Murrabit Group School

Murrabit Group School’s Walk to School event started with an early morning drop off on the New South Wales side of the Murray River before children, teachers and parents walked across the bridge then followed the walking track 3.5 kilometres back to school. The scenic route passed through river redgum forests and orange groves where early morning bird calls continued despite the chatter of children.  Some children choose to run while others were happy to take their time, to talk and catch up with friends, or to explore the environment.

 

Murrabit Playgroup families joined in along the way and the procession continued through to the school where a healthy breakfast was waiting. The children had worked up a great appetite after their walk and enjoyed trying various types of cereals, toast, milk, yoghurt and orange juice. Delicious fruit platters were provided by the parents and friends group.

 

Following breakfast the school’s Principal welcomed all in attendance and explained that today’s Walk to School event was a great way to support the school’s commitment towards encouraging a healthy lifestyle. The school’s bike education camp held the week prior was highlighted with students from grade 3 to 6 riding 35kms before camping overnight and riding 35kms back to school the next day. Without a healthy lifestyle and building muscle strength and endurance the children would not be sustain this distance on their bikes. Incorporating physical activity into their daily lives and looking after their bodies by making good food choices were really important in being able to learn well at school and participate in life.

 

Cr. Oscar Aertssen outlined the partnership approach involved in the Gannawarra Walk to School/Healthy Breakfast program which has been funded by VicHealth, coordinated by the Gannawarra Shire Council and supported by a range of local health agencies including Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee Sports Assembly, and the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership. He acknowledged businesses providing food to support the healthy breakfasts and launched the Gannawarra Walk to School media clip.

Tanya from Northern District Community Health said that her role as a community health nurse involved supporting people to lead a healthy lifestyle. She encouraged the children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes every day and to have a look at their diets and make sure they are eating at least 5 serves of vegetables and 3 serves of fruit. She also told children to be aware that foods that come in packages like chips, bars, biscuits, lollies and juice are generally high in salt, fat and sugar and should just be eaten occasionally. Tanya explained that good health is also about looking after your mental health and taking time out to enjoy life.

 

The event ended with the children giving an impromptu demonstration of their gymnastic skills and agility.

 

The Gannawarra Walk to School/Healthy Breakfast program moves on to Leitchville on Wednesday 13^th November where an combined event between Leitchville Primary and the Leitchville Kindergarten has been planned to commence at 9am.

Walking is a fun activity that can be enjoyed alone, with your dog, friends or the whole family. It’s a great way to take in some fresh Spring air and while doing so you might just add a little extra ‘spring’ to your step and improve your physical and mental health along the way.

More details later in the week….