Mt Barker Community College students step out in preparation for National Walk Safely to School Day

Students of Mt Barker Community College will be putting their best feet forward to support Walk Safely to School Day this Friday.

The aim of the day is to encourage families to walk together to support road safety, physical activity, community connection and awareness of the environment.

Striding out in Mt Barker will be principal Leanne Prior and around 26 families who have booked in to enjoy a healthy breakfast at the school on arrival.

Organising the walk is school officer Lauren Pavlovich who will be accompanying her son Harrison, 6.

She said the morning was part of National Road Safety Week which runs from May 11-18 with the theme “be a road safety hero”.

“We are walking from the tourist bureau to the college, which involves heading over two crosswalks,” she said.

“Doing that in a group will give the children some experience of crossing the road.

“The campaign also encourages young children to hold hands with an adult or an older child.”

It’s the first time the college has been involved in Walk Safely to School Day but the 26th time the campaign has run overall.

All students have been urged to be involved, from Years 1 to 12.

“We want to encourage children walk to school and to do it safely,” Ms Pavlovich said.

“I just hope it doesn’t rain.”

Harold Scruby, CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia said children needed exercise.

“Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day,” he said.

“We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during school and at the end of their day.”