Kismet Park Primary School has welcomed a new furry member to their staff.
Ziggy, an eight-year-old Golden Retriever, is the newest member of the school’s wellbeing team, lending a helping paw to students.
Ziggy is assistant principal Louisa Beckenham’s dog, who oversees the school’s wellbeing dog program.
“Ziggy is a gentle and friendly Golden Retriever who is here to support the wellbeing of our students and staff,” she said.
“As a wellbeing dog, Ziggy’s role is to provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of calm during the school day.”
The top dog can help reduce stress, increase happiness and improve focus for students, and has already become a very valuable part of the school community.
“Our students are learning to demonstrate the school’s values of kindness, resilience, respect and be your best around Ziggy, so that he can learn them too,” Mrs Beckenham said.
The school has also installed a letterbox for Ziggy, with students encouraged to write and mail letters to Ziggy.
“Some of the things students have already written to Ziggy include sharing a worry or something that’s been on their mind, something that has made them happy, ideas or suggestions for school improvements, as well as simply saying hello and drawing pictures,” Mrs Beckenham said.
“With the help of the wellbeing team, Ziggy will read each letter and may even write back with a friendly reply.”
