Wellness Dog

Tilly, our Wellbeing Dog at Infant Jesus School, plays an important role in strengthening our caring, inclusive and relational school community. Each day, she brings comfort, connection and joy—helping every student feel safe, known and valued.

Now in her third year at our school, Tilly is a trusted and familiar presence who supports student wellbeing in purposeful and meaningful ways.

Tilly is intentionally embedded within our School Wellbeing Guidelines and aligns with our whole-school approach to wellbeing, including the CEWA Wellbeing Framework and UR Strong.

Her presence supports:

• Emotional regulation
• Confidence and resilience
• Relationship-building
• A sense of belonging and connection

Tilly helps create a calm and welcoming environment where students feel safe to engage in learning and take positive risks.

Tilly is involved in daily school life through both planned and responsive practices, including:

• Emotional regulation support – sitting with students who feel overwhelmed or anxious
• Reading support – listening calmly as students read, helping build confidence
• Classroom visits – strengthening connection and engagement
• Playground connection – offering gentle, social interaction
• Break passes – providing students with a safe and calming space
• Transition support – assisting students during challenging parts of the day
• Comfort care – supporting students who are unwell or distressed

Through these interactions, Tilly acts as a relational bridge, helping students reconnect, reset and return to learning.

Tilly has completed formal training through WAAT Dogs and is continuing to work towards Level 2 accreditation. Her training ensures that all interactions are safe, supportive and purposeful.

Her wellbeing is also carefully supported through:

• Structured routines
• Rest breaks
• Supervised interactions

For many students, Tilly represents comfort, trust and reassurance. Whether sitting quietly beside a child, greeting students in the playground or listening without judgement, she helps bring our wellbeing vision to life.

Tilly reminds us each day that: Every child deserves to feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

Download the Wellness Dog FAQ

Read the Wellness Dog Policy