Community
18 April, 2024
Noorat students receive four-legged support
NOORAT Primary School students welcomed a new friend to the classroom this week.
From this week the school will welcome Spud, an animal-assisted therapy dog, in to the classroom four-days each week.
Spud will be tasked with the important role of providing emotional support to students.
Research has found therapy animals in school help to promote mental health and wellbeing, effective intervention strategies, help to develop social skills, engage on-site learning and support an understanding of boundaries and consent.
Spud is currently undergoing training after already having completed intensive training with Pawfect Communities, learning tonal commands which students and staff at the school will use to assist in his development.
The concept came about after a student asked if the school could get a therapy dog as other local schools, such as Terang College, had enjoyed success with the initiative.
Noorat Primary School education support staff member Vanessa Howard had already been considering the option, and knowing it was something students wanted was more than enough to take the leap.
“It’s a completely new role for him (Spud) as opposed to watching ABC Kids at home and laying on the couch all day,” she said.
“He’s adapted so well to the kids, he’s very gentle and loves people, and he’s a real sticky-beak.
“He’s calming for the students, offers social and emotional support, and can help put the kids at ease.”
Ms Howard said the kids were “very excited” for Spud’s first day at school on Monday.
“We have put rules in place, such as asking to approach him and to not feed him, so the kids have been excited but respected the responsibility too,” she said.
“What the students needs are is something he’ll be able to pick up as he grows familiarity with them.”
School principal Ilona Watkins said she was proud to welcome Spud to the school as part of efforts to ensure all students are supported as much as possible.
“We have, as many schools do, students with a lot of different needs and we’re all about building wellbeing so students are in the best position to learn, and this is just one way that we can support that,” she said.
“It was an easy decision because so many of our students love and adore animals, they have a real soft spot and connection with animals.
“We felt this was a way we could extend that, and give them opportunities in a positive way to extend these relationships further and assist in fostering the best possible environment for student learning.
“Our students love coming to school, and the addition of Spud is just another reason for them to feel that way.”
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