By Callum Ludwig
The 150th anniversary of the Woori Yallock Primary School isn’t the only milestone they are celebrating this year.
This year also marks 25 years of service from much-loved crossing supervisor Dawn Jenkins at the school.
Ms Jenkins said it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long.
“I started because I had nothing else to do and wanted to go back to work and one of the mums was at the crossing and as she was leaving she asked if I wanted to start working there,” she said.
“I said yes and so I went to the council, did everything and it all started from there.”
Ms Jenkins patrols the crossing on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road outside the school each morning and afternoon.
Ms Jenkins said seeing the kids each day is still what she enjoys most about the job.
“I enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work, then going home waiting to going back and just to see the kids again,” she said.
“A lot of the mums that were students when I started are back at the primary school with their own children.”
A special assembly has been held at the school for Ms Jenkins to celebrate every five years of service, with this year’s assembly including a gift and heartfelt speech presented by one of the Woori Yallock Primary School students, Dixie.
Ms Jenkins said she’s hoping to stay on for another five years yet and reach the 30-year mark.
“I’ll see how I go but I really love the job, I don’t drive so I walk to work and I’m always there for the kids to say good morning, they say good morning back and ask how I am or how my day was,” she said.
“It’s a good job, it’s good meeting the kids and parents, good to get holidays and work in the morning and night, it’s a good job to get into.”
Ms Jenkins was also part of a push for electronic speed signs at the crossing and has had a daughter to attend the school.
