During Walk to School Week, the children at St Monica’s were encouraged to walk to school each day or use alternative sustainable methods of travel. Throughout the week, they learnt about and celebrated the many benefits of active travel, including supporting their mental health, improving fitness, and helping to protect the environment. It was wonderful to see so many children taking part and making positive choices for their journey to and from school.

Link to Live Simply Award 

This initiative also contributes towards our LiveSimply Award journey. Inspired by Laudato Si’, the children reflected on Pope Francis’ message that God’s creation is a precious gift that should be cherished and protected. By choosing more sustainable ways to travel, they recognised that even small actions can make a positive difference to the world around them. Walk to School Week helped the children understand their responsibility as stewards of God’s creation, encouraging them to care for the environment and live out their faith through practical actions that support our common home.

As part of this learning, the children reflected on the words of Scripture:

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

(Genesis 2:15)

This verse reminds us that God has entrusted us with the care of His world. Through their participation in Walk to School Week, the children put this message into action, demonstrating how simple everyday choices can help protect the environment and show gratitude for God's creation. 

We asked the children how they felt about taking part in Walk to School Week. It was wonderful to hear their reflections and see how much they enjoyed making a positive choice to walk to school. The children recognised that, through their actions, they were living out God's call to care for creation and putting their faith into practice. Many spoke proudly about the difference they were making and expressed a commitment to continuing to protect and care for the environment, becoming role models for others in safeguarding our common home.

The children were inspired by the words:

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:16)

By choosing a more sustainable way to travel to school, the children demonstrated how small acts can make a big difference. Their enthusiasm and commitment showed that they are not only caring for God's creation today but are also helping to inspire others to do the same.