St Joseph’s Primary School

A big surprise was waiting as students from St. Joseph’s Primary School entered the assembly hall for a special Walk to School event last Friday afternoon; they were greeted by April the carrot! Whispers could be heard around the room as the children sat quietly waiting for the fun to begin - and begin it did…

 

Year 6 students led the assembly and welcomed the school community, parents and younger siblings and guests to this special event. Cr. Brian Gibson congratulated St. Joseph’s on being involved in the VicHealth Walk to School program and launched the new Gannawarra get walking! Walk your way to wellbeing brochure.

 

April the carrot is really the Diabetes Educator with Northern District Community Health. April led the children on a fun circle activity that made everyone laugh called “catch the mouse” reading out a list of words starting with “C” and every so often yelling out “carrot”. On hearing the word “carrot” hands and fingers snapped together to catch the mouse! April highlighted the 5 ways to wellbeing – connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give and how important it is for your health and wellbeing to be with your friends, give smiles and love to your family and to be healthy and active.

 

Gannawara Shire Library, Arts and Culture Manager Nerida then had everyone in fits of laughter in a fun and very interactive laughter yoga session. We warmed up our face muscles with the lemon suck and then pretended that we were eating a whole pineapple! We did the monkey laugh, the lawnmover, aeroplane, chicken dance and even high fived the person next to us chanting “Ha, Ha, Ha”. Laughter exercises lots of muscles, is a great way to connect with others and to cheer ourselves and others up. 

 

Cr. Gibson presented toothpaste and toothbrush prizes to three students from St. Joseph’s Primary School. Ellie (10) was the overall winner having her illustration of her waving and saying “Hello” to a friend at the park printed in the Gannawarra get walking! brochure. Charlotte (12) came a close second with her great illustration of walking the dog.

 

Jessie (11) also won a prize for his quote “I like walking because it clears my head and I just get to relax. When I walk I feel awake, energised and happy. Walking just makes me feel like me”.

 

Police officer Andrew provided some essential pedestrian safety messages - Stop, Look, Listen, Think before we hit the streets for a walk around the block taking in the wonderful sunshine and checking out all the goings on in the world around the school. Back at the school we all enjoyed lots of lovely fresh fruit and a glass of milk.

   

Children then picked up their Gannawarra Walk to School packs which included 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.

 

Remember that laughing is great for your health and wellbeing so along with a walk make sure you enjoy a good laugh every day!  

 

The next Gannawarra Walk to School event will be held on Wednesday 22 October 2014 at Leitchville Primary School commencing at 9am. We will be picking up the Leitchville Pre-School children on the way past for a walk around the Leitchville Recreation Reserve then back to the pre-school for a healthy morning tea. This event is part of Children’s Week activities happening across the Gannawarra Shire this week…

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