Mac the school dog becomes instant hit with everyone at Northumberland primary

Meet the newest ‘staff member’ at a Northumberland primary school - complete with four paws and a waggy tail.
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Mac the dog has been an instant hit with students, staff and parents since arriving at St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in Bedlington at the start of September. 

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The cockapoo belongs to headteacher Therese Worrall and has been getting to know pupils by visiting classrooms and assemblies. 

Once he has become used to the school environment, it is planned he will be able to be present during one-to-one school counsellor sessions and spend time with groups of children or individual pupils.
Mrs Worrall said following a time of research it was decided having a school dog would benefit the pupils. 

She said speaking with headteachers at other schools in Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust - which St Bede’s is part of - had given insight into the positives of having a canine friend in the classroom.

“Mac began at St Bede’s in September and was instantly a hit,” she said.

“When the children enter the school ground in the morning they greet Mac and he in turn enjoys the ‘Morning Mac’ calls. 

“When the children have been dropped off by parents they then have their time with Mac on their way out. 

“It is not just the children who are benefitting from him being in. The staff light up when they arrive in school and Mac greets them. 

“Some staff now forget to say good morning to each other as they are too busy with Mac. It is a wonderful sight to see.”

Mac was chosen because of the loving and friendly nature of the cockapoo breed, which is a crossbred between a cocker spaniel and a poodle.

They also shed little hair, meaning people with allergies are rarely affected.

Mac has already demonstrated another characteristic of the breed - the tendency to be ‘little jokers’.
Mrs Worrall explained: “Mac has visited classrooms to familiarise himself with them and has been present during assemblies – one time he decided to leave the hall and explore alone. He returned with a paper towel in his mouth. 

“The children found this very funny but it was turned into a teaching point. They were able to see that perhaps a room in school was not as tidy as it could have been.”

There have been plans in place for gradual introductions for children, parents and staff who are unsure of dogs.

Mrs Worrall said one particular child has made “great steps” in becoming more confident around Mac.

Mac is also becoming more used to the school environment and is now venturing away from the headteacher’s office.

“The hope is that when he is confident enough he will spend time with groups of children or individual children,” Mrs Worrall added.

“We are looking forward to the school counsellor having Mac with her when she is with children one-to-one.”

Parents have welcomed the new addition to the school, with positive comments such as it means school is like a “home from home” and it helps the children to feel calm.

One parent said: “It's an absolutely fantastic idea as I think it will help with some child's emotions and anxiety. 

“It will also help children to develop relationships with animals and combat fear of dogs.”

Another said: “My son loves Mac. He enjoys telling me about seeing him and loves any opportunity to go and see him.”
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Another parent added: “My daughter absolutely loves him, we are unable to have a dog following the loss of ours and he has been a huge comfort to her.”

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