School Dogs
School Dogs – Luna and Maggie
Welcome to Our School's Canine Companions!
At Holy Trinity, we believe in fostering an environment where every child's well-being is at the forefront. That's why we've introduced our wonderful school dogs, Luna and Maggie, as dedicated Dog Mentors (once Maggie is fully trained). These furry friends play a vital role in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for our students.
Why School Dogs?
The introduction of school dogs is rooted in our commitment to enhancing children's wellbeing. Luna and Maggie are not just pets; they are valued members of our school community. Their presence is versatile, offering support in various ways.
Personalised 1-to-1 Sessions:
Dog mentors are available for special one-on-one sessions with our students. These sessions provide a safe and comforting space for children to share their thoughts and feelings. The unconditional love and non-judgmental nature of our dogs create a unique bond that fosters emotional well-being.
Incentives for Training Sessions:
Our innovative approach includes using Luna as an incentive for students to earn training sessions. This has become a big hit in the Holy Trinkets shop! Students eagerly work towards achieving goals, knowing that a rewarding training session with Luna awaits them. It's a delightful way to encourage positive behaviour and responsibility.
Morning Greetings on the Playground:
Luna brightens up our mornings with their friendly greetings on the playground. A simple "hello" and a wagging tail can make a significant difference in starting the day on a positive note. The dogs not only greet the children but also provide a moment of joy and connection for the entire school community.
Endless Possibilities:
While we've established a good routine for our dog mentors, we acknowledge that we've only scratched the surface of their potential. The positive impact they've had on our school community has been heartwarming, and we're excited about exploring more ways in which Luna and Maggie can contribute to the well-being of our students.
Our pet policy and relevant risk assessments can be found on our policies page - click here to view our policies page.
Luna
Luna is our much loved Cockapoo. She joined school in September 2022 and has been a firm member of the Holy Trinity family ever since. She is very much loved by all. You can see from her pictures, just how much she has grown!
Now that she has undergone significant training, which is ongoing, Luna enjoys spending time with the children on walks and lunch breaks so that they can support her development and teach her new tricks! Following her arrival in school, we had a visit from the dog mentor (www.thedogmentor.co.uk) who trained staff on how to regulate the children in school in order to support Luna’s welfare and ensure that our doggy’s well-being is paramount. As part of this visit, a risk assessment was provided especially for Luna, in order to support her safety on site and ensure school manage her interactions with the children safely.
Keep a look out for further updates on Luna’s activities in school!
Maggie
Maggie is our newest addition to the Holy Trinity family. She joined us in October 2023 when she was just 8 weeks old! She has been spending a lot of time on site, getting familiar with the smells and sounds of school, while she trains to be able to spend time with the children, just as Luna does.
Maggie is also a Cockapoo. You will see from her pictures how similar she and Luna are in colouring. We are not expecting her to be as big as Luna, although she has grown very quickly since her arrival and now we are not so sure!!
We expect Maggie to meet with the Dog Mentor when she is ready so watch out for further updates on her progress!
