A single complaint from a parent in Melbourne’s outer east prompted the Yarra Ranges Council to issue the beloved children’s crossing supervisor with a warning about “unnecessarily physical” contact with children and young people.
A crossing supervisor in Melbourne's outer-east has been banned from giving high-fives to students following a parent's complaint.
In response,the school community has launched an online petition,supporting Goulden’s high fives,which “spark joy” and “promote a positive learning environment”.
On Wednesday,the council confirmed it had received a complaint from a parent who witnessed Goulden giving high fives to children on Farndons Road near Mount Dandenong Primary School.
In a statement toThe Age,a Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson confirmed the supervisor had been reminded of child safety expectations.
“Council’s internal policies and the Victorian standards clearly states that unacceptable behaviours includes exhibiting behaviours with children and young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical,and initiating unnecessary physical contact with children or young people,” they said.
The council said the safety of children was of “paramount importance” and all staff,contractors and volunteers who came into contact with children must have a valid Working With Children Check.
The petition in support of Goulden describes him as “the community’s morale booster”.
“John,our beloved children’s crossing supervisor at Mount Dandenong Primary School,has an infectious joy that leaves a lasting impression on both students and parents,” the petition said.
“His high-fives in the morning and afternoon have become a tradition that many children look forward to,a small gesture that symbolises the warmth and friendliness of our unique community. Sadly,this tradition is under threat.”
Last month,Goulden won the region 4 school crossing supervisor of the year accolade at School Crossings Victoria’s awards ceremony for his outstanding contributions to community safety.
Mount Dandenong Primary School congratulated Goulden on his award in a July 17 Facebook post.
“Rain,hail or shine,John brings sparkle and happiness to every school morning and afternoon and is a much loved icon of the Mt Dandy school community,” the school wrote.
“This is such fantastic recognition of a wonderful man,who we know will live on in the memories of our students and families well beyond their primary school years.”
John Goulden does what he does best – help a child cross the road.Nine News
Mount Dandenong Primary School and Goulden declined to comment.
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