By Ethan Benedicto
As School Crossing Supervisor Day passed on Friday 7 February, the City of Casey celebrated it by acknowledging the contributions of a local supervisor in Clyde North.
Shirley Tjoa, the crossing supervisor for Turrun Primary School on the eastern border of the suburb, has been on the job for several years, a job that she loves.
“My favourite part is having the kids cross, they’re just all really excited, especially the little ones, and they’re very cute,” she said.
“They always want to say hello, and I appreciate their parents too; they all seem to trust me with this responsibility and I enjoy it.”
Having a day dedicated to hers and every other supervisor’s efforts was ecstatic, with Shirley saying that it made her feel special, and acknowledged.
“It’s to recognise the importance of this work, that it’s for safety, about getting these children across the road safe,” she said.
The City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen was also in attendance, speaking to Shirley and saying that it’s crucial to appreciate the people “looking after our kids and families”.
“Especially on their way to and from school, and I think it’s important to recognise the work that they do.
“This year alone we’ve got four new schools opening in Clyde North, so that’s a lot of traffic in our streets,” he said.
Koomen touched on raising awareness and the encouragement of local drivers to tread carefully around newer areas, especially considering the soon-to-be increased volume of children.
Shirley admitted that with new homes still being built, and new residents still pouring in with no signs of slowing down, there is an increased intensity to her role.
“I’ll just have to take it as it comes,” she said.
“I know the traffic at the moment is a bit rough, they’re not that aware yet that it’s a school zone, people are still getting used to it.”
Despite being rough around the edges, Shirley remains steadfast that she can perform in her role, and in smoothing out the daily habits of commuters in the area.
Turrun Primary School’s principal, Kristy Miller, said that she, the staff, and the children are happy to have the likes of Shirley alongside them and to have the ability to safely cross.
“It ensures the safety of our kids, which is one of our top priorities,” she said.
“A big part of our role is to make sure that the children not only know safety but demonstrate it as well.
“Our responsibility is to make sure that that happens within our school, and of course to help educate the parents as well.”
