Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. We are now well into the new academic year, and I am pleased to say that it has been a very positive start for our school community. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued support and contribution to this success.
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you. A while ago, we applied to My Canine Companion, a national Irish charity (RCN 20079147), for a school therapy dog. We have been patiently waiting on their list, and I am delighted to inform you that we will soon welcome our therapy puppy to the school. The litter has been born, and the puppy’s arrival is imminent. MCC School Therapy Dog Programme — My Canine Companion
The School Therapy Dog Programme, developed by My Canine Companion, was the first of its kind in Ireland. Initially piloted in Munster in 2020, it now supports over 60 schools across the country. Research has consistently shown the positive impact therapy dogs can have in educational environments. Schools involved in this programme have reported significant improvements in wellbeing, mental health, anxiety levels, absenteeism, as well as staff and student morale.
Our therapy dog will undergo weekly training sessions with My Canine Companion and will be handled by two designated members of staff. The dog will live with one of the handlers and, as it matures and completes further training, its involvement in school activities will gradually increase. The puppy will always be on a lead and will only interact with those who request it. Our therapy dog will be hypoallergenic and non- shed.
We are embarking on a truly exciting journey, and we couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the benefits this initiative will bring to our school. I would like to express my gratitude to the Board of Management for supporting this project, to our wonderful staff, and to you, our parents and guardians, for your ongoing support.
As we prepare for our new arrival, we welcome any assistance the community may be able to offer, whether through sponsorship or helping with the care and maintenance of our therapy dog. If you are interested in contributing in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Warm regards,
Siobhan Moran.
Principal.