Friday 25 November 2016

Staying Active All Year Round at Koondrook Primary School


Koondrook Primary School is committed to encouraging students to be active and healthy all year round. As part of this ongoing commitment, for the fourth year in a row, Koondrook Primary School has participated in the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program.

The Walk to School program is coordinated by Gannawarra Shire Council and the students were excited to hear today how they went.

The final result for this year was that 87% of students walked, rode or scooted 477 times during October - that’s about 343 kilometres – equivalent to walking along the Murray River to Lake Hume right up the top of the Murray River (341kms)!

There were 4 students who achieved Gannawarra Star Walker status by walking at least 30 times out of the possible 38 times during Walk to school month. Star Walkers at Koondrook Primary School were:

Grade 2 /3: Zara Verhey (30/38).

Grade 4/5/6: Rainni (31/38), Emily (34/38) and Lachlan (38/38).

There were also 2 encouragement awards for the Prep/1 class:

Thomas W who walked 16 times for the month and Haydin who walked 17 times for the month.

 


Students were asked to share their Walk to School secrets to success. One said that they walk to school with their mum and while they don’t talk much they do enjoy looking at the river and checking out what’s going on. Another said that they live in Barham so dad brings the ute across the bridge and drops him off with his bike so that he can ride along the walking track to school. Another said that they get dropped off at the bridge and walk to school from there. This is a great tip for families who live just a bit too far away from school to walk the whole way. Another said that mum works so he, his brother and sister all walk to school together. They think this is great and love the fact that they are trusted and independent. Another way that they make sure they walk to the school bus as often as possible to keep fit and healthy.

Students were keen to know who had won the Gannawarra Golden Shoe trophy and after holding their excitement for so long, the announcement was made...

…and the class with the highest participation throughout Walk to School month at Koondrook Primary School was…Drum Roll please…Grade 4 /5 /6.

Xander and Jayde accepted the prestigious trophy from Cr. Steve Tasker and the whole school gave them a great big cheer!

 
 

The VicHealth Walk to School program promotes the importance of children being Active and Healthy in their communities and fitting at least 60 minutes of physical activity into their daily lives. Getting actively to school, the school bus, or while at school not only helps keep children fit and healthy, it also helps them to stay alert, to concentrate and improves learning outcomes.


The Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program is rolled out across the Gannawarra Shire as a Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting (GLAM) partnership project. This is a partnership between Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, with support from the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.


Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information go to: www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au

Read all about the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program: www.facebook.com/HealthyGannawarra and the Gannawarra Walk to School BLOG: www.gannawarrawalkstoschool.blogspot.com.au








Monday 21 November 2016

Children Encouraged to be Active and Healthy at St. Mary's Primary School

This was the second year that St Mary’s Primary School has participated in the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program.
 
In 2015, 98% of students walked, rode, skated or scooted 1671 times during October - that’s about 1200 kilometres - equivalent to walking from Cohuna to Canberra and back!

This year, 98% of students walked, rode or scooted 1888 times during October - that’s about 1356 kilometres – 156 kms more than last year - equivalent to walking from Cohuna to further than Adelaide (1214kms)!
There were some outstanding personal achievements with 14 students achieving Gannawarra Star Walker status by walking at least 32 times out of the possible 40 times during Walk to school month. Star Walkers at St Mary’s Primary School were:
Grade 1: Lilliah (38/40), Ami and Alyssia (40/40).
Grade 2 /3: Lachlan (35/40), Hudson (36/40) and Liam (40/40).
Grade 4 /5: Thomas and Isabella (33/40), Noah (36/40), Lachlan 37/40 and Isaac (39/40).
Grade 5/6: Fifi and Kiara (37/40) and Jacob (40/40). 
This is the first year classes at St. Mary’s Primary School have competed against each other in an effort to win a Gannawarra Golden Shoe trophy.

The winning class this year was Grade 4 / 5 (Mrs Grogan’s class) with 53.9% participation. Next was Grade 5/6 with 52% participation, Grade 1 with 42%, Grade 2/3 with 40% and Prep with 25%.

Thomas and Jack accepted the Gannawarra Golden Shoe Trophy from Cr. Lorraine Learmonth on behalf of their Grade 4 /5 classmates and the rest of the school gave them a big round of applause.

