Compassion and optimism are just a couple of the values a local school’s newest furry addition has taught its students.
St Joseph’s School Renmark’s wellbeing dog, Charlie the cavoodle, has made a positive impact on the school community since his enrolment early this year.
Wellbeing co-ordinator Deb James said the impact Charlie has on the school’s students and teachers was bigger than she had anticipated.
“I knew Charlie was going to be a great addition to our school community but I didn’t expect the response to be so positive,” she said.
“At first we had a few students afraid of Charlie but now everyone loves him.
“He has such a kind nature and knows all basic commands – he didn’t even need to be obedience trained.
“He knows how to hi-five students and next we will be teaching him how to pray.”
Ms James said Charlie is well respected in the school community.
“Conversations go through to Charlie and the children always listen,” she said.
“If I’m about to take Charlie into a classroom, I would tell the students that Charlie thinks the classroom is dirty and he can’t come in until it is clean.
“Without hesitation, the students act like vacuum cleaners and get the classroom spotless so Charlie has a clean room to walk in to.”
Ms James said the students “go crazy” when they see Charlie.
“I can’t walk from classroom to classroom with Charlie without getting stopped by students,” she said.
“Charlie is always on a leash and he doesn’t jump around but he loves a pat or two when the students are nearby.”
Ms James described Charlie as a role model.
“The children look up to Charlie and in the short time he has been at St Joe’s he has taught not only the students, but also the teachers a lot,” she said.
“Charlie knows how to put a smile on everyone’s face. “I love seeing the children so happy.”
There is significant concern and debate regarding whether schools should be closed in Australia to minimise the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). At this stage, the current advice for all Australian schools is to stay open and operational.
