A community is outraged after an award-winning candy vendor was banned from greeting students on their way to school.
Yarra Ranges Council has issued a reprimand to John Goulden, crossing supervisor at Mount Dandenong Primary School in Melbourne’s east, after receiving a complaint from an angry parent.
The beloved lollipop man is known to high-five students at the crosswalk while holding up the stop sign.
Mr Goulden, who previously received the Victorian School Crossing Supervisor of the Year Award, was told he had to abide by the council’s code of conduct.
“Council has reminded the contractor currently supervising children at Mount Dandenong Primary School of the expectations of his role regarding interactions with children,” the council said in a statement.
The council said its internal policies clearly state that initiating unnecessary physical contact with children is considered inappropriate.
A spokeswoman said 7 News Mr. Goulden must consider the safety of all children at the crossing, regardless of how they are greeted.
“The safest bet is not to high-five when supervising children crossing the street or when they pass by in cars,” he said.
John Goulden (pictured), who is a crossing supervisor at Mount Dandenong Primary School in Melbourne’s east, has been reprimanded by the local council for high-fiving students at the school.
Angry parents have rallied in support of Mr Goulden and have launched a request so that I can continue congratulating the students.
The petition praised the crossing supervisor as a “morale booster” who “promotes a more positive learning environment.”
“Their morning and afternoon high fives have become a tradition that many children look forward to,” wrote petition organizer Rohan Bradley.
‘A small gesture that symbolises the warmth and kindness of our unique community.’
Mr Bradley is angry that the tradition is under threat and urged other parents to show their support, prompting a huge outpouring of support for Mr Goulden.
Angry parents criticised the council’s response and rallied behind Mr Goulden (pictured) so he could continue greeting students.
The petition has attracted nearly 400 signatures in a week and dozens of comments.
“John is the best. The kids look forward to seeing him. He’s always happy and says hello. He’s a great man,” one follower wrote.
Another added: “Parents supervise children when they give each other the high five. This man is pure joy and a constant in our children’s lives.”
A third wrote: “We need to preserve what little community spirit we have left.”
Mr Goulden had already received praise from local MP Aaron Violi after the council announced he had received the award.
“Congratulations, John, and thank you for keeping our school students safe,” Violi wrote on social media.
The council said that while the ban on high-fiving is not strict, the safety and well-being of children always comes first.
‘If high-fives are conducted in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, taking into account the safety and supervision of all children at the crossing, road traffic and is initiated by the child, then they are not universally prohibited.’
