From May 28 to June 1, schools across the province will be celebrating Bike to School Week, a week-long celebration of active transportation. However, at Garden Ave. PS, the celebration has already started! “We try to promote active, safe and sustainable transportation year-round, “says Alana Hardy, principal at Garden Ave. PS.

During Mental Health Week, the school’s Grade 6 girls, all members of Gardens Wellness Club, organized activities such as a school-wide walk to High Park, Stress Ball and Mindful Jar making and lunchtime yoga. In addition, school leaders organized in-class activities and announcements to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and active school travel.

More recently, students in Brian McClure’s 2/3 class delivered a pedestrian safety presentation at a school assembly. “The most important thing I learned was to pay better attention to my surroundings when crossing the road,” said Eliot, a student in Grade 3.

“The students did a great job educating the student body on pedestrian safety,” adds Mr. McClure. The school’s local crossing guards were invited to attend the assembly and recognized for the work they do to help keep the community safe.

In order to encourage students to keep active, during Bike to School Week, the school plans to count the number of students that arrive to school using an active mode, such as walking or cycling. In addition, there will be a banner for students to sign upon arrival.

Garden Ave PS is one of 15 schools enrolled in the TDSB’sTraffic Management Program. Through this program, the TDSB, in collaboration with the school community and City staff investigate traffic-related concerns and barriers to active transportation. The goal is to identify possible solutions to these barriers and keep students and the community safe.