What Makes a Favourite School: Insights from Our Mentors

Our mentors and therapy dogs visit numerous schools across Victoria throughout their term schedule, bringing joy to every student they meet. While they love running the programs and fostering these connections, certain organisational and cultural aspects of a school make some places a firm favourite. Recently, our mentors shared their thoughts on what makes these schools stand out, offering a heartwarming glimpse into the environments that foster growth and connection.

Creating an Engaging Atmosphere

A school becomes a favourite when it cultivates an environment where students and mentors feel welcomed and valued. As our Mentor, Sherice, shared, "Kids that want to be there... try and are engaged," creating a contagious enthusiasm that motivates everyone, including the therapy dogs, to participate.

Supportive and Involved Staff

The role of supportive teachers and staff cannot be overstated. Our mentors appreciate when teachers are actively involved, offering help with setup and ensuring the session runs smoothly. This collaboration enriches the experience and strengthens the bond between the school community and our programs because the students see their teachers as enthusiastic participants, too. Sherice also highlighted, "A helpful teacher who looks for ways to contribute... offers to help you with setup, encourages the students, and enjoys themself."

Thoughtful Spaces

Physical spaces also play a crucial role. Our mentors highlighted the importance of suitable spaces like open areas, generous floor space, and clean places students feel proud to be. We love visiting school areas like sensory rooms, interactive libraries, and open classrooms to explore learning possibilities. These thoughtful facilities contribute significantly to the overall experience.

Feeling Part of the Community

Feeling like a valued part of the school community is another key factor. As our mentor, Alex, noted, "You know you’re doing something right if your entourage greets you." Dan also reflected on his experience, saying he often feels like Bubble's security guard, warding off the "paparazzi" as welcoming students treat her like a celebrity.

Our Mission and Vision in Action

These reflections align beautifully with our mission to empower and inspire through personalised, impactful learning experiences. Our vision is to create learning environments where everyone feels supported and encouraged to grow, from school staff and students to mentors and their therapy dogs. By collaborating with schools that share these values, we continue to make strides in creating meaningful connections and positive change.

Our favourite schools are those that warmly welcome us into their community, allowing us to work together to contribute and support their unique environment. We want to build a future where every school visit enriches the students, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic educational landscape.