Rosie, our wonderful KRB school dog, turned 1 on June 26, and our Junior School students were delighted to help her celebrate this very special milestone at her recent birthday party. There was much excitement as Rosie shared cake with all Junior School students and gifted everyone a puppy badge to mark the occasion. She hopes the students enjoy wearing them as a reminder of her first birthday at school.
Rosie is growing beautifully into her role as a support dog. This term, she has begun visiting classes across the whole school and has loved spending time in Junior School classrooms, the Senior School, the Boarding House and even the Principal’s Office, where she has her very own stash of toys. Wherever she goes, Rosie brings a calm and gentle presence, helping to create moments of connection, comfort and quiet joy for students and staff.
A great deal of thoughtful preparation has supported Rosie’s journey. Before she came to live with Mrs. Symes, Head of Junior School, Rosie attended boarding school for puppies in Queensland, where she completed five weeks of calmness training. These important early lessons helped set her up for success and are part of what makes her such a wonderful fit for school life.
Rosie has already made impressive progress. She is mastering loose-leash walking and is learning not to be distracted by the magpies and plovers on the Noviceship Lawn. Her ability to remain calm among groups of excited students is a credit to her training, temperament and the respectful way our students are learning to interact with her.
The next steps in Rosie’s training will focus on reinforcing her obedience skills, strengthening her ability to wait and remain calm, and practising gentle support behaviours such as resting her head on someone’s knees and simply being present for anyone who may need quiet affection and calm. Support dogs can play a meaningful role in school communities by helping to foster calm, connection and emotional wellbeing, and Rosie’s training will continue to prioritise both student safety and her own welfare.
Rosie’s days at school will always include a carefully planned timetable, with dedicated rest breaks and time to simply be a dog. She is very social and loves her visits to Doggy Daycare, where she can spend time with her furry friends. These opportunities for rest, play and social connection help ensure Rosie remains happy, healthy and ready to do her very important work.
We are so proud of Rosie and the way she is growing into her role at school. Happy first birthday, Rosie — thank you for the calm, joy, smiles and wagging tail you bring to our community each day.
