Hundreds of students across Manningham are kick starting the final term of the year with a healthier and greener commute by taking part in VicHealth’s Walk to School program. 

Thirteen primary schools from Doncaster to Wonga Park are taking part in the Walk to School initiative, with the mission to get kids walking, riding and scooting to school and build healthy habits for life. 

Manningham Mayor Cr Paula Piccinini said walking, riding or scooting to school was an easy way to make physical activity part of students’ daily life.

“It can have a positive effect on children’s emotional wellbeing by encouraging independence, increase confidence in road safety and opportunities to chat with friends and families,” she said. 

“It’s also a much more sustainable way to travel, reducing traffic and emissions.”

This year’s program follows the success of 2018 where more than 140,000 students across Victoria took part in Walk to School month in an effort to get active on the way to and from school. 

To support the program, Manningham Council is assisting participating schools to hold school events to celebrate the program. 

Some of the school events planned include Crazy Sock Wednesdays, healthy morning teas and whole school workouts. 

Participating schools will be in the running to win some fantastic prizes, including Rebel Sport vouchers, fitness trackers and a footy clinic at their school hosted by an AFL or AFLW player. 

Drivers are reminded to take extra care on the roads in the coming weeks as students across Manningham head back to school.  

For more information, including a list of participating schools in Manningham, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/walk-to-school