School communities across Perth will take place in the event
In its 26th year, the nationwide initiative encourages families and their children to walk to school as a way to support road safety, physical activity, community connection and promote environmental awareness.
The event emphasises not only the physical benefits of walking to school but the impact walking has on children's cognitive and academic performance.
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This year, Kewdale Primary School is showing its commitment by inviting police to walk with the students as well as having giveaways, participation certificates and even temporary tattoos. Principal Tracey Irving with Tayte Hannivia-Jones, Paige Daly, Chelsea Gawthorne and Max Oremek. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian
Kewdale Primary School principal Tracey Irving said the school had proudly taken part in the event for the past four years.
'We are committed to equipping our students with the tools they need for lifelong success, and we believe that physical and mental health are fundamental to achieving that goal,' she said.
'Walking or riding to school is a simple yet powerful step families can take to support their children's health and wellbeing. With most of our students living only a short distance from school, even a brief walk can positively impact their learning, mental and physical health, and overall sense of wellbeing,'
As well as taking part of the Walk Safely to School event the school commits to other initiatives such as The Push-Up Challenge, Running club, Minister's Running Challenge and Crunch&Sip.
Chief executive of the Pedestrian Council of Australia Harold Scruby shares his concerns regarding the 'disturbing' statistics on the childhood obesity epidemic.
'It continues to affect one-in-four* children at critical levels across Australia,' he said.
'The best exercise for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day.'
The initiative also encourages school and P&Cs to host a healthy breakfast on the day.
National Walk Safely to School Day is on Friday .
*Australian Bureau of Statistics: National Health Survey: First Results, 2017-18
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