By Marcus Uhe
School hasn’t been easy for primary school-aged children in recent years, with their crucial development years repeatedly interrupted by lockdowns and Covid-19 related complications.
Now, when students at Cranbourne Primary School arrive for another day of learning, they’re greeted by a wagging tail and beaming smile of therapy dog, Harvey.
The eight-month-old Groodle was brought on board by the school at the beginning of the year as one of a series of measures implemented to support staff and students transition into a new Covid-19 normal.
Walking club at recess and lunch provide opportunities for Harvey to integrate rhythmic movement and support the emotional regulation of students, which is considered a key indicator for student success, according to the school’s wellbeing leading teacher Lachlan Clydesdale.
Mr Clydesdale is Harvey’s handler and said his presence in the school community was been vital in helping students manage anxiety and stress, as well as providing an incentive for academic achievements.
“We’ve noticed our attendance has improved, but most importantly we’ve noticed with our kids’ overall behaviour when Harvey’s present, that they’re really presenting quite calm and they’re quite engaged with their learning, knowing that Harvey’s in the room,” Mr Clydesdale said.
“We do what’s called circle time, where kids have a voice and they get to share their feelings. Any students who are feeling upset or need additional time, Harvey will go and sit with them and engage with them and help them regulate how they’re feeling.
“Quite often the turnaround from a meltdown or a student feeling upset is quite reduced with Harvey present.
“He’s used as a big reward system, so when kids get to a certain points level they get time with Harvey. He’s really used to enforce that desirable behaviour as well.”
Harvey arrived at Cranbourne Primary after the school formed a partnership with Dogs Connect, an organisation that tailors support programs for wellbeing dogs in settings like aged care facilities, justice communities, hospitals and schools.
Dogs Connect provided personal development sessions for Mr Clydesdale to train Harvey and have him ready for the classroom environment.
A survey conducted by Dogs Connect showed 92 per cent of students felt more relaxed during teaching and learning time when there was a dog in the classroom with them.
At Cranbourne Primary, he’s already making a difference in a reduction of chronic absenteeism and an increase in attendance figures.
“We’re already seeing a massive improvement in school attendance and engagement from our kids, which is really apparent in the students’ writing – a lot of the students decide to write about Harvey and their experiences with him,” said Mr Clydesdale.
“His presence just adds that sense of calmness and connectedness to the whole school, not only the kids with that trauma background but also the kids who find it difficult to come into school,”
“Quite often Harvey’s in the yard supporting that transition from being with parents in the yard, into the classroom.”
Among other measures initiated by the school to support students include an intervention program, involving 12 volunteer teachers working with full-time staff to offer catch-up sessions for students who may have fallen behind in their learning as a result of Covid-19.
The school also maintained Mr Clydesdale to continue working work in the wellbeing space, and begun championing PRIDE Superheroes, with each one representing a chosen value of the school.
“Our superheros are as diverse as our students and everyone can find someone who relates to them,” Principal at Cranbourne Primary, Lachlan Yeates said.
“These heroes can be used to teach all students about key values for their return to school such as the importance of persistence.”
