WELLBEING

STORY DOGS FUNDRAISER - WEEK 4

GOLD COIN PER DAY!

MONDAY 26TH OCTOBER - CRAZY HAT DAY

WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER - ZOOPER DOOPERS

FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER - FREE DRESS DAY

ABOUT STORY DOGS

Story Dogs is a volunteer organisation assisting students to build literacy skills. It is a non-judgemental setting, the children's focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars. The accepting, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun while reading to a friendly, calm dog. Woof!

In 2025, Story Dogs gathered feedback from volunteers, teachers and families across the Story Dogs program, and the results are incredibly encouraging.

Here’s what Volunteers, Schools, Supporters and Staff are helping make possible:

A love of reading

96% of parents say their children talk about Story Dogs at home
And when they do, they most often say they “enjoy reading with the dog”

Stronger literacy skills

84% of teachers agree that Story Dogs contributes to improvements in children’s literacy

Greater engagement at school

62% of parents say their child shows more interest in school since joining the program

Growing confidence

92% of teachers agree that Story Dogs helps improve children’s general confidence

Community connection

93% of volunteers feel they are making a meaningful contribution through Story Dogs

While we know there are many factors that support a child’s learning, these results highlight the special role that a calm, non-judgemental reading companion can play.

Please check out the full Impact Report here, Enjoy!

BUILDING RESILIENCE

Building resilience can be one of the most important life long skills you can teach your children. There is a lot of information online and many people will happily give you their opinion if you ask. Please see some trusted sites below where you can access more information.

So why is it so important?

Building resilience is important because it allows you to adapt to life’s challenges, bounce back from adversity, and maintain your mental well-being. Instead of being overwhelmed by stress, trauma, or unexpected changes, resilient individuals navigate these difficulties with greater ease and emerge stronger.

Here is a breakdown of why resilience matters across different areas of life:

🧠 Mental & Emotional Health

Reduces stress: Helps you manage anxiety and prevents burnout by keeping challenges in perspective.
Prevents depression: Acts as a psychological buffer, lowering the risk of long-term mental health struggles after difficult life events.
Improves self-esteem: Overcoming obstacles builds confidence in your own abilities to handle future problems.

💼 Professional & Academic Success

Enhances problem-solving: Keeps your mind clear during crises, allowing you to find creative solutions instead of panicking.
Encourages adaptability: Helps you pivot smoothly when projects fail, industries shift, or organizational changes occur.
Fosters persistence: Gives you the drive to keep pursuing your career or academic goals despite setbacks and rejections.

👥 Relationships & Social Connection

Improves communication: Helps you stay calm during conflicts, leading to healthier resolutions with family, friends, and coworkers.
Deepens empathy: Experiencing and surviving hard times often makes you more understanding of others' struggles.

For more information

Building resilience in children - Emerging Minds

Building resilience in children 3-8 years

Fifteen elements of resilience

Building resilience in children - Be You

Gabrielle Carter

Wellbeing and Mental Health Leader