Students from Maramba Primary School in Narre Warren are making new friends and learning about road safety following the official launch of their walking school bus. Back, from left: volunteer coordinator Ellise Burk, local laws officer Ron Medler, senior local laws officer Glen Tarrant, volunteer coordinator Dannielle Hatfield and the Mr Walking bus mascot. Middle: Matthew, Mitchell, Ashlee, Mick and Georgie. Front: Daniel, Alex and Joel.By Rebecca Fraser
MARAMBA Primary School students will be keeping fit and making new friends following the official launch of their walking school bus last Friday.
School principal Sue Peterken said 30 walkers had already taken up the program since it began three weeks ago.
Ms Peterken said a walking school bus brought many benefits to the local community.
“It will help reduce traffic congestion in and around the school because there are never enough car parks.
“It also teaches students road safety and helps keep children physically active and fit and deals with obesity issues,” she said.
The school has two different routes at the moment – one runs morning and night five days a week and the other route operates three days a week.
Ms Peterken said the walking bus helped students forge new friendships and ties with members of the community.
“In another big spinoff, it helps create a good sense of community.
“Students get to know other parents and, for example, grade three children may mix with prep children that otherwise they may never have met.
“This also helps build links across the whole school,” she said.
Ms Peterken said they were currently looking for more walking school bus volunteers.
“We offer training and even if they are not parents they can become involved.
“Grandparents or people who live in the local area can contact us if they are interested,” she said.
For more information, contact Maramba Primary School on 9796 7150.
