,000 students participated in the program, with ten primary schools from right across the Shire taking on the opportunity to get active. Two schools were selected as Walk to School Champions for their consistency across the month, with Bundarra Primary School (pictured right)and Dartmoor Primary School (picturd left) recognised as the standouts.

Bundarra Primary encouraged their students to walk, run or ride laps of their bike track every morning, an activity that is planned to continue as part of regular school programming. For their Champion School prize Bundarra Primary received bike education resources to continue to support their students to remain safe in biking activities.

Dartmoor Primary was the second Champion School to be recognised, leading the way in the most consistent participation rates. In fact, the school’s 16 students walked an average of 20 times to school throughout the month. For their school prize, the students received equipment such as skateboards, elbow and knee pads, scooters and rollerblades to help them remain active during school hours.

Portland District Health Promotion Officer Maddi Cram, who led the campaign, said the response was “overwhelming”. “It was great to have such a wide uptake from schools across the Shire participate in Walk2Month month,” she said.

“There were some very creative initiatives to engage students and to encourage their increased activity. It is clear teachers and support staff at our local schools all place a high value on being active, which is fantastic to see. “I look forward to seeing these active habits continue in 2023 as our primary schools return for the new year.”

Walk to School is a Vic Health initiative encouraging kids to be active before and after school – any time of the year. For more information on how to engage in this initiative visit walktoschool. vichealth.vic.gov.au.