The St Joseph’s School community has recently welcomed a four legged friend into the school, with the gradual introduction of ‘Waffle’.
Waffle is a three year-old Tamaruke, a special breed of Groodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle cross) that has been bred to be non-shedding, and is often used for therapy dogs.
Waffle was slowly introduced into the school community, attending a few mornings a week, and going home at recess.
When not at school he lives with the principal’s family.
His attendance at school will gradually stretch to three full days.
Waffle’s role is to provide emotional support where needed, giving people an opportunity for connection, and help with stress and anxiety.
Waffle received behavioural training when he was younger, but has recently been put through his paces with the Dog Connect program.
This program is used by many schools across the nation to introduce wellbeing dogs into schools.
Before he could enter the school grounds all staff completed compliance training through Dog Connect; there was also a rigorous process to ensure that school parents and students were all on board with the idea. Go Waffle!
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Sympathy is extended to Janet Burchat and her family following the recent death of Janet’s brother Colin Hines, in Jerilderie.
Col was a well known member of the Jerilderie outdoor staff of the Murrumbidgee Council, for whom he worked for many years, keeping our parks, public places and pavements neat and tidy. RIP Col.