An unexpected new faculty member at Melton Specialist School has been delivering an innovative program integrating lessons around literacy, numeracy, mental health and respect for students.
Bunji the Groodle is the new team member, a wellbeing dog that has been growing alongside students since term two last year.
A work-day for Bunji begins at 8.30am, when he and wellbeing dog facilitator Patsy Remboulis greet students from cars and buses,. This will be followed by appointments for Bunji with special and new students, multiple classroom visits in which Bunji assists with special learning programs, before helping students with parent pick-up time.
Ms Remboulis said over Bunji’s three days of work a week has become a part of the village.
“We visit as many classrooms as we can to spread the fur-love … It’s created a bond that this dog is here for us, to make us smile and make us happy no matter what the day is like,” she said.
Melton Specialist School principal Brooke Briody said Bunji’s presence has had multi-facetted benefits for the school, having him at pick-ups and drop-offs assist with students who have a difficult time with transitions, and school attendance – which the school has had issues with post-COVID– is higher on the days Bunji is present.
He has also caused changes in classroom curriculum, with students writing stories that include Bunji in literacy classes, counting Bunji’s paws, eyes, and ears to practice math, and acting as a platform to learn about emotional intelligence.
Allied Health leader Monika Michailides said the school saw an immediate impact after introducing Bunji.
“It was amazing from the very beginning … People’s eyes light up when they see him,” she said.
Liam McNally
