BCE schools stepped up for Walk Safely to School Day

Students and families at Our Lady of Dolours School, Mitchelton laced up their shoes for Walk Safely to School Day (Friday 22 May), celebrating the many benefits of active travel, most importantly, road safety!

Like many Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) school communities, walking to school isn’t just a once-a-year event, it’s part of their regular routine.

Our Lady of Dolours School Principal Tricia Howard said, “Our Active School Travel program has been running for 15 years.”

“Every Tuesday, students, staff and families take part in Active Travel Day, choosing to walk, ride, carpool or use public transport to get to and from school,” she said.

“This weekly activity builds positive habits and fosters a sense of excitement and connection within the school community.”

Tricia adds that participation in the program is strong, with approximately 80 per cent of students taking part each week.

“The initiative is championed by our Year 6 Classroom teacher Katherine Cole, who plays a key role in encouraging students and families to get involved,” she said.

“As part of the Active School Travel program, students learn to become safe, confident and responsible pedestrians while enjoying the benefits of being active before school.

“Walking together each week helps students arrive energised, focused and ready to learn, while also bringing families and the broader community together.

“Even families who need to drive are encouraged to park a short distance from the school and walk the final stretch together, ensuring every student can be part of the experience.”

Katherine Cole said, Walk Safely to School Day was an opportunity to strengthen positive behaviours when walking near or crossing roads.

“Walk Safely to School Day helps our students at Our Lady of Dolours School build safe road safety habits with students and families, and creates independence and confidence in our students,” she said.

“Through routine practising road safety together, our school reinforces important skills like choosing safe crossings and staying alert."

Katherine said she would encourage other schools to get involved in Walk Safely to School Day.

“The event helps build safe, confident and active students,” she said.

“Developing a community of active travellers across all schools will create healthier and safer communities, so students get to school safely, no matter where they attend school.”

St Sebastian’s Primary School also jumped on board Walk Safely to School Day and Road Safety Week (17 to 24 May), wearing yellow and actively travelling to school. The Yeronga school began its Active School Travel program journey this year.

Holy Family Primary School, Indooroopilly and St Brigid's Catholic Primary School, Nerang also took part in Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, 22 May.

“With many of our families within walking distance to our school, we encourage children to stay active and engaged with the community,” said Holy Family Primary School Principal Theresa Redgwell.

“Walk Safely to School Day is a great opportunity to teach about road safety and crossing roads,” said St Brigid's Catholic Primary School Principal Matthew Vine.

"Not only this but we are very fortunate as our walk to school path is through parkland along the banks of the Nerang River. It really is an enjoyable way to start the day and an opportunity to connect and talk with your child before you both begin your day.”

Principal Tricia Howard’s top tips for families to help children stay safe this Walk Safely to School Day:

1. Choose the safest route to school together and practise it regularly,

2. Use the same crossing points every day so children build safe habits,

3. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road,

4. Walk on the footpath and stay away from the kerb while waiting to cross,

5. Talk about driveway safety and remind children to stop and check for reversing cars,

6. Encourage children to walk with a trusted adult, sibling, buddy or group.

For more information about Our Lady of Dolours School, Mitchelton or to enrol click here.

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Image caption: Our Lady of Dolours School, Mitchelton laced up their shoes for Walk Safely to School Day (Friday 22 May). ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).