Student Wellbeing News

EDSC Therapy Dog (in training), “Roxie”

Late last year we introduced you to ‘Roxie,’ the Boxer puppy and family dog belonging to EDSC Wellbeing Director, Michael Colling. We are pleased to update you that Roxie is excelling in her weekly obedience training and is soon to start her accredited therapy dog training, with the view to become our official EDSC Therapy Dog! According to Assistance Dogs Australia, “Therapy dogs can provide support to students in a number of ways, including offering emotional support, recognising signs of anxiety, and helping improve concentration and communication skills as well as reducing the incidence of antisocial behaviour and bullying.”

Before Roxie officially starts this specific training, she is required to undertake a number of socialisation sessions at EDSC, to get her accustomed to ‘life on campus;’ the smells, sounds and bustle of a usual day at EDSC. Roxie has been suitably assessed for good health and sociable/friendly temperament to attend the College for these socialisation days, which will take place later this term.

On these days, Roxie will be with her owner, Michael Colling, at all times. Roxie will also be wearing her blue ‘TRAINING’ jacket (as pictured here).

 During these socialisation days, we kindly ask that Roxie is not approached to be patted, etc., as she will be in training to ignore all distractions. EDSC will adhere to the strict guidelines as set out for having assistance/therapy dogs onsite, of which can be provided upon request.

Please do not hesitate to contact the College if your child/ren have any allergies/fears of dogs so we can discuss these concerns with you further.

Michael Colling

Director of Wellbeing

Wellbeing Staff

For more information about Wellbeing at the College, please visit the following link .. 

Child Safety Standards

East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision making.

East Doncaster Secondary College has zero tolerance for child abuse.

East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

Every person involved in East Doncaster Secondary College has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

In our planning, decision making and operations, all personnel at East Doncaster Secondary College will;

• Take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety;
• Value and empower children to participate in decisions which affect their lives;
• Foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children
• Respect diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount;
• Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children;
• Engage only the most suitable people to work with children and have high quality staff and volunteer supervision and professional development;
• Ensure children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues;
• Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities;
• Share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk; and
• Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.