Canine Comprehension

Students participated in a successful and engaging program with Canine Comprehension, supported by Cooper the dog and their tutor Samantha. Over eight weeks, the group explored a range of social-emotional learning topics through a carefully structured curriculum. They began by learning about their rights and responsibilities and reflected on their feelings towards school and peer relationships. As the program progressed, students developed a deeper understanding of empathy, worry, and emotional awareness by identifying similarities in feelings and exploring ways to manage self-talk. These lessons helped foster emotional literacy and strengthen their connections to others.

The latter half of the program focused on recognising and celebrating personal achievements, navigating challenges, and understanding the power of non-verbal communication. Through sessions on body language and facial expressions, students gained insights into how their own and others’ behaviours influence relationships. The program concluded with a session on coping with change, giving students an opportunity to reflect on their growth in emotional awareness, communication, and self-management. With the calming presence of Cooper and the guidance of Samantha, students built meaningful skills that will support their social and emotional development beyond the program.

Johnathan Patatsos,

MHW Leader