Animals and Wellbeing at King’s

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

The email titled – ‘FOUND!! Pearl is OK!’ shot through the Prep School community. Our beautiful Mareema Sheepdog, Pearl, who is a wonderful guardian from a long line of flock caring dogs, was found in Jordy Wickham’s classroom, waiting patiently for Jordy to come to her. Previous to the discovery of Pearl, there had been some frantic hunting, and worrying. Why? Because Pearl belongs to us, and we love her. Further to this, Pearl also loves her girls, (her chooks), for they belong to her too.

The campuses at North Parramatta and Moss Vale have many wonderful animals in residence, as these are the homes of so many staff, families and of course our boarders. Our King’s boys and girls are growing and being educated in rich places of natural beauty, with lots of animals. We see the advantages of this as unique and very special. Many will have met my Bordoodle, Digger, who is a property dog. His favourite word is hello. I know this because hundreds of boys pass by our gate - whether on the way to Old Boys’ and Massie fields, as they ride by on their mountain bikes, or as the little ones pass by on their adventure treks – they always say hello. The boys are met with a smile and an all body wag. There is a delightful reciprocation of energy and acceptance. They all belong.

Review of the literature will attest that a strong sense of belonging is paramount in cultural wellbeing. We know that academic outcomes increase when students are in a state of wellbeing, in which they are best set up for responsible decision making, self-regulation, conflict mediation and restorative practice. We also know that a high level of social support from animals has many advantages.

Pearl, like most dogs, provides unconditional and unambiguous love and attention. We have seen boys in highly agitated moods settle quickly with Pearl, due to the calming effect associated with stroking a dog. It also helps the boys, as they can refocus their attention to caring for another living creature. Pearl is an excellent addition in and out of the classroom, redirecting stress and anxiety everywhere she goes!

With the focus on preventative and early intervention practice, the benefits of animal therapy and companionship are huge. We have noted an increase in social interaction, improved behaviour and cooperation, and a reduction in stress, with a focus shift from learning in the traditional classroom to open spaces, while engaging with nature. Our vast acreages in Sydney and the Southern Highlands are home to dogs, cats, rabbits, chooks, cattle, sheep and many more animals. When the students are learning in nature, they are able to discover life on the property such as birds and insects, in the simplest and happiest of investigations. The opportunities for observation, interaction and experiential learning with nature through the lens of young scientists and explorers is high in our strategic intent. King’s students are very eager to learn about themselves and the world around them in this way.

What better way to embrace the joys and heartaches of the life cycle, than with animals in our extended families? It is our belief that caring, empathy and social cohesion are essential for quality character development - and we know that this can be facilitated through connection with, and responsibility for animals.

King’s families are encouraged to give their children an age appropriate daily responsibility for the animals in their homes. This we believe, grows a sense of the character of connection, cooperation and care. Most children are fascinated by animals; science suggests that this appears to be an innate mechanism associated with improved survival over the eons. How good then, that The King’s School can provide this source of fascination and wellbeing, every day.

Belinda Baxter Deputy Head (Students and Community), Preparatory School