A Perth school has brought in a lovable pup to help pupils get a happiness boost during their school day.
Teddy the ‘nurture dog’, a cute black cockapoo, recently arrived at St John’s RC Academy in Perth.
Train company to temporarily withdraw some underused Perthshire services
Aged just 14 weeks, he joined the school community after pupils voted having a dog that they could interact with would be the single biggest thing that would make an improvement to wellbeing.
Students had the opportunity to shortlist and vote for their most important school improvement. Through this pupil participatory opportunity, this year the pupils chose a nurture dog for the support for learning department.
Teddy was acquired using money from the Pupil Equity Fund.
The animal will share the life of the pupils in the secondary school (as well as visits to the nursery and primary when he is a little older) and will be cared for by the principal teacher of support for learning Lesley McGillivray.
Spring opening on the cards for St Paul's Church event space in Perth
The young people within the support department chose the name Teddy due to the cockapoo’s allergy-friendly coat.
And the wee dog came for his first visit last week.
Mrs McGillivray said: “Already Teddy’s impact on our young people can be seen.
“So far he has joined some pupils on the North Inch for a stroll and his lovable ways are helping to sooth anxieties with some of our young people.”
Santa's Christmas grotto with the deer of Highland Safaris
Sean Hagney head teacher at St John’s Academy added: “I’m delighted that the pupils chose to purchase Teddy as our nurture dog.
“I’m pleased to welcome him as our newest member of the community, and I am sure he’ll make an enormous difference to the young people within the support department and across our whole school.”
