Pawfect Pupil Gives Denman Students a Lift
BY JEM ANSHAW
There is an age-old saying to never work with kids or animals, but at Denman Public School it is quite the opposite.
Yes, there are always kids at school but it is rare to find a pup sitting amongst the students in traditional classrooms.
Not so at Denman Public School where Frankie is right at home.
The almost two-year-old Labradoodle is a therapy dog who hangs out in the classroom three days a week with Breanne Gee, a teacher at the school, much to the delight of student and staff.
“Sometimes she goes to the front gate and greets kids when they’re coming into school, and you can see it make a positive start to their day, especially coming back to school after the weekend,” Miss Gee said.
“She comes with me into classrooms and she helps the students settle and focus on their work and, if they need a break, she’s there for that too. She is a great extra support for students.”
Program’s like this one stems from research by the Department of Education on the positive impact animals in the classroom can have on the school environment.
It is already proven that animals have a positive impact on patients in hospitals and residents in aged care facilities and it now seems no different when it comes to the wellbeing of students in schools.
When Miss Gee started at Denman this year there were some reservations about how it would work, but very quickly it became clear that Frankie would be a pawfect fit.
“Since starting Frankie’s visits, everyone’s been really on board and have noticed a change in students and their mental health and positivity and it is not just the students, the staff are appreciating Frankie’s presence,” Miss Gee explained.
Frankie can tell when students are getting frustrated with challenges in the classroom and will walk up to them to offer a supportive ear for a pat.
Frankie also has her own stamp to give kids when they share classwork with her to help keep them motivated.
She also attends staff meetings and has been known to provide a mood lightening bout of the zoomies when hard topics are draining and a laugh is needed.
Frankie was recently recognised at the Muswellbrook Education Week awards, for outstanding contribution to improving student and staff wellbeing and enhancing the culture of Denman Public School, and from walking through the school with her it is clear to see why.
Pawfect Pupil Gives Denman Students a Lift
BY JEM ANSHAW
There is an age-old saying to never work with kids or animals, but at Denman Public School it is quite the opposite.
Yes, there are always kids at school but it is rare to find a pup sitting amongst the students in traditional classrooms.
Not so at Denman Public School where Frankie is right at home.
The almost two-year-old Labradoodle is a therapy dog who hangs out in the classroom three days a week with Breanne Gee, a teacher at the school, much to the delight of student and staff.
“Sometimes she goes to the front gate and greets kids when they’re coming into school, and you can see it make a positive start to their day, especially coming back to school after the weekend,” Miss Gee said.
“She comes with me into classrooms and she helps the students settle and focus on their work and, if they need a break, she’s there for that too. She is a great extra support for students.”
Program’s like this one stems from research by the Department of Education on the positive impact animals in the classroom can have on the school environment.
It is already proven that animals have a positive impact on patients in hospitals and residents in aged care facilities and it now seems no different when it comes to the wellbeing of students in schools.
When Miss Gee started at Denman this year there were some reservations about how it would work, but very quickly it became clear that Frankie would be a pawfect fit.
“Since starting Frankie’s visits, everyone’s been really on board and have noticed a change in students and their mental health and positivity and it is not just the students, the staff are appreciating Frankie’s presence,” Miss Gee explained.
Frankie can tell when students are getting frustrated with challenges in the classroom and will walk up to them to offer a supportive ear for a pat.
Frankie also has her own stamp to give kids when they share classwork with her to help keep them motivated.
She also attends staff meetings and has been known to provide a mood lightening bout of the zoomies when hard topics are draining and a laugh is needed.
Frankie was recently recognised at the Muswellbrook Education Week awards, for outstanding contribution to improving student and staff wellbeing and enhancing the culture of Denman Public School, and from walking through the school with her it is clear to see why.