The students worked together to create a hay bale installation of Charlie, to be displayed out the front of Tongala and District Memorial Aged Care Service.
Tongala Primary School principal Rob Hogan said the school was excited to have the students’ work displayed, and to keep the community connection with the aged care facility strong.
“Having that connection with the aged care facility is an aspect of school we’ve really missed with remote learning,” Mr Hogan said.
“We used to go over so the kids could socialise with the residents, play board games, and sometimes we even had a choir to perform — we can’t wait to start that again.
“The connection is just fantastic to have for the kids.”
The hay bale of Charlie is one of three the school is creating, with the other two set up on school property — one displaying First Nations art and the other of Santa cooking a barbecue.
The bales come after a successful hay bale trail was initiated in the town last year.
Grade 5 and 6 students had the chance to create the hay-bale sized version of Charlie in a Santa hat, with lots of painting on the agenda.
Mr Hogan said Charlie, a six-month-old groodle, had been a welcome addition to the classroom for both students and staff after returning from remote learning.
“The timing has actually been perfect,” he said.
“He helps kids who are having some difficulty transitioning back to on-site learning, and he’s been especially fantastic in helping kids with anxiety.”
Charlie was integrated into the school as part of the Dogs Connect program, one that has shown huge benefits for students and staff, according to Mr Hogan.
“It’s a great way of training everyone on how to have a dog in the school,” he said.
“It teaches the kids a new sense of responsibility, they all just love him.”
The hay bale of Charlie can be seen at Tongala and District Memorial Aged Care Service, located on 18 Purdey St, Tongala.
35°C