Small
schools from across the Gannawarra Shire converged on Koondrook on Thursday for
an exciting Walk to School activity.
The day
gave the schools the opportunity to join together and learn more about a
neighbouring community. Koondrook is set on the banks of the Murray River. It
has a rich history based on the river, Koondrook to Kerang tramway and the
sawmill industry, including the 125 year old Arbuthnot Sawmill that remains in
operation today.
Starting
at James Park near the historic Koondrook bridge the group of 100 students,
plus teaching staff parents and community supporters walked a 1.6km length of
the walking track along the Murray River to Apex Park. Along the track there
were lots of redgum historic statues with stories as well as heritage
buildings. The redgum trees and the Murray River were enjoyed as we meandered
along.
At the
Koondrook School gate Andrew from Victoria Police spoke to the children about
being safe on the roads and streets using the Stop, Look, Listen, Think!
message. Andrew said how important it is for children to be able to travel
actively and safely to school or wherever else they needed to get to. Being
seen and being sensible were also key take-home messages.
We arrived
at Apex Park and after a welcome to Koondrook, Cr. Oscar Aertssen launched the
new Gannawarra get walking! Walk your way
to wellbeing brochure. He said that the involvement of students from across
the Gannawarra Shire in the development of the brochure will encourage all in
the community to walk more often and this is something to be really proud of.
Competition prizes of
toothbrush and toothpaste packs were awarded to school children from each
school.
Koondrook prize winners
were Kaitie (12) and Max (6) who drew themselves out walking:
Murrabit’s competition
was won by Olivia (12) who said that “When
I’m walking I can see the world around me. I can learn so much more than when I
am sitting inside watching TV.” Capri (10) also won a prize for her quote “After I go for a walk I feel calm and I
have gotten all the craziness out of me. I also feel relaxed and when I am
relaxed I don’t annoy mum.”
From Lake Charm the
winning quote published in the brochure was submitted by Scott (11). Scott said
that “After I go for a walk I feel
refreshed and not tired anymore. I feel like I have done a good deed for the
day. I have had my great exercise.” Tegan (10) also won a prize for a
drawing of herself out walking in the sunshine with birds flying overhead:
Jim from
Northern District Community Health spoke briefly about this year’s Gannawarra
Walk to School theme – the Five Ways to Wellbeing – connect, be active, keep
learning, take notice and give, and said that today was a chance to practice
each of these five tips for healthy and happy living.
After a
fresh fruit and milk snack students enjoyed a guided tour through Arbuthnot
Sawmills where a raised platform allowed students to view the sawmill in
operation. They were each presented with a piece of redgum parquetry to take
home. We learnt about sustainable timber harvesting and how the timber from
Koondrook is used, for flooring, picture framing, railway sleepers, fencing and
furniture. The timber from Arbuthnot Sawmills was even used to bring the Echuca
Wharf back to life.
Rhonda
from Mallee Sports Assembly ran a fantastic program of team relay activities in
the park. There was some fierce competition but the blue team headed by Cr.
Keith den Houting was the overall winning team. Keith said he was proud to see
all the children participating in the team sports and all four schools connecting
with each other.
Rhonda wrapped
up by saying how important it was to live an active life to keep bodies and
minds strong and healthy. It also helps to prevent things like diabetes, heart
disease and other ‘nasties’. Eating a healthy diet like fruit and vegetables
and drinking lots of water are also really important.
Year 6 Koondrook student Holly thanked everyone for coming and said what
great fun it was walking, visiting the sawmill and playing games with the other
children. She said she would miss Walk to School next year once she goes to
high school.
Children collected their Gannawarra Walk to School packs before heading
off in their school groups. Murrabit and Lake Charm headed back to the
Koondrook School for a shared lunch and play while Quambatook enjoyed a picnic
lunch in the park.
People of all shapes, sizes and abilities can benefit from being active
and it’s never too late to start. Walking is a great way to be active, so pull
on your walking shoes, and get walking!
There is one more Gannawarra Walk to School event and that’s at Kerang
South Primary School on Friday 31st October starting with an
assembly at 9am.
Watch here
for more photos, posts and comments...
Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more
information go to walktoschool.vic.gov.au.
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