Girton Grammar鈥檚 beloved Junior School wellbeing dog, Murphy, has starred alongside the Head of Junior School, Mr Don Thompson, and several students in a new Independent Schools Victoria series.
The series highlights how the unique skills of wellbeing dogs are being harnessed across three independent schools in Victoria to enhance student learning, engagement and wellbeing.
In the third episode, Mr Thompson discusses the enormous impact Murphy has had on student engagement and wellbeing since joining Girton in 2022, particularly for those students who are feeling anxious about attending school.
He goes on to describe how having Murphy on hand to welcome students at the school gates can provide them with the boost of encouragement they need to 鈥榗ross the threshold鈥 and have a positive day.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been wonderful seeing the work he鈥檚 doing 鈥 with all kids but particularly those who are finding it hard to get to school,鈥 Mr Thompson said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not that the children forget about their anxiety, but when they鈥檙e giving their attention to Murphy and they鈥檝e got a job to do, they鈥檙e not focusing on their own worries.鈥
Building on Murphy’s success, Girton has continued to expand its Wellbeing Dog program. In 2023, the Senior School welcomed Australian Cobberdog Poppy, and just this year, Murphy has been joined in the Junior School by fellow 鈥楪roodle鈥 Nina.
The Wellbeing Dog program is a key element of Girton鈥檚 鈥榯oolkit鈥 for supporting students, alongside the school鈥檚 dedicated Inclusive Education staff. The program is supported by Dogs Connect, which partners wellbeing dogs with a range of organisations, including schools, justice facilities, aged care providers and hospitals.
More information on Girton鈥檚 wellbeing dog program is available on .
