St Matt’s students encourage Narrogin kids to step out for National Walk Safely to School Day

National Walk Safely to School Day will mark its 25th anniversary on Friday and St Matthew’s Primary School students Genevieve and Isabelle van Onselen think it’s great to start their day with a stroll. The sisters live “not too far” from St Matt’s and often walk to school with their mum Carolyne van Onselen. They braved a chilly morning on Monday to get the week started on the right foot. Six-year-old Isabelle and seven-year-old Genevieve said the best thing about walking to school was bringing along their dog Trigger. Seeing friends arrive on the bus was also a lot of fun and the girls agreed that safety when crossing the road is important. “We have to hold hands,” Genevieve said. “And look left and right,” Isabelle added. Childhood obesity is affecting one in four Australian kids and Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman and CEO Harold Scruby said being active every day could make a big difference. “The best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly,” he said. “Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. “We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day.” Walking isn’t the only active way to get to school — nine-year-old Isaac Fowler has a lot of fun riding his bike. “It’s decently far,” he said as he arrived at St Matt’s on May 6. “I like going on jumps and doing skids.” Isaac said he always wore his helmet and, like Isabelle and Genevieve, took care to get to school safely. “I look both ways to see if there any cars coming,” he said. “Stuff like that.” Isaac was quick to respond when asked if he’d recommend riding to school to other kids. “Definitely,” he said.