Nuriootpa High School’s education support dog, Alfie, is making ‘paw-some’ progress in training for his future role on campus.

A core team of staff has been established to support Alfie’s training and integration into school life. The team are undertaking specialised training through Dogs Connect and working with Alfie offsite to support the development of his capability as an education support dog.

Earlier this month Alfie successfully graduated his first stage of ‘puppy school’ (thanks to the generous in-kind support of Petstock Barossa) and is progressing positively in his broader training. On weekends and across the holiday period core staff are familiarising Alfie with various spaces across the school, and gradually introducing him to new experiences and people, and will continue to do so throughout Term 3.

It is envisioned that Alfie will begin short visits during the school day in early Term 4. During this introductory phase on-site, he will work only with core staff (i.e. no student interaction) to establish familiarisation with the school environment and daily routines. When working with Alfie core staff will be clearly identifiable through their ‘dog-in-training’ shirts. During this period, it is important that students (staff and visitors) do not approach or initiate interaction with Alfie. As Alfie becomes comfortable at school, student and broader staff interactions will be gradually introduced.

Core staff will also work with students during Term 3 and 4 to explicitly teach behaviour and routine expectations in relation to the Dogs Connect program and Alfie. Families can support and reinforce these expectations through discussion and reminding young people about the ‘three golden rules’:

1. Say hello to the person, not the dog.
2. Give lots of space when passing by.
3. Keep moving – don’t stop and stare.

Student participation in the Dogs Connect program and interaction with Alfie is entirely optional, and staff will ensure that students can engage in ways that feel right for them, including not engaging at all.

NOTE: Strictly NO other dogs permitted on-site at Nuriootpa High School.