We are pleased to introduce you to our newest staff member here at Parkview Pārua School. Poppy, Mr Morells’ little puppy.

Poppy is a Miniature Schnauzer just over 5 months old and is in training to be our very own school dog.  She has just graduated from Puppy Preschool and will eventually move on to the next stage in her training.  Poppy loves doing tricks, getting cuddles from kids and adults and sleeping most of the day.  So far she can ‘shake’, ‘roll over’, ‘high five’ and ‘give me 10’.  Hopefully she will learn more tricks soon.

At the moment Poppy spends most of her time in Room 11, but eventually she will be able to make her way around other classes.  Mr Morell has worked closely with South New Brighton Primary to see how their Canine Educators work and benefit all the tamariki in the school.  Our Board of Trustees has recently approved a policy to allow Poppy to spend time in our school.

Poppy’s role is to: support teachers with lessons on caring for others, canine education and developing skills like empathy, sensitivity to others needs and taking responsibility.  She will also be available for those who need someone to talk to judgment free, cuddles if you're having a bad day and support for anxiety.  Poppy also loved being read to so she will make a perfect buddy for those who need a bit more practice with their reading.

Some words from students in Room 11 -

Sometimes you will see her at playtime's roaming the field with Mr Morell or one of the other teachers/learning assistants, but sometimes you will need to give her space.  If you don’t already know this, you need to put your hand near her nose and let her sniff it when you first meet her. Whatever you do, don’t put your face near hers.  When you come over to see her don’t get to excited because she could get playful which means  she might get in trouble. We love having Poppy in our class !!

Thanks from Room 11

Miniature Schnauzers are renowned for being well tempered, loving and intelligent dogs often used as therapy dogs in rest homes, schools and hospitals.  All they want to do is please their owners and be included in all aspects of life from running and doing exercise to chilling on the couch watching television.

What are the Benefits of Having a Therapy Dog in the Classroom?

Therapy dogs have been active in schools for some time.  Teachers and administrators have witnessed the effects therapy dogs have on students and themselves.

The benefits of having therapy dogs in the classroom include:

Physical benefits. Interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure, provide physical stimulation and assist with pain management.

Social benefits. A visiting therapy dog promotes greater self-esteem and focused interaction with other students and teachers.

Cognitive benefits. It has been empirically proven that therapy dogs stimulate memory and problem-solving skills.

Emotional and mental health benefits. A recent national survey of adolescent mental health found that about 8 to 10 percent of teens ages 13 to 18 have an anxiety disorder.  A therapy dog can lift moods in the classroom, often provoking laughter.  The therapy dog is also there to offer friendship and a shoulder to lean on for students.

Cited from; https://www.therapydogs.com/therapy-dogs-classrooms-campuses/