Amendment to the school policy

The Te Rito Harakeke - Marshland School Board values the benefits that interactions with animals can bring to our school community. 

To ensure students have a positive experience and to reduce the risk of accident or injury, an amendment has been made to the 'Dogs on the School Grounds' policy. The amended detail is in italics.

Visiting dogs must have no history of aggression towards people and must be fully trustworthy in a school environment. Owners bringing a dog onto school grounds must follow the guidelines below. Disability assist dogs and support/therapy dogs are welcome at Te Rito Harakeke - Marshland School and may be allowed inside school buildings.

• Dogs must be on a leash held by an adult and kept reasonably close to the adult.

• Dogs must be supervised at all times and are not to be tied up for brief periods e.g., while taking a child to their class.

• Dogs must be kept away from entry points so that people on the school grounds have a choice about whether they come into contact with the dog.

• If the dog is considered by the council or any other authority to be a breed that needs muzzling, the dog must be muzzled on school property.

• Dogs are not allowed inside school buildings.

• Dog owners should help educate children about how best to approach their dog.

• Dogs are not allowed to drink from school water fountains.

• Owners must remove any mess left by their dog.