Students from the winning class were asked what their secrets of success were. Some included that they live near the school so walking to and from school is easy, others choose to walk or ride to the school bus, another was that they walk around the bush after school, and another that their mum is still in her PJ’s so makes them walk or ride to school! There are so many ways that students can fit activity into their daily lives to keep fit and healthy and walking to and from school, the school bus, or while at school are all great ways to support healthy bodies and minds.
 
The VicHealth Walk to School program promotes the importance of children being Active and Healthy in their communities and fitting at least 60 minutes of physical activity into their daily lives. Getting actively to school, the school bus, or while at school not only helps keep children fit and healthy, it also helps them to stay alert, to concentrate and improves learning outcomes.

The Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program is rolled out across the Gannawarra Shire as a Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting (GLAM) partnership project. This is a partnership between Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, with support from the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.

Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information go to: www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au

Read all about the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program: www.facebook.com/HealthyGannawarra and the Gannawarra Walk to School BLOG: www.gannawarrawalkstoschool.blogspot.com.au

 

 


Staying Active at Cohuna Consolidated Primary School

For the fourth year in a row, students from Cohuna Consolidated Primary School have participated in the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program.

In 2015, 96% of students walked, rode, skated or scooted 3756 times during October - that’s about 2697 kilometres - equivalent to walking from Cohuna to Townsville!

This year, 95% of students walked, rode or scooted 3409 times during October - that’s about 2448 kilometres – 249 kms less than last year - equivalent to walking from Cohuna to Alice Springs then almost out to Ayers Rock/Uluru (2539kms)!
There were some outstanding personal achievements with 53 students achieving Gannawarra Star Walker status by walking at least 32 times out of the possible 40 times during Walk to school month. Star Walkers at Cohuna Consolidated Primary School were:
Prep: Zahra (32/40), Charlotte (33/40), Mitchell (36/40), Olivia (38/40), Ben and Jacob (40/40).

Grade 1 /2 : (Miss Pigdon): Zane (35/40) and Linkin (39/40).

Grade 1 / 2: (Miss McGillvray): Miley (32/40), Emily (37/40), Taylor and Caden (39/40) and Bronte and Nicholas (40/40).

Grade 3 / 4: Zac (32/40), Cameron (35/40), Maddi (37/40), Seth and Shayley (38/40), Fletcher (39/40), Ritchie, John, Deisel, Brian, Matthew, Billy, Bailey, Selene, Braia, Ava, Makayla (40/40).

Grade 3 /4: Liam (33/40), Jess (34/40), Zoe (35/40), Gillian (36/40), Travis (38/40), Cooper and Jackson (40/40).

Grade 4/5: Cooper, Brittney and Mitchell (32/40), Hayley, Xav (35/40), Lachy (36/40), Bayley, Georgia and Jye (38/40), Jude, Lachie and Ethan (40/40).

Grade 6: Haylee (33/40), Jemma (38/40), Caleb (40/40).
This is the first year classes at Cohuna Consolidated Primary School have competed against each other in an effort to win a Gannawarra Golden Shoe trophy.

The winning class this year was Grade 3 / 4 (Mrs Millar’s class) with 81% participation. Next was Grade 4/5 with 65% participation, Prep with 54%, Grade 3 /4 (Mr West’s class) with 49.80%, Grade 1 /2 (Miss McGillivray’s class) 42% and Grade 1 /2 (Miss Pigdon’s class) 38% and Grade 6 31.66% participation.

Mikayla and Billy accepted the Gannawarra Golden Shoe Trophy from Cr. Sonia Wright on behalf of their classmates and all the students gave them a big cheer!
 
The VicHealth Walk to School program promotes the importance of children being Active and Healthy in their communities and fitting at least 60 minutes of physical activity into their daily lives. Getting actively to school, the school bus, or while at school not only helps keep children fit and healthy, it also helps them to stay alert, to concentrate and improves learning outcomes.
 
The Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program is rolled out across the Gannawarra Shire as a Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting (GLAM) partnership project. This is a partnership between Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, with support from the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.

Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information go to: www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au

Read all about the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program: www.facebook.com/HealthyGannawarra and the Gannawarra Walk to School BLOG: www.gannawarrawalkstoschool.blogspot.com.au






Friday 18 November 2016

Strong Support for Walking at Kerang South Primary School


The VicHealth Walk to School program promotes the importance of children being Active and Healthy in their communities and fitting at least 60 minutes of physical activity into their daily lives. Getting actively to school, the school bus, or while at school not only helps keep children fit and healthy, it also helps them to stay alert, to concentrate and improves learning outcomes.

This was the fourth year that Kerang South Primary School participated in the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program. There has been a marked improvement over the past two years.

In 2015, 91% of students walked, rode, skated or scooted 3250 times during October - that’s about 2334 kilometres - equivalent to walking from Kerang to Alice Springs!

This year 95% of students walked, rode or scooted 3501 times during October - that’s about 2514 kilometres – 180 kms further than last year - equivalent to walking from Kerang to Alice Springs and then they kept on using those walking feet to get from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock/ Uluru (2507kms)!

 


There were some outstanding personal achievements with 65 students achieving Gannawarra Star Walker status by walking at least 30 times out of the possible 38 times during Walk to school month. Star Walkers at Kerang South Primary School were:

Prep T Ryan (31/38), Brooklyn 34/38), Daylen and Millie (38/38).

Grade 1/2G Flynn (35/38), Ella (36/38), Huey, Hannah, Zander, Annie, Lyla, Molly, Will and Natika (38/38).

Grade 1/2B Max (38/38)

Grade 2/3W Blake and Harvey (36/38), Coco, Maia and Leigham (38/38)

Grade 3DW Daniel (30/38), Zarne (31/38), Myles (33/38), Sam, Brooke, Brylee, Connie, Logan, Mia (38/38)

Grade 4/5H Keely Taylor (32/38), Keeley Closter (33/38), Kaiden Clapham, Kaden Gillingham, Kane, Bryce, Jordan, Blair, Tyler, Caidyn Goodson and Bailey (38/38).

Grade 5/6S Deaken (31/38), Austin (33/38), Ryan (34/38), Blade (35/38), Tanner, Keenan, Remi, Demi, Courtney, Cassidy, Lluah, and Zoe (38/38).

Grade 5/6T Tyson, Taj, Elsie and Brodie (32/38), Mischa, Oscar (34/38), Brodan, Lily, Grace, Sandra, Samana, Tristan and Jorja (38/38)

 


For the second year classes at Kerang South Primary School competed against each other in an effort to win a Gannawarra Golden Shoe trophy.

Last year the winning class was Grade 3/4 with 60% participation. Grade 3/4 60%, Grade 5/6 (Ms Simmonds) 51%, Grade 4/5 49.5%, Grade 5/6 (Ms Sutherland) 48.7%, Grade 2 47.6%, Prep/1 (Ms Goudie) 41%, Grade Prep/1 (Ms Teasdale) 39%, Grade 2/3 30% and Grade 1/2 23%.

The winning class this year was Grade 1/2G with 71% participation. Closely followed by 5/6 (Mrs Sutherland) 62%, 3DW 59%, 5/6 (Mr. Tilley) 58%, 4/5H 54%, 2/3W 39%, 1/2B 37%. Will and Nikika accepted the Gannawarra Golden Shoe Trophy from Cr. Brian Gibson on behalf of their classmates and all the students gave them a big clap!

 
 


Students, parents and teachers were congratulated for their strong support for encouraging students to walk, ride and scoot to school, or the school bus, all year round. Kerang South Primary School recognises that being active helps students learn better in the classroom and helps establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Being active within their own communities also helps students to develop independence by learning how to make good decisions to stay safe.

The Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program is rolled out across the Gannawarra Shire as a Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting (GLAM) partnership project. This is a partnership between Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, with support from the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership. 

Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information go to: www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au
Read all about the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program: www.facebook.com/HealthyGannawarra and the Gannawarra Walk to School BLOG: www.gannawarrawalkstoschool.blogspot.com.au








Thursday 17 November 2016

Walking for Wellbeing at Kerang Christian College

After taking out the regional prize in 2015 for first year participants in the Walk to School program, Kerang Christian School once again put one foot in front of the other in an effort to improve their fitness, health and wellbeing by walking, riding or scooting to school throughout Walk to School month of October.

