Kerang Primary School

The 2014 Gannawarra Walk to School program kicked off this morning with an event held at the Kerang Primary School. The event was combined with Mental Health and Carer’s Week activities.  

Police officer Andrew provided some essential pedestrian safety messages - Stop, Look, Listen, Think before the crowd of about 100 people, including 58 school children, enjoyed a heritage walk of Kerang’s Central Business District lead by Year 5 and 6 students Hunter, Alex, Phoebe and Max. These students did an awesome job providing the commentary with the help of a portable PA system.
 

The event was focused around the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. We certainly practiced all five of these actions this morning learning so much about the history of our community.

Some of the features of the walk were the historically significant Kerang Primary School and School Bell, the Kerang Post Office, Court House and Municipal Chambers, the Memorial Clock and the London Chartered Bank. Further along we heard about the remains of the original house of Woodford Patchell who founded Kerang in 1858, that’s 156 years ago! Mr Patchell was a tricky man as there was already a Kerang further along the Loddon River. He made his own bridge and hired a man with a horse and dray to give it a ‘well-worn’ effect so people thought they should come this way!

Back at the school Cr. Brian Gibson launched the new Gannawarra get walking! – walk your way to wellbeing brochure compiled with the help of school students. Toothpaste and toothbrush prizes were awarded to five students with the overall winner having a quote printed in the brochure.

Tyson (13) submitted the winning quote “When I walk to school I can see my family. They give me a wave or a smile or a hug. That makes me feel loved and very special”.

Tyson said since moving house recently he is now able to walk to school most days. He walks with his mum, dad and little sister.  He enjoys the nice fresh air and it keeps him fit and healthy.

Other competition winners were Alex (12) who said:

 

”I enjoy walking because my mum trusts me now that I’m about to start high school and that’s important”. And Dakota (10) – I like to walk to school because it is good exercise and it keeps me fit. I like walking in winter because it warms me up and in summer because the weather is lovely. 

The winning illustrations were submitted by Matilda (7) and Jye (12).

 

Claire Gillen from Northern District Community Health spoke on the Five Ways to Wellbeing and the importance of caring for both our physical and mental health. She acknowledged all the Carers who had come along today to be part of this event as well as numerous other agencies such as the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership, Victoria Police and Mallee District Aboriginal Service. Local short-listed entrants in the Poetry Competition ran as part of Mental Health Week across the Southern Mallee were read out.

The morning ended with a healthy morning tea where children and adults alike enjoyed platters of fresh fruits, vegetables sticks and dips along with a glass of milk.

 

All school children participating in the Gannawarra Walk to School program receive a pack containing a range of brochures, Gannawarra Healthy Lifestyles-Healthy Community Water Bottle, Five Ways to Wellbeing magnet and a fresh juicy orange donated by Border Packers of Koondrook.

 

Walk your way to wellbeing – get to know your community, meet other people, take in some fresh air, and improve your health by walking everyday. So pull on your walking shoes, and get walking…..

 

The next Gannawarra Walk to School event will be held on Friday 17 October 2014 at St. Joseph’s Primary School commencing at 2pm.

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Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information go to walktoschool.vic.gov.au.