Hairy Connections

Animal-Assisted Wellbeing & Engagement Program

Epsom Primary School is excited to share that we have been awarded a grant from the Department of Education to develop our Animal-Assisted Wellbeing and Engagement Program. This program is inspired by connection-based approaches such as our Hairy Connections program.

This initiative will provide students with opportunities to build confidence, develop emotional regulation and strengthen their engagement with learning through structured interactions with animals. Research shows that animal-assisted wellbeing programs can help students feel calmer, reduce anxiety and support the development of empathy, resilience and positive relationships.

As part of the program, we will be offering our Equine Supported Learning (ESL) sessions. Students will spend time with Bluey the pony, whose gentle nature helps create a calm and supportive environment for connection and learning. 

This exciting initiative will complement the strong wellbeing supports already in place at Epsom Primary School. We look forward to sharing more updates with our community as the program develops.

Sawdust & Smiles: Intergenerational Project

There has been plenty of excitement, creativity, and the smell of fresh timber in the air as students have taken part in our Sawdust and Smiles project. This hands-on program allows students to learn practical building skills while working together on meaningful projects for our school community and local environment.

Over the past few months, students have been measuring, sanding, assembling, and painting timber pieces to create sturdy and comfortable houses for our guinea pigs. With teamwork, patience, and lots of enthusiasm, the students have now finished the guinea pig houses for our very own Guinea Pig Village. The finished houses will offer shelter and enrichment for our furry friends. Students have taken great pride in seeing their designs come to life, and knowing their work will directly support the animals they care for. Students have also built several bird boxes, helping to provide safe nesting spots for local birdlife around the school grounds. These bird boxes will support local wildlife and biodiversity. 

This program is made possible thanks to grant funding from the City of Greater Bendigo and Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise. We would also like to sincerely thank the Huntly Men's Shed for their ongoing support, guidance and encouragement throughout the project.