In 2015, 100% of students walked, rode, skated or scooted 1784 times during October - that’s about 1281 kilometres - equivalent to walking from Kerang to Canberra and back!

This year was slightly lower but still a fantastic effort with 98% of students walking, riding or scooting 1324 times - that’s about 950 kilometres - equivalent to walking from Kerang to further than Sydney!

There were some outstanding personal achievements with seventeen students achieving Gannawarra Star Walker status by walking at least 30 times out of the possible 38 times during Walk to school month. Star Walkers at Kerang Christian College were:
Prep/1: Indianna (30/38), Tom and Chloe (32/38), Xavier (34/38).
Grade 2: Zieanna (34/38), Lanie, Abey and Alina (36/38).
Grade 5/6: Jason (32/38), Amariah and Jack (33/38), Coen, Riley and Blair (35/38), Lachie, Georgie and Olivia (37/38)

Classes at Kerang Christian College competed against each other in an effort to win a Gannawarra Golden Shoe trophy.

Last year the winning class was Year 5/6 with participation across the month of 98.5% closely followed by Year 3/4 with 95.2%.

This year the Year 5/6 have held the title achieving participation across the month of 74%. Other classes weren’t far behind with Year 2 achieving 73% participation, Prep/1 69% and Year 3 / 4 65%. Coen and Riley accepted the trophy on behalf of their class and the other students gave them a great big cheer!
 

The VicHealth Walk to School program promotes the importance of children being Active and Healthy in their communities and fitting at least 60 minutes of physical activity into their daily lives. Getting actively to school, the school bus, or while at school not only helps keep children fit and healthy, it also helps them to stay alert, to concentrate and improves learning outcomes.

The Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program is rolled out across the Gannawarra Shire as a Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting (GLAM) partnership project. This is a partnership between Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, with support from the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.

Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information go to: www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au

Read all about the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program: www.facebook.com/HealthyGannawarra and the Gannawarra Walk to School BLOG: www.gannawarrawalkstoschool.blogspot.com.au




Wednesday 16 November 2016

Walking Winners Announced at St. Joseph's Primary School

The VicHealth Walk to School program promotes the importance of children being Active and Healthy in their communities and fitting at least 60 minutes of physical activity into their daily lives. Getting actively to school, the school bus, or while at school not only helps keep children fit and healthy, it also helps them to stay alert, to concentrate and improves learning outcomes.

Last year at St. Joseph’s Primary School, 98% of students walked, rode or scooted 2072 times during Walk to School month - that’s about 1488 kilometres - equivalent to walking from Kerang to Canberra and back!

This year 98% of St. Joseph’s students walked 2404 times to and from school during October. This equates to about 1726 kilometres, 238 kilometres more than last year, and is equivalent to walking from Kerang to the Gold Coast!

There were thirty five students who achieved Gannawarra Star Walker status by walking at least 30 times out of the possible 38 times during Walk to school month. Star Walkers at St. Joseph’s Primary School were:

Grade 5/6 Corey (30/38), Brodie, Cody and Elly (31/38), Charlotte and Jasmine (33/38), Thomas (34/38).
 
Grade 4/5 Elena (30/38), Kobie (33/38), Paddy, Abbey, Archer and Codie (34/38), Cooper (35/38).
 
Grade 2/3 Annabelle and Tyler (30/38), Amy (31/38), Cameron (32/38), Riley (33/38), Mila and Shae (35/38), Lily and Evie (36/38), Joli and Chase (37/38), Mason and Imogen (38/38).
 
Grade 1 Bryce and Chloe (30/38), Macy (35/38), Nick 38/38)
 
Prep Ella (31/38), Xavier (32/38), Saxon (33/38), Alexis (34/38).
 
Setting a great example for the students Mrs. Jenkins also received Star Walker status walking 30 times out of the possible 38 walks to and from school for the month and marking this activity on the classroom Walk to School calendar.

Vying for a Gannawarra Golden Shoe trophy provided extra motivation for classes to walk, ride or scoot to school throughout October as part of the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program.

Last year students in Grade 4 won with 68% participation, closely followed by Grade 5/6 with 56%, Grade 2/3 with 55%, Grade 1/2 with 47% and Prep with 44%.

