By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
A ‘much-loved’ school crossing supervisor has been banned from high-fiving children after a parent complaint to the council.
Yarra Ranges Council received a complaint from a parent at Mount Dandenong Primary School about the crossing supervisor giving high-fives to children as they are being driven past the supervisor on Farndons Road, in Mount Dandenong.
A statement from the council emphasised on the safety of children and the importance of all council staff, contractors, and volunteers to carry this when on duty.
“As part of council’s commitment to protecting the safety of children, all staff, contractors and volunteers who come into contact with children must have a valid Working with Children check,” the statement reads.
“In addition to this school crossing, supervisors must comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards that details guidance on appropriate behaviour and conduct when working with children, young people and their families.”
The councils’ internal policies and the Victorian Standards states that unacceptable behaviours include, exhibiting behaviours with children and young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical and, or 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,” the Council’s statement further reads.
Along with Yarra Ranges Council, Mayor Councillor Sophie Todorov simultaneously made an official statement online regarding this controversial issue.
“We regret that a legitimate safety concern has resulted in the response it has but seek to assure members of the community that Council values and appreciates the work of all our school crossing supervisors. We understand they play a pivotal safety role in the school community and their friendly and welcoming nature is an important connection for many parents and brings a smile to the children across the Yarra Ranges,” Mayor Cr Todorov stated.
“We encourage our school crossing supervisors to maintain this important friendly engagement and connection with children and to do so in line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.”
“This is to ensure that any child who comes into contact with anyone from Council, whether they be staff, contractors or volunteers, are following the Standards. We also work closely with School Crossings Australia who follow national standards.”
Mayor Cr Todorov said the council has not issued a direct ban on giving high-fives, but the training provided by School Crossings Australia and School Crossings Victoria does not support high-fives, especially when children are crossing the road.
An online petition was made on Thursday 8 August to Schools Crossing Victoria to lift the ban.
The petition’s goal was 5000 signatures, as of Monday 19 August, more than 3000 signatures have been signed off.
A statement from School Crossing Australia and School Crossings Victoria was also released online.
“School Crossings Australia together with School Crossings Victoria does not support high-fives or any physical contact with children, unless for safety reasons as it can compromise safety at the school crossing,” the statement reads.
“This is reinforced in the training we deliver to School Crossing supervisors which is in line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and it also helps to protect them from any inaccurate allegations.”
