Four more schools in the Wodonga area have seen a positive improvement in students thanks to a wellness dog program facilitated by Gateway Health and Dogs Connect.
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The four-legged students are now part of the school communities at Wodonga Senior Secondary College, Baranduda Primary School, Wodonga Flexible Learning Centre and Wooragee Primary School to help improve mental health and wellbeing for students and staff.
The program was started last year with aims to address the mental health issues impacting student's ability to engage in their learning.
Gateway Health's School Focused Youth Service coordinator Sarah McQualter said expanding Dogs Connect to another four schools was great recognition for the program's success.
"Gateway Health's School Focused Youth Services is proud to continue our partnership with Grant and the Dogs Connect team to assist more schools to support students' wellbeing," she said.
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Baranduda Primary School principal Allyson Dixon said since Coco had become a permanent member of their school community there had been significant improvements for students and staff.
"Coco has been actively supporting and assisting our students and staff by improving engagement, reducing stress levels and creating more social connections," she said.
"She has integrated into our community very well and is a valuable staff and community member."
Wodonga Senior Secondary College teachers aid Hannah Jackson said in just a short time Bunji has become a valuable asset to their school community.
"Bunji has brought a sense of calm into our positive behaviour support strategies and has become an effective staff member in working with our students with higher learning and behavioural needs," she said.
"Our students have also taken on a sense of responsibility for him within the school grounds with rule reminders to friends and passers-by about how we interact and incorporate Bunji as well as how to respect his space."
Wodonga Flexible Learning Centre teacher Fran Pound said their wellness dog Kobe has not only helped the students positivity at school, but also improved attendance and openness to learn.
"Kobe brings so much joy to our community and has helped build our students confidence, interacting with people outside of our school," she said.
"We have one particular student who struggles to get out of the car, however, if we take Kobe out we have great success, often ending up with him staying longer than he says he would" she said.
