By BRIDGET SCOTT
SAFETY will be the first thought for Maramba Primary School students on Friday 24 May.
Students throughout different grades will be taking park in National Walk Safely to School Day.
Now in its 14th year, walk to school safely initiative is designed to promote reduced car dependency and encourage younger children to be active.
Narre Warren Primary School teacher Sue Peterkon said this was the ninth year the school had been involved.
“We are an accredited sustainable school, and we are encouraging kids to be active and fit,” she said.
Ms Peterkon said the entire school got involved, with meeting places held throughout the local area to make it easier for students who live far away.
As an added bonus, this year families can access a new Walk Safely to School Day App for Apple and Android phones.
The app allows children and other walkers to track their kilometres to and from school, as well as time spent walking and their average speed.
Ms Peterkon is hopeful that everyone from her school will be involved, with around 80 per cent of students taking part last year.
