A Greater Melbourne school community is outraged by a council decision effectively banning their beloved lollipop man from high-fiving students.
Mount Dandenong Primary School crossing supervisor John Goulden was reprimanded after Yarra Ranges Council received a complaint from a parent.
While Goulden was dishing out high-fives as students crossed the road, the complaint was over Goulden also high-fiving children in cars as they drove past him on Farndons Rd, a council spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
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As a result, council has told Goulden — who was last month crowned Victorian School Crossing Supervisor of the Year for his region — he can only high-five children “in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct”.
While there is no strict blanket ban in place, the council said meeting this code of conduct would be “difficult to achieve”.
“Regardless of where the high five is, the Crossing Supervisor must consider the safety and supervision of all children on the crossing, the traffic on the road and it (the high-five) must be initiated by the child,” the council spokesperson said.
“(The) safest bet is to not do high-fives when supervising children crossing the road or as they pass in cars.”
Many school parents are outraged and have set up a petition in support of Goulden.
Petition organiser Rohan Bradley said Goulden’s high-fives had become a tradition which the children look forward to at the start and end of every school day.
Bradley said while the gesture was only small it symbolised the “warmth and friendliness of our unique community” and banning the act would impact students’ wellbeing.
“Sadly, this tradition is under threat,” Bradley said.
“With our children’s happiness and well-being hanging in the balance, we need to take action.”
Bradley described Goulden as a “beloved” member of the school community who has an “infectious joy that leaves a lasting impression on both students and parents”.
“It is not just about high-fives, it’s about preserving our unique community’s spirit,” Bradley said.
Forty-five people have so far signed the petition in support of Goulden, with many parents singing his praises.
“John is the best. The children look forward to seeing him,” one parent said.
“Always happy and says hello. A great man. We are lucky to have him.”
Yarra Ranges Council said while the ban is not strict, the safety of children was of “paramount importance” and school crossing supervisors must comply with Victorian Child Safe Standards.
It said both its internal policies and the Victorian Child Safe Standards state that unacceptable behaviours include “exhibiting behaviours with children and young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical” and “initiating unnecessary physical contact with children or young people”.
“Council has reminded the contractor who is currently supervising children at the Mount Dandenong Primary School of expectations of the role regarding interactions with children,” it said.
7NEWS.com.au has contacted Mount Dandenong Primary School for comment.
