Teacher Liz Keane leading students from St Patrick’s Primary School in the weekly walking bus. PHOTO/ELISA VORSTER
ELISA VORSTER
Students at St Patrick’s Primary School are getting into the spirit of Movin’ March and putting their health first.
Every Wednesday, a group of students, supervised by a teacher, form a walking bus to reap the benefits of walking to school together.
The students are even more enthusiastic than usual this month as they take part in Movin’ March, a month-long event organised by the Greater Wellington Regional Council which celebrates the region’s students who walk, cycle and scoot to school.
The kids were quick to talk about the house points and stickers they would get for taking part, with principal Steve Wheeler saying students had won prizes in the past through their participation.
The walking bus organised by environmental education teacher Barbara Williams had been going for the best part of a decade and was an important part of promoting Movin’ March.
“It’s a key part in keeping ourselves healthy and looking after our own wellbeing,” Mr Wheeler said.
“There’s a really nice social aspect to it and the kids like to spend the time together chatting.”
Yesterday, the pupils gathered at Hogg St in Masterton and were led by teacher Liz Keane, who said the exercise helped with the kids’ learning.
She had found research which showed children who walk to school are more connected with communities, creating more awareness and a better sense of road safety.
