The story from the Rumour File which Ross Stevenson thinks is ‘perfect’

The Rumour File was alerted to the story of a much-loved crossing supervisor at a primary school in Melbourne’s outer-east, who has been banned by the local council from giving students a high-five.

And Ross Stevenson thinks the story is “perfect”.

“It is maybe as good as it gets,” Russel Howcroft said.

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The principal of Mount Dandenong Primary School then confirmed the ban by the council in a statement sent to Ross and Russ.

Press PLAY to hear the statement

Yarra Ranges Council has released the following statement:

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, Mount Dandenong.

The safety of children is of paramount importance for all Council staff, contractors and volunteers.

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.

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.

Councils 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.
• 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.

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