Wellbeing/Be You

Beaumaris North Primary School is a partnership school of The Resilience Project. This means the students at our school engage in a Wellbeing Curriculum through presentations, student curriculum and digital content. The Resilience Project’s Education Program’s support mental health in the classroom, staffroom and family home.

Parent/Carer Support

Practical ideas for families to embed gratitude into their daily routines, as well as a link to the new look TRP@HOME! (also attached)

Free online support for the whole school community with TRP@HOME

Practise feeling happier anytime, anywhere with TRP@HOME! This online hub is filled with inspiration and fun activities for kids, teens, adults and parents to build resilience and improve wellbeing.

 Home - TRP@HOME (theresilienceproject.com.au)

Our BNPS Therapy Dogs

What is a Therapy Dog?

Trained Therapy dog(s) are part of our wellbeing and engagement approach at BNPS. In previous years, we have had Archie and Sid as Therapy Dogs at our school and they were a valued part of our school community.

Research shows that therapy dog programs provide significant benefits for students as the dogs are trained to use their social instincts and learned social skills to provide health, social-emotional and cognitive benefits. Being in contact with a therapy dog calms children, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress and promoting a sense of belonging in school. Our dog(s) will also provide social-emotional support to staff and the wider school community, where appropriate.

In 2022, we welcome our trained Therapy Dog, Wally.

Wally                                                                    

Wally is a Groodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle). Wally (and his handler Georgia Keyes-Tilley) has been trained by K9 Support. This is different to a service dog.  Wally has a natural ability to refocus students who may be feeling upset for a variety of reasons. Wally will be working in the Year 4 area and also more broadly around the school community.

FAQs:

Is Wally safe around children? – Yes, the Wally has been working with children throughout his training, and has been put through temperament tests throughout his training.  Also, his handler, Georgia, has completed a Therapy dog and handler course which covers dog behaviour and signs of stress in dogs.  The dog will always be under the control of a trained handler.

What if my child is allergic to dogs? Wally will be well groomed and bathed regularly. No child who is allergic to dogs has to have contact with the dog, and the school will monitor this closely.

Does Wally live at the school?  No. Wally live with Georgia Keyes-Tilley and return home with her each night.

How healthy is Wally?  Wally is fully vaccinated and up to date with all flea treatments and worm treatments. Wally has a certificate from a vet stating that he is fit and healthy to be working at school.  If for whatever reason he is not well, he will remain at home.

Will the dog disrupt the classroom?  No, Wally will be with his handler at all times and is not permitted to wander around the school unattended.  When in class, he will be settled on his mat in a down stay, unless otherwise directed by his handler.

We understand that there may be some families who do not want Wally to work directly with their child, therefore, there is the ability to opt out of this opportunity.