school

Lollipop lady leaves bitter taste in parents' mouths.

A Melbourne school crossing supervisor has been banned from handing out treats to students.

Kaye Kittelty, who has been a “lollipop lady” for the past four years, hands out icy poles and hot pies once a term.

But she has been forced to stop because it is “not hygienic” and takes the attention away from her duties.

“I got a phone call from my supervisor who said I couldn’t do it anymore because someone had complained,” Ms Kittelty told the Maroondah Leader.

Kaye Kittelty works at a busy school crossing. File image via iStock.

“It’s the principle of the thing and it makes you wonder what the world is coming to," she said.

Maroondah Council enforced the ban but a group of Year 6 students have started a petition to have it reversed.

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Kittelty told 3AW Warranwood Primary School students are "disappointed".

"I probably cross about 20 [students] and have about 30 walk past," Ms Kittelty told 3AW.

The Melbournian says she tries not to let any student miss out on her once-a-term treats.  She wraps her pies in foil to keep them warm and the icy poles are kept cool in ice packs.  Students get one or the other - never both.

She also hands out Schmackos to dogs - with their owner's permission.

VicRoads said it is important school crossing supervisors avoid activities that may distract them.

"School crossing supervisors should avoid giving children food as this could accidentally lead to a child suffering an allergic reaction or other side effect," Anita Curnow, VicRoads Director of Access and Operations said.

The job description.

"Children’s crossing supervisors should be of good character and temperament, and concerned for the safety of children.

Supervisors should:

  • endeavour to gain the confidence of the children
  • get to know them
  • teach them to respond to all commands"

Source: VicRoads

Maroondah Council council says school crossing supervisors are required to follow VicRoads' instructions.

"A crossing supervisor, at Warranwood Primary School, was recently reminded that when on duty supervisors cannot be distracted by any other activities, including the sharing of gifts, as the safety of the children at their crossing is their key priority," Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Natalie Thomas said.

Warranwood Assistant Principal, Shane Harrop only had praise for all the crossing supervisors at the school.

“We think all the school crossing supervisors do a fantastic job and they’re very dedicated,” he said.

Kaye says she loves her job and won't be handing out treats anymore.

Year 2 student Liam, 8, told the Leader:  “It was just unfair and mean."

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