The St Clair school was among 8000 across Australia that took part in Walk Safely to School Day.

Ropes Crossing Public School pupils and their parents also took part in the annual Pedestrian Council of Australia initiative.

This year was the first time 25 Ropes Crossing children took part in the event after the school opened earlier this year.

The nationwide event encourages parents and carers to take time out and walk with their children all or part of the way to school to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

Nearly a quarter of Australian children and adolescents are overweight.

It was also a chance for children to learn about safe pedestrian behaviour and appropriate methods of transport.

Participating schools received T-shirts and stickers for pupils who walked the walk.

Clairgate Public School was one of many that hosted healthy breakfasts for the children in conjunction with the event.

Deputy principal Fran Campbell said that the school has always participated in the event since it began but this was the first year that it formally registered.

``A large proportion of our children do walk to school,'' she said.