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Beloved School Crossing Guard Banned from High-Fiving Students After Parent Complaint
20 days ago
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Australian school crossing guard John Goulden was banned from giving students high fives after a parent complained about it.Photo byYarra Ranges Council/Facebook
Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of A.I. software.
Incident Details:
Date: July 2024
Place: Mount Dandenong Primary School, Greater Melbourne, Australia
Time: During school drop-off and pick-up times
An Australian school community is reeling after a popular crossing guard was banned from high-fiving students due to a parent’s complaint. The ban has sparked outrage among parents and students at Mount Dandenong Primary School in Greater Melbourne, who see the gesture as a beloved tradition.
An online petition was started to let Goulden give students a high five after crossing the street.Photo byChange.org
The Incident:
John Goulden, a crossing supervisor known for his warm demeanor, has been reprimanded by the Yarra Ranges Council after a complaint was lodged by a parent. The council cited concerns about “initiating unnecessary physical contact” with children, which led to the ban on high-fives during his crossing duties.
Goulden was warned against “initiating unnecessary physical contact.”Photo byGoogle Maps
Goulden, who was recently honored as one of Victoria’s top crossing supervisors, has been a fixture at the school, providing not just safe passage across the street but also spreading joy through his friendly interactions with students.
Parents and students are rallying behind Goulden, with many expressing disbelief and disappointment over the decision.
Rohan Bradley, a parent and organizer of a petition to overturn the ban, said, “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.”
The petition, which has already garnered over 500 signatures, aims to reinstate the high-fives, emphasizing that the gesture is a key part of the community’s spirit.
The Yarra Ranges Council issued a statement confirming the complaint and reinforcing its policies. “Council’s internal policies and the Victorian Standards clearly state that unacceptable behaviors include exhibiting behaviors with children and young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical,” the statement read.
Despite the council’s stance, the school community remains hopeful that the ban will be reconsidered, allowing Goulden to continue his tradition of spreading positivity.
This incident has highlighted the delicate balance between safety and community values. While the council’s actions are grounded in policy, the outcry from parents and students underscores the importance of small gestures in fostering a positive environment. The outcome of the petition will be eagerly awaited as the community seeks to restore a sense of normalcy and joy to their daily routines.
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