WSS Facility Dog

Facility Dog Iris supports guided meditation by encouraging students to match her slow, rhythmic breathing while offering comforting pressure, creating a sense of calm, safety and connection.

During the sessions, students practice breath work to slow the body and mind, body scanning to build awareness, visual prompts to support focus and gratitude practice to encourage positive reflection. Further practices including intentional lighting, calming sounds and soothing scents providing students with tools they can replicate at home to support emotional regulation.

With Iris present, students are able to regulate emotions and experience the benefits of co-regulation in a safe and nurturing environment. These sessions continue to strengthen mindfulness skills, emotional wellbeing and everyday strategies for calm and focus. 🐾

The power of Iris 🐾

Winter has arrived and what better time to start creating blankets ready for the colder months ahead.

Supported by the Facility Dog, our dedicated group of students have been hard at work making pet blankets to be featured in our Facility Dog stall and donated to local animal welfare organisations providing warmth and comfort.

This hands on project offers students a valuable and meaningful learning experience. As they measure, cut, pin and sew, they not only strengthen their fine motor skills but also develop a stronger sense of focus, patience and attention to detail. The task also provides a wonderful opportunity to practice sewing techniques and build confidence in using tools and materials.

Beyond the practical skills, the project encourages team work, creativity, problem solving and a sense of pride and accomplishment seeing the cosy creations go toward a good cause.

We are so proud of the thoughtfulness, care and effort students have shown. Learning through doing and giving back to the community in a way that truly matters.

Iris has completed the comfort test and gives them four paws up! ✅🐾

This Reconciliation Week, students in the Facility Dog program have been engaging in meaningful learning experiences that celebrate culture, respect and understanding. 

Students watched the dreaming story of dogs Adjumalar and Womarr, explored Aboriginal symbols and their meaning through authentic art pieces and fabrics and participated in mindful colouring activities providing calm and reflective moments throughout the week.

To bring their learning together, students made bandanas using authentic Warlukurlangu fabrics they had studied. These bandanas will hold special significance, representing the learning journey, respect for culture and shared understanding developed throughout the program.

Facility Dog Iris will proudly wear these bandanas symbolising connection, support and the important role we all play in walking together towards reconciliation. 🐾

There’s no better feeling than watching students blossom in group sessions. 💫

Some paws-itively productive, creative and tail-wagging sessions working on an exciting new project. The ideas have been flowing, teamwork has been strong and the confidence has started to unleash.

Iris’ face says it all! 🐾

In recognition of IDAHOBIT Day, students in the Facility Dog program came together to show their commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive school community for all.

Students reflected on the importance of standing up for equality and kindness and what it means to take action to support every student in our school. As part of the activity, students wrote personal commitments on rainbow coloured paper, then formed them into leads. This powerful symbol represented their shared message of “taking the lead” to make positive change and ensure everyone feels respected, valued and included.

A meaningful way to combine creativity, reflection and advocacy, reminding us that small actions can help lead to a stronger, more connected school community. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️