Mental Health
& Wellbeing update
What is Dogs Connect?
Dogs Connect is one of the SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) programs we run at Bridgewater PS. It aims to connect wellbeing dogs with communities (such as schools) to improve social and emotional wellbeing and overall emotional ‘balance’.
Dogs Connect was first set up in school communities throughout Victoria. They have introduced wellbeing dogs in over 250 schools all around Australia. The schools involved have noted improvement in attendance and an increased openness to learn since their dog joined the community. Students and staff are more engaged, they’re happier, and have noticed less anxiety among their community.
The aim of the program is to create a permanent connection between the school community and their wellbeing dog, which leads to positive emotional and social impacts. This is to help communities think differently about how to achieve wellbeing.
How does Dogs Connect run at BPS?
Poppie, our Dogs Connect dog, officially started at the end of Term 1, 2025. Over the course of 2025 and into 2026 she has increased her time at school as she became more comfortable within the school setting.
When onsite, which is usually Tuesdays and Thursdays, Poppie joins the Junior and Senior classrooms at various times. She also spends time with Mr Lehane in his office when she needs some ‘recharge’ time. Poppie also spends time in the yard with the students during break times.
For more information, or if you have any questions, you can access the Dogs Connect website (below) or reach out to Miss Deane, who’s the coordinator of the program at Bridgewater, and Poppie’s owner!
CatholicCare
CatholicCare have some great, free and informative sessions running for families in Term 3.
Topics include: 'Tuning into Kids', 'Parenting Together' and 'Bringing Up Great Kids'.
For more information, see the flyers below and relevant QR codes.
Julia and Lisa, the facilitators for these sessions are also happy to visit school and run sessions if there's enough interest from families. If you are interested in a session running at school, please reach out to me (Bron) via ClassDojo.
Thanks,
Bron
Anglicare
Anglicare also have a great, free and informative session running for families in Term 3 called 'Circle of Security- Parenting Program'.
The Local
The Local also have a great, free and informative session running for families in Term 3.
See the flyer below for more details.
Sessions include:
What is ADHD and how can I help?, What is Autism and how can I help?, parent wellbeing, sensory processing, managing big feelings, all about anger, anxiety in kids, family rules and consequences, sibling rivalry and a parent drop in session. Annette and her team would love to meet you and assist in any way they can.
