AFTER 25 years in the role of school crossing supervisor, Betty Dale is helping a second generation of Ormiston State School students get to school safely.
Mrs Dale stopped traffic for at least three mums of current students when the parents were at primary school.
Mrs Dale started as the school’s crossing supervisor in November 1993 when her family moved to the Redlands from Hemmant.
“My son was at the end of grade two, and my daughter was at the end of grade five,” Mrs Dale said.
“The crossing supervisor at the time was leaving, so I applied.”
We are truly grateful for the service she provides and hope we are all here to celebrate the next 25 with her.
- Ormiston State School acting principal Jackie Wilkins
Ormiston State School acting principal Jackie Wilkins said the school community was proud of Mrs Dale for achieving the milestone.
“She has provided 25 years of service not only to the Ormiston State School community, but to the wider Redlands community as she has worked to ensure the safety of all road users,” Ms Wilkins said.
“We regularly talk about and feel blessed for the wonderful community feel that our school has.
“Betty’s daily smile, wave to passing traffic and friendly interactions with students and their parents on the crossing, is certainly an integral part of this.
“We are truly grateful for the service she provides and hope we are all here to celebrate the next 25 with her.”
Mrs Dale said she had loved every minute of her time in the job, with the best part being the children she works with every day.
“They’re such beautiful little beings,” she said.
“You never know what they’re going to say to you.
“I had one little girl give me a teddy bear because she thought I might be lonely while I was doing the crossings.
“I have attached it to my trolley, and it comes with me each day.
“That young lass would be in high school now.”
Mrs Dale said she had been given about five notes and cards from students when they found out she had been their for 25 years.
Transport and Main Roads road safety officer Graham Smith said it was very rare for crossing supervisors to reach 25 years of service.
He said the school crossing supervisor scheme – to help children in safely crossing roads on their way to and from school – was launched nearly 35 years ago.
“It is due to the dedication and hard work of crossing supervisors like Betty that the scheme has been so successful in maintaining the safety of our children,” Mr Smith said.
While Mrs Dale is not sure if she has another 25 years ahead of her, she said she had no plans to leave Ormiston State School.
“As long as I’m able to, I will do it,” she said.
