Our trained Therapy Dog Murphy is an important part of our wellbeing and engagement approach at Rowellyn Park PS. In 2024, we have one qualified therapy dog, Murphy in our school. Mrs Karen White is Murphy’s handler and together they form an integral part of the wellbeing and inclusion program at our school community.
Research shows that therapy dog programs provide significant benefits for students as the dogs are trained to use their social instincts and learned social skills to provide health, social-emotional and cognitive benefits. Being in contact with a therapy dog calms children, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress and promoting a sense of belonging in school. Our Therapy Dog will also provide social-emotional support to staff and the wider school community, when and where appropriate.
