Good vibes with George the groodle

BANNOCKBURN College’s youngest staff member is wagging and working hard.

Three-year-old golden retriever-cross-poodle, George, is the key team member of the College’s therapy dog pilot program.

Expected to support student engagement and add another aspect of fun to school life, the trial initiative is in an introductory phase.

It’s being developed to boost the wellbeing of pupils, staff and the wider community, helping those on site to achieve a positive mindset by interacting with the dog, or simply being in his presence.

Assistant principal Robyn Anderson said George is already making a feel-good impact in the COVID era.

“The pandemic has really increased the level of anxiety across the students and the wider community, so now that George has passed his training with flying colours, there couldn’t be a better time for us to have him,” she said.

“George works closely with our middle years leader David Simpson, his owner, so he is engaging particularly with years 5 to 8, but he’s also visiting some of our early years classes.

“Our younger students adore him. Some of them are happy to engage with a gorgeous, fluffy dog in the morning before they can engage with a person, and that’s okay.”

Mr Simpson said George’s main task this term is meeting as many people as possible, so the College community is comfortable with the idea of a dog being around, before a more structured program rolls out.

“He is spending a lot of time getting pats and hugs, supporting kids having emotional days, and attending staff and parent meetings,” he said.

“We call him a social butterfly. The more people George can say hi to, the better. He is a large puppy that makes kids smile and laugh. Some love to sit and read to him, and his tail never stops wagging.

“He is such a nice presence with a gentle nature, a conversation starter, and a useful wellbeing tool, especially in times like this.”