Student Wellbeing
Wellbeing support
At SMCM we are fortunate to have the presence of 2 dogs on Wednesdays, affectionately referred to as WAG Wednesday.
Wellbeing dogs can support our overall mental health, comfort, and emotional regulation, helping to create a calming environment. They are increasingly important in schools to assist students' well-being and learning, by reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting attendance.
Melissa (Taz’s Mum) and David (Jasper’s Dad) bring Taz and Jasper into their Year 6 and Year 5 home groups on Wednesdays. Taz and Jasper have a doggie bed, leads for walking, and a clear handling structure to promote consistent behaviour, knowledge, and routines for engagement with dogs.
Taz’s calming presence helps students to focus, take on learning challenges, or open up and express what’s on their minds. Sometimes students take Taz or Jasper for a walk around the school grounds. When a student is having a challenging day, going for a walk with Taz or Jasper can completely lift their mood. It’s not only the students who benefit from Taz and Jasper being around, as staff members’ faces light up whenever they see the dogs at school. Jasper has been at Learning Conversations this week, supporting staff and families as learning achievements and challenges were discussed.
Claire (Lola's mum) supports Claire when she is working long hours at our school. Lola enjoys the extra pats she receives from students and exploring the school grounds when her mum (Claire) is working on the weekend.
Studies show that wellbeing dogs in schools promote:
- Increased engagement, trust and sense of connection
- Lower physiological stress
- Reduced anxiety, distress, pain, fear and anti-social behaviour
- Improved mood, motivation and pro-social engagement
- Development of safe and healthy relationships as a context for change (trauma-informed practice)
- Increased sense of belonging and improved school culture
- Improved relational skills including empathy, caregiving, kindness and social awareness
We feel very lucky to have Taz, Jasper, and Lola in our school community.
Learning Diversity
PSGs are well under way. Thank you to the families who have booked an appointment, if you have not done so please contact Jess or Alana.
Lisa
Deputy Principal & Wellbeing Leader
lisa.heath@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Jess
Deputy Principal & Learning Diversity Leader