Murphy stars in wellbeing dog series
Girton Grammar’s beloved Junior School wellbeing dog, Murphy, has starred alongside the Head of Junior School, Mr Don Thompson, and several students in a new Independent Schools Victoria series. The series highlights how the unique skills of wellbeing dogs are being harnessed across three independent schools in Victoria to enhance student learning, engagement and wellbeing.
In the third episode, Mr Thompson discusses the enormous impact Murphy has had on student engagement and wellbeing since joining Girton in 2022, particularly for those students who are feeling anxious about attending school. He goes on to describe how having Murphy on hand to welcome students at the school gates can provide them with the boost of encouragement they need to ‘cross the threshold’ and have a positive day. “It’s been wonderful seeing the work he’s doing – with all kids but particularly those who are finding it hard to get to school,” Mr Thompson said. “It’s not that the children forget about their anxiety, but when they’re giving their attention to Murphy and they’ve got a job to do, they’re not focusing on their own worries.”
Building on Murphy’s success, Girton has continued to expand its Wellbeing Dog program. In 2023, the Senior School welcomed Australian Cobberdog Poppy, and just this year, Murphy has been joined in the Junior School by fellow ‘Groodle’ Nina. The Wellbeing Dog program is a key element of Girton’s ‘toolkit’ for supporting students, alongside the school’s dedicated Inclusive Education staff. The program is supported by Dogs Connect, which partners wellbeing dogs with a range of organisations, including schools, justice facilities, aged care providers and hospitals.