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Lollypop Lady Starts School Year On Her Own Patch

Children crossing Fowler Street in Moe, on their first day back at school on Wednesday, found a new welcoming face at their school crossing.

By Latrobe City - 2nd February 2007 - Back to News

While it was the first day back at school for most of the children and the very first day of school for some, it was also the very first day for school crossing supervisor Karin Klode, at her very own school crossing.

Karin has been a ‘relieving’ school crossing supervisor with Latrobe City for the past twelve-months, and as such has filled in across the municipality for any school crossing supervisors on sick leave. After twelve months relieving, Karin will now call one of Fowler Street’s two crossings, ‘her patch’.

"It’s great to be looking after my own crossing on a permanent basis. Being a school crossing supervisor is a great job. I enjoy saying hello to the kids each day, sharing their excitement and getting to know their characters a bit," Karin revealed. "I get a lot of satisfaction seeing them safely across the road each day."

While Karin has been a school crossing supervisor in Latrobe City for just a year, she has ten year’s experience as a lollypop lady, working in the Yarra Ranges Shire at Lilydale and in Baw Baw Shire before moving to the Latrobe Valley.

Her ten-year’s experience reveals itself as the children emerge from their first day of term. A child who started school that morning knew exactly what to do that afternoon – stop at the kerb and wait for the whistle.

"As it was her very first day of school, I ran through the procedures when she arrived at the school crossing this morning, explaining exactly what she should do. She obviously remembered everything I taught her," Karin said proudly.

Karin said her message for motorists now that school is back, is to be aware and not become distracted when driving. "Drivers also need to remember they must not proceed into a school crossing until everyone - children, adults, and the school crossing supervisor, are all safely back on the footpath," Karin added.

Councillor Bruce Lougheed, who is passionate about road safety, welcomed Karin on her first day as a permanently based school crossing supervisor.

"As a grandparent and municipal councillor, I take a very keen interest in trying to ensure that the routes to and from school in our community are made as safe as possible," Cr Lougheed said.

"What has alarmed me today, is my observation that very few drivers are approaching school crossings at a legal or safe speed.

"It is disappointing to see so many drivers approaching a school crossing at speed, when school children and flags are clearly visible. It is placing the lives of our young ones at risk, and these kids are our future.

"The message for all drivers is ‘please slow down – the kids are back at school’."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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