About 500 pupils from Epping Views Primary School collectively clocked up 11,244 kilometres during Vic Health’s annual Walk to School month in November, helping the school win first place in Whittlesea council’s participation competition.
Mayor Mary Lalios awarded the school a $1500 cheque last Tuesday in recognition of the pupils’ efforts.
A $10,000 grant from Vic Health late last year allowed the council to offer the cash prize.
It was the first time the Epping school had taken part in the Walk to School program. The school’s sustainability leader and well-being teacher, Jan Hare, worked with a team of three teachers to run the program.
Weekly prizes such as pedometers, walking bags and bookmarks were offered to encourage pupils to walk to school.
“We’re into sustainability in a big way. We’re also part of the Healthy Together Victoria program, and this [Walk to School month] fits in with the school ethos,” Ms Hare said.
Students would be asked how they would prefer the money to be spent, but most of it would be used to encourage children to walk to school, she said.
