An Australian school community has been left outraged after a cherished crossing guard was banned from high-fiving student following a parent complaint about the innocent gesture.
Students of Mount Dandenong Primary School in Greater Melbourne will no longer receive high fives from their beloved crossing supervisor, John Goulden, during drop off and pick up after he was reprimanded by Yarra Ranges Council.
Goulden, who was recently crowned one of Victoria’s top crossing supervisors, has been warned by the council against “initiating unnecessary physical contact” with the children.
Australian school crossing guard John Goulden was banned from giving students high fives after a parent complained about it. Yarra Ranges Council/Facebook
Outraged parents have rallied behind the cherished lollipop man, with one beginning a petition to have the ban removed.
Parent and petition organizer Rohan Bradley said Goulden has an “infectious joy that leaves a lasting impression on students and parents.”
“His high fives in the morning and afternoon have become a tradition that many children look forward to, a small gesture that symbolizes the warmth and friendliness of our unique community,” he said.
Goulden was warned against “initiating unnecessary physical contact.” Google Maps
“Sadly, this tradition is under threat. With our children’s happiness and wellbeing hanging in the balance, we need to take action.”
Bradley said it was not just about a simple high five but about “preserving our unique community’s spirit.”
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“We implore those in charge to let John continue to high-five his students, preserving an act that sparks joy and promotes a more positive learning environment,” he said.
The petition has already gained more than 500 signatures as parents and students stand with the “community’s morale booster.”
An online petition was started to let Goulden give students a high five after crossing the street. Change.org
In a statement, Yarra Ranges Council confirmed they had received a complaint from a parent at the school about the crossing supervisor dishing out high fives as students were being driven past him on Farndons Rd.
“Council’s internal policies and the Victorian Standards clearly states that unacceptable behaviors includes: Exhibiting behaviors with children and young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical,” they told 9News.
“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.”
In July the council named Goulden the Region Four Crossing Supervisor of the Year for his “outstanding contributions to community safety”.
