Walking to school is a family affair for Kelly Wallace, watched by mum, Anne and sister Holly, at the traffic lights.By Kath Gannaway
THERE are lots of reasons why it is good for Kelly Wallace to walk to school.
But for the Healesville Primary grade one student, the fact that it was just great fun to be walking with mum and little sister Holly, and that she gets to press the button at the crossing, were reason enough.
Kelly was among mums, dads and kids who made an extra big effort to let their feet do the walking on Walk to School Day on 24 October.
Walk to School Day was one of several days organised by VicHealth as part of Walktober.
Teacher Ann Hunter said the school had encouraged families to walk to school, or part of the way, throughout October, with a special effort asked for on the 24th to raise awareness of the physical, environmental and social benefits of walking as often as possible.
She said positive outcomes of walking such as spending time with family and friends, awareness of the neighbourhood, less traffic and pollution, keeping fit and healthy were highlighted in classroom discussions.
And, it worked. Ms Hunter said 214 children walked to school on the Wednesday, 153 more than the day before!
