Controversy rules: Mt Martha Primary School council president Iona Eichstadt, her daughter Monique, who is a pupil at the school, and Judy Beckworth. Picture: Gary Sissons
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MT Martha Primary School principal Judy Beckworth weathered a storm of controversy last week after it was revealed the school had stopped pupils from hugging, and congratulating each other with high-fives.
Ms Beckworth said the no-touching policy had been set because she, parents and teachers were concerned about rough play during games such as tiggy, chasey, football and basketball.
The no-touching rule was introduced last Wednesday and was due to continue until the end of the week.
Ms Beckworth said a number of pupils suffered injuries in recent weeks including broken wrists, a broken collar bone and concussion.
"I don't believe this is taking it too far and this is not an overreaction. When you have students badly injuring themselves, it would be unacceptable for me not to take action," she said.
"It is a practice that we've adopted to raise awareness - that it's unacceptable to play roughly on the playground."
Ms Beckworth said that what was considered unacceptable was a grey area and was difficult to explain to younger pupils, so the decision was made to have a no-contact rule across the board.
Pupils in breach of the rule are counselled and asked to reflect on their behaviour, whether it was appropriate, and if they would do it again.
Parents hit the airwaves last week to complain about the trial, describing it as "outrageous".
One said his children were told they could not high-five each other, and another complained that when her son was winded his friend was told not to comfort him.
Asked if young children would understand that touching was not appropriate during the trial, Ms Beckworth said their teachers would explain it to them.
"There will be a commonsense approach to all this, and the focus is on rough play in the yard. This is not about showing friendship, but safe play."
Ms Beckworth said parents who had contacted the school were "gratified that we have taken this stance".
However, she did not know how many had contacted the school to complain.
School council president Iona Eichstadt said that matter had been a storm in a teacup.
"I am amazed at how this has all blown up and I fully support the decision. This is all about encouraging safe play and is just a trial.
"Parents have been concerned about rough play and recent injuries on the playground and this is a case where Judy would be damned if she did and damned if she didn't."