Guardian of the children retires

By Meg Kennedy

After 16-years of service, school crossing supervisor Barbara Caisley has put down her stop sign for the final time last week.
Ms Caisley could often be seen in the mornings at the Albert Street crossing at Darley Primary School, where many commented on her positive attitude and care for the students.
Ms Caisley said she originally started her work as a crossing supervisor not just because she loves the children, but she “needed the money for patching!”
As for her retirement plans, Ms Caisley said she plans to “take it easy.”
“I don’t have any plans to travel or anything…but I will be looking after my husband, and I am member of the hospital auxiliary op-shop, the CWA and the Bacchus Marsh Friendship Quilters,” she said.
Although her first name is Barbara, Ms Caisley is fondly known to many of the students as ‘Anne’, which she said was due to her full name being ‘Barbara Anne’.
“Most people call me Anne, but for official business it is Barbara.”
Ms Caisley said the “most rewarding thing has been watching the kids grow up” over the years.
“Sometimes I see them driving past waving to me when they get their licence, and one has even become a teacher at Pentland Hills Primary School,” she said.
“The children are just so lovely that they need to be guarded and looked after.”
A spokesperson for Darley Primary School said the school community “has been fortunate to have such a dedicated and caring crossing supervisor in Barbara.”
“Our crossing supervisors really brighten everyone’s day with their friendly greetings, and Barbara has done a wonderful job in ensuring the safety of our students over many years and we all wish her well in her retirement.”
Ms Caisley said that she would like to “thank everyone for their kindness these last 16-years.”
“I have met the loveliest people and made some lovely friends, and of course I absolutely love the kids.”