By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Kids are getting a fast start to the day at St Anthony’s Primary School, Noble Park.
Each morning, students are getting their dose of exercise by walking laps of the school oval.
It’s a novel response to the declining numbers of students walking to school and rising childhood obesity rates across the state.
Nearly 50 per cent of students travelled on foot in the 1970s. In 2011, that figure has dropped to 20 per cent.
At the same time, one in three children are expected to be obese or overweight in 2025.
This month, VicHealth is encouraging more primary school kids to walk, ride or scoot to and from school as part of its Walk to School campaign.
City of Greater Dandenong is among 71 councils taking part.
VicHealth physical activity manager Melanie Chisholm praised St Anthony’s Primary for its lateral approach.
“We love seeing all the ways schools get their students active, and walking around the oval every morning helps kids get the physical activity they need to be healthy and happy.
“We understand it can sometimes be challenging to walk to school so including activities like these into the routine is a great way schools can encourage healthy habits in their community.”
Walk to School runs until 1 November.