And the winning class of the Gannawarra Golden Shoe trophy at St. Joseph's Primary School this year was Miss Rich’s GRADE 2/3 class with 68% participation. Cr. Jodie Basile presented the Golden Shoe to Riley and Dominik and the whole class celebrated their win!

It was a very close finish with Grade 1 achieving 65% participation, Miss Arceria’s Grade 2/3 class 60%, Grade 4/5 and Grade 5/6 58% and the Prep class 51%.
 

Well done to all students who put their walking feet forward to get actively to school throughout October. Keep up the great walking!

The Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program is rolled out across the Gannawarra Shire as a Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting (GLAM) partnership project. This is a partnership between Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, with support from the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.

Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information go to: www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au

Read all about the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program: www.facebook.com/HealthyGannawarra and the Gannawarra Walk to School BLOG: www.gannawarrawalkstoschool.blogspot.com.au

 


Tuesday 15 November 2016

Walking to School is Inspirational at Kerang Primary School

Students at Kerang Primary School continue to inspire the community to enjoy being physically active – it’s great for your health and your wellbeing, and being active is heaps of fun too!
 
Throughout October, students contributed inspirational tips to the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School Treasure Chest. This has helped with their literacy skills with the extra incentive of winning a $10 voucher at the local sports shop.
 
Students at Kerang Primary School are encouraged to be keep active and fit by walking or running around the block every morning before coming into the classroom. Did you know that being active helps children to remain alert, to concentrate and improves learning outcomes? It also sets up healthy habits which can last a lifetime.

Here are this week’s winning inspirational tips: 
"Walk, Ride, Scoot or Run, we all know how to do it to make it more fun. Walk side-ways or jog your chores. You can do it”. Madison Grade 6


“When I run I see people walking, riding and being active. I run at school or with my dog around town. But I love Cross Country. I think everyone should Run. Walk. Whatever! Just Stay Active”. Bridie Grade 5

“Ride, walk and scoot to school is fun for everyone. People should get active as it’s good for your health”. Mitchell Grade 4

“If you’re running and you’re tired, don’t give up”. Aochim Grade 6

“When you walk or ride or scoot to school you can relax and enjoy your day”. Kylah Grade 6
 
“1k, 2ks, 3ks, 4. Come on let’s walk some more. 5, 6, 7, 8 come on you’re doing great!!!”. Xander Grade 5/6

The winners of the Gannawarra Golden Shoe trophy were announced this week. Last year Grade 2/3/4 won with participation across Walk to School month of 58%. Second place went to Prep/1 with 55% and third place to Grade 5/6 at 49%.

This year the trophy has gone to Grade 5/6 with 69% participation – WELL DONE!! Second place went to Prep/1 with 62% followed by Grade 2/3/4 with 50%.

Proving that it really is Cool to Walk to School, all up, 100% of students walked, rode or scooted 1135 times during October - that’s about 815 kilometres - equivalent to walking from Kerang almost to Sydney!
 
There were seven students who achieved Gannawarra Star Walker status by walking at least 30 times out of the possible 38 times during Walk to school month. Star Walkers at Kerang Primary School are:

Grade 5/6 Aochim (30/38), Alexsandra (34/38), Xander 36/38), Riley (38/38).

Grade 2/3/4 Georgia (30/38) and Shaynika (30/38).

Prep/1 Harry (30/38).

Setting a great example for the students Ms. Closter also received Star Walker status walking 36 times out of the possible 38 walks to and from school for the month and marking this activity on the classroom Walk to School calendar.

Well done to all students for their efforts in getting actively to and from school, or the school bus, throughout October. Keep up the great walking...

 The Walk to School program promotes the importance of children being Active and Healthy in their communities and fitting at least 60 minutes of physical activity into their daily lives. Getting actively to school, the school bus, or while at school not only helps keep children fit and healthy, it also helps them to stay alert, to concentrate and improves learning outcomes.


The Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program is rolled out across the Gannawarra Shire as a Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting (GLAM) partnership project. This is a partnership between Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Victoria Police, with support from the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.

Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative. For more information go to: www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au

Read all about the Gannawarra VicHealth Walk to School program: www.facebook.com/HealthyGannawarra and the Gannawarra Walk to School BLOG: www.gannawarrawalkstoschool.blogspot.com.au