Introducing Milo, the newest staff member to Cathedral College who specialises in Wellbeing. Milo is a three-year-old male Golden Retriever who is to begin working in a part-time capacity with students in the Junior School. When not at work, Milo enjoys sleeping, playing with toys and long walks with Year Five teacher, Mrs Kalish, who is Milo’s owner.
Since acquiring funding to employ Milo, we have engaged with Dogs Connect which specialises in facilitating and training school communities to host Wellbeing Dogs. Milo and a core group of staff are undergoing a training program to ensure the success of this wellbeing initiative. Dogs Connect has worked with more than 100 schools throughout Victoria. Schools that have wellbeing dogs have noticed benefits such as improved attendance, openness to learning, increased happiness and less anxiety. Animals can help
with emotional regulation, social connection, communication and self-confidence and particular, wellbeing dogs can help children build empathy and connection.
Milo will be introduced slowly to his role, giving us time to know and learn the expectations of working and learning alongside Milo. He will eventually have a two or three day a week role at The College. During this time, he will complete a variety of activities each day. These may include; spending some time in a classroom, working with small groups of students, sitting alongside an anxious or upset student, joining in during Chapel or assemblies and being present at break times.
Before he is introduced to the Junior School, teachers will be completing a set of learning activities to help both the children and Milo, relax and feel safe. It is important that before Milo starts, students, staff and the community understand the three expectations when interacting with Milo. Our Junior School families will also be asked to complete and return a checklist to help us understand how familiar your child is with dogs and any allergies or past experiences that may impact them.
There will be a range of opportunities for Junior School students to be involved, even if it is not directly with Milo, it may be through other activities such as colouring in, making signs or writing stories.
It is anticipated that Milo’s first day of work will be towards the end of Term Two when he will briefly visit the students in their classrooms. Whilst Milo’s time will primarily be spent with the Junior School community, he will also be introduced to the Middle and Senior students and staff.
If you would like further information:
- There will be an opportunity to attend a question-and-answer session at a later date
- You may like to watch a short video below
- You can access the Dogs Connect website: https://dogsconnect.net.au/
If you have any questions regarding the program, please email: dog.wellbeing@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au or contact the College on 57 222 144.