A message from Emily

Welcome back for the final term of school for 2023. It's hard to believe that we are here already. Lots of things are happening in the reviewing of this year and preparation for 2024. I look forward to sharing some of these insights with you in future newsletters.

It was great to see all the smiling faces as the children returned to school last Monday and what a fortnight of excitement it has been. The Prep - 3 Hubs have started their Friday swimming program which will continue for the rest of the term and the 5/6 Hub have begun their inter-school sports program for Term 4. The 1 Hub and 4 Hub went on walking excursions and the some Preps went for a visit to Church Street Kinder. We look forward to creating further exciting learning opportunities for the children across this term.

A new development since last term and something I mentioned at assembly last week, is the introduction of a School Wellbeing/Therapy Dog, Luna. Luna belongs to me and all year we have been working on obedience and behavioural training to ensure her suitability. She is currently in training and I will be bringing her in from time to time to become familiar with the school setting. A separate email will be sent to you with information about Luna as well as a parental permission form. There is no expectation for your child to interact with Luna and if your child has a fear of dogs please let me know via email econroy@sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au. 

What is a Therapy/School Wellbeing Dog?

Therapy dogs are dogs who bring joy, affection and non-medical support to people. They have been found to show elevated levels of social interaction to all human beings. Therapy dogs have been assessed as having a suitable and stable temperament which is non-reactive and which naturally loves people. Therapy dogs are not trained to do specific tasks (like a service or assistance dogs). Instead, they are trained to have impeccable manners such as housebroken, not bitting, sitting, staying and ignoring distractions.

Eventually, Luna could be used to work with children for:

• Story time - Luna lays down for children to read to her individually or as a group
• "Reward" time - Interactions could be used as a reward-based/brain break strategy for children who are disengaged
• Tricks and training - Luna "performing" tricks or showing others how to train her
• Walking on leash or grooming could also be options just to name a couple

Luna will be in my office and I am required to accompany her at all times. As I said, I will share more information via an email and I will let Luna determine how often I bring her to school with how much she enjoys the school environment. If Luna is feeling anxious then I will have to reassess how often she comes to school or if it will work. At all times the wellbeing of Luna, the children and the community will be considered when making decision around offering Luna as a school wellbeing/therapy dog.

Wishing you well

Emily