Four weeks ago, John Goulden was crowned one of Victoria’s top crossing supervisors. Now he is banned from high-fiving students.
A single complaint from a parent in Melbourne’s outer east prompted the Yarra Ranges Council to issue the beloved children’s crossing supervisor with a warning about “unnecessarily physical” contact with children and young people.
In response, the school community has launched an online petition, supporting Goulden’s high fives, which “spark joy” and “promote a positive learning environment”.
On Wednesday, the council confirmed it had received a complaint from a parent who witnessed Goulden giving high fives to children on Farndons Road near Mount Dandenong Primary School.
In a statement to The Age, a Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson confirmed the supervisor had been reminded of child safety expectations.
“Council’s internal policies and the Victorian standards clearly states that unacceptable behaviours includes exhibiting behaviours with children and young people which may be construed as unnecessarily physical, and initiating unnecessary physical contact with children or young people,” they said.
The council said the safety of children was of “paramount importance” and all staff, contractors and volunteers who came into contact with children must have a valid Working With Children Check.
The petition in support of Goulden describes him as “the community’s morale booster”.
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