Undoubtedly the most loved staff member at California Gully recently celebrated her first birthday in May.
Milli certainly enjoyed being the centre of attention as the community sang happy birthday, enjoyed a very special cake and received many well wishes throughout the day.
As part of the Dogs Connect Program, Milli an Australian Cobber dog, works daily with classes, individuals and staff, while she spends her weekends with the Principal and his family. Milli works as a full-time teacher/student at school as an essential part of the wellbeing team. Staff at California Gully are dedicated to exploring ways that Milli can be incorporated for not only connection with people, but for authentic learning and teaching.
The impact of all Dogs Connect teaching and learning experiences are measured through a range of platforms. Positive outcomes of Milli attending CGPS include: Increase in engagement, learning and connectedness, attentiveness towards teachers, improved and further understanding of awareness, empathy, relationship between heart rate and emotional states, and how to practice regulation.
Wellbeing for California Gully Primary School is an area for consistent development and the goals of Dogs Connect align perfectly with current initiatives. CGPS has a continual focus of all children being ‘ready to learn’ and sets up positive experiences for all. CGPS recognises the need to build authentic experiences for all with Milli and the ‘Dogs Connect’ significantly supporting this goal.
