3 May 2019

Wellbeing Dog

Dear parents,

In May 2019 we are trialling bringing a Wellbeing Dog to KGV. Three different dogs will come on three different days. The first is planned for Friday 10th May, and the other two dates are yet to be confirmed, but likely to be the following two Fridays; 17th and 24 May.

The dogs will be based in our Wellbeing centre and will be used for one on one support, group work for emotional needs and for reading.This will be scheduled with students in advance in consultation with our wellbeing team and student ambassadors.The dog may also do some group visits, such as to the senior common room, and will need to be walked around the site during the day for some gentle exercise and for toilet needs.

Concerns Although students working with the dog will have been arranged in advanced, it’s possible that any student may encounter the dog during the course of the day. We are aware that there may be some students in school with dog allergies or dog phobias and the last thing we want is for a student to be scared or have a negative experience with the dog; this is the opposite of the intended effect of a wellbeing dog. If you are have any concerns for your child regarding the wellbeing dog visit, please do get in touch with me.

We are hoping the dog will be a welcome and positive addition to our school community.

Mett Rio, the first dog to visit on Friday 10 May.

Amanda Barton

Wellbeing coordinator

amanda.barton@kgv.edu.hk