MY WELLNESS
Albertyn
A child’s best friend
G
eneration Schools Hermanus has welcomed a new addition to their team: Jasmine, a Toy Poodle puppy, to help pupils deal with anxiety and stress. Owned by one of the high school lecturers, Monica White, Jasmine began her introduction at the school on 25 January and has already brought great joy to staff and children alike.
caring for you
Arriving at the school as a 10-week-old puppy in January, Monica says that Jasmine has settled well. “All the children have had the opportunity to meet Jasmine and ask as many questions as they want. The most popular question is, ‘Why is she so cute?’”
Monica adds that there is also evidence that children who struggle with managing emotions gain a great deal from spending time with therapy animals.
Asana Miles adoring Jasmine, a 10-week-old Toy Poodle and the school’s soon-to-be therapy dog. The learners at Generation Hermanus love having little Jasmine around the school. PHOTO: Claire Laing
Rotary Club Family Health Day “The Covid-19 pandemic not only put a halt to many events but has also affected so many lives. People have lost family members, friends and colleagues, and we also lost fellow Rotarians,” says Dr.Ferdi Marais of the Hermanus Rotary Club. Although the club’s annual Family Health Day of 2020 could not be held in the usual way and had to be postponed until last week, Rotary used this opportunity to recognise the hard work of all our healthcare workers, nursing professionals, ancillary workers, NGOs and volunteers, many of whom also paid the highest price in their line of duty. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse. It was also the year that Florence Nightingale would have celebrated her 200th
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Vir vriendelike diens!
“I have had many animals over the years and when we considered getting a new puppy, I asked my lovely new HOC (Head of Campus, Nikki Malcomess) if I could bring it into school as a school dog, bringing joy and perhaps acting as a therapy dog to the children,” says Monica.
As well as being a friendly face to all, Jasmine will play a key role at the school, doubling up as an unofficial therapy dog. Research has shown that therapy dogs are a great calming influence for children and adults who may be anxious or in distress.
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www.thevillagenews.co.za
17 February 2021
birthday,” says Ferdi. “Each club in the Rotary District 9350 was requested to arrange their own event and, after discussions with Sr Anita Rust of the Department of Health, we decided it would be best under the circumstances if the Rotary Club of Hermanus awarded a laminated Certificate of Recognition, containing the Nurse’s Pledge, to each of the five clinics in the Overstrand. We also presented each clinic with engraved coffee mugs which can be used in the staff rooms.” Hermanus Rotary Club President, Barry Hackforth, Rotarians Ferdi Marais, Adré Smit and Sue Hackforth, as well as Sr Marlene Samuels and staff members of the WC Department of Health were present at the handover at the Hermanus Hospital.
Christiaan Plaatjies, Charis Whitebooi, Sophia Barends, Sr. Heather Kinnear and Cathlene Solomons with Rotarian Ferdi Marais and Hermanus Rotary Club President, Barry Hackforth. PHOTO: Supplied
