Walking together for better

As principal Jason Whiteley explained, it wasn’t the first time his school had been involved in the event.

“We’ve got a very busy road here in Katamatite, so we want the kids to be aware of their environment, stay safe as a group and look after each other,” he said.

The body of about two dozen students trekked along Beek St, holding hands and sharing jokes, before arriving at the school.

There, Leading Senior Constable Phil Armstrong led a discussion with students around road safety, including how to safely cross a road and ride a bicycle.

He said the key message for young people was to be aware of their surroundings.

“Primary school-aged children are vulnerable, and it’s easy for them to get into situations near roads that are dangerous,” he said before the walk began.

“These initiatives are very important in relation to education for young people, for behaviour around roads and road-related areas.”

School captains Mitchell Carr and Evelyn Hamson enjoyed the chance to walk to school with their schoolmates.

“I think it helps, say, when you’re going to high school and you have to walk to school,” Mitchell said.

“We watched a BTN [Behind the News program] yesterday, about how it can help mental health, build friendships by walking together and getting a laugh on the way.”

The initiative coincided with National Road Safety Week, a program raising awareness by campaigning on themes such as road safety for every age, regional roads and getting home from work safe.

It comes as Victoria last week reached the grim milestone of 117 deaths on roads across the state.

In contrast, last year to the same point had seen 104 people lose their lives on Victoria roads.