A community is in turmoil after an award-winning lollipop man was banned from high-fiving students on the way to school.
Yarra Ranges City Council has reprimanded John Goulden, a 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 for giving high fives to schoolchildren on the zebra crossing while holding up the stop sign.
Mr Goulden, who previously received the Victorian School Crossing Supervisor of the Year Award, was told 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 in relation to interaction with children,” the council said in a statement.
The council indicated that its internal policy clearly states 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 the high five is given.
“The safest thing to do is not to give high fives if you are supervising children crossing the road or if they are in the car,” she said.
The local council has reprimanded John Goulden (pictured), who oversees the crossing at Mount Dandenong Primary School in Melbourne’s east where students are given high fives.
Angry parents have rallied behind Mr Goulden and started a campaign petition so he can continue to give the students high fives.
The petition praised the zebra crossing supervisor as a “moral booster” who “promotes a more positive learning environment.”
“His morning and afternoon high fives have become a tradition that many children look forward to,” wrote Rohan Bradley, petition organizer.
‘A small gesture that symbolizes the warmth and friendliness of our unique community’.
Mr Bradley is angry that the tradition is in jeopardy and is calling on other parents to show their support, which has led to a wave of support for Mr Goulden.
Angry parents reacted strongly to the council’s response and have rallied behind Mr Goulden (pictured) so he can continue to high-five his students
The petition has generated nearly 400 signatures and dozens of responses within a week
“John is the best. The kids look forward to seeing him. Always happy and greetings. A great man,” wrote one supporter.
Another added: ‘The kids are being watched by their parents when the high five happens! This man is pure joy and a constant in our children’s lives.’
A third wrote: ‘We need to maintain what little community spirit we have left.’
Mr Goulden previously 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 children safe,” Mr Violi wrote on social media.
The council said that while the ban on high fives is not strict, the safety and welfare of children always comes first.
‘If the high five is given in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, taking into account the safety and supervision of all children at the crossing and traffic on the road, and if the child takes the initiative, then there is no universal ban on high fives.’