A specially trained therapy dog is helping students manage stress, regulate their emotions and feel more comfortable at school.
There is a friendly new face greeting students and staff at Hawkesbury High School and he comes with four paws and a wagging tail.
Rocky, a specially trained therapy dog from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, has joined the school community to provide companionship and support student and staff wellbeing.
His placement was made possible through a partnership between Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Hawkesbury High School and Celestino Developments.
Hawkesbury High School principal Nicole Martirena said Rocky had already become an important part of school life.
“Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for new ways to support our school community,” Ms Martirena said.
“Rocky has quickly become a valued member, helping students feel more comfortable and confident throughout each day.”
Therapy dogs are trained to work calmly around people and provide emotional support in environments such as schools, hospitals and community organisations.
In schools, their presence can help students experiencing anxiety or distress, encourage social interaction and create a calmer environment. They can also provide reassurance to students who may find it difficult to communicate how they are feeling.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT head of therapy dog programs Sam O’Keefe said dogs such as Rocky had a special ability to connect with people.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Rocky become part of the Hawkesbury High School community,” Ms O’Keefe said.
“Therapy dogs have a unique ability to build connections, provide comfort and create environments where people feel supported."
“Rocky will play an important role in helping students regulate emotions, reduce stress and feel more supported throughout the school day.”
Local partnership supports placement
Celestino helped bring Rocky to the school as part of its community partnership with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
The company is developing the Jacaranda community at Glossodia, near Hawkesbury High School.
Celestino chief executive Matthew Scard said supporting the placement was a natural fit for the company.
“At Celestino, we’re passionate about building connected communities and supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference to our local communities,” Mr Scard said.
“With Hawkesbury High School being the closest high school to our Jacaranda development in Glossodia, Rocky’s placement was a natural fit."
“We’re proud to be part of a partnership that will have a positive impact on local students and staff.”
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT operates a therapy dog program that places specially trained dogs in schools, healthcare facilities and community organisations.
While therapy dogs perform a different role from guide dogs and other assistance animals, they receive specialised training to ensure they can work safely and calmly in busy community settings.
For Hawkesbury High students and staff, Rocky’s contribution may sometimes be as simple as offering a quiet moment of companionship during a difficult day.
He has only recently joined the school, but Rocky is already proving that support can come in many forms including a comforting paw and a wagging tail.
