McCarthy College’s Max loves a chat and pat!

McCarthyMaxthedog1 McCarthy College Year 12 students just adore Max, who offers a calmness for students who feel stress or anxiety

Did you know McCarthy College is the only Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta school with a “Chat & Pat’’ dog?

College’s Head of Student Wellbeing and Learning Martin Stein introduced his dog Max, an 11-and-half-year-old Bichon Frise, to the school about a year ago.

The College Principal Leader, Tania Cairns, had been formulating a plan to have a “Pat and Chat” dog come to the school one day a week to help ease the stress and anxiety some Year 12 students feel in the lead up to doing their HSC exams when Martin approached her about Max.

“Mrs Cairns endorsed Max straight away and worked to gain approval from CEDP. Max attends the school on a Thursday. He often attends meetings, accompanies the College Counsellor, Jess, and walks around the school with a staff member or students. He calms people down by his presence and by letting staff and students pat him . . . he is very soft to touch as he has a wool coat rather than fur,” Mr Stein said.

“He has always been a very placid dog. Since he has been a part of the school community he has been a great help,’’ Mr Stein said.

Year 12 student Jess Ferrier said she finds having Max around very relaxing and takes her mind off whatever stresses she may be experiencing at the time. “I think more schools should have a dog like Max around!”

Fellow Year 12 student Laura Mudzimiri said Max is a really well behaved and a very calm dog who will “go up to anybody’’.

McCarthyMaxthedog2

Year 10 student Tegan Duncan shares a special bond with Max and enjoys taking him for walks around the school

Year 10 student Tegan Duncan, said she really likes Max and shares a special bond with him. She is one of the few students who gets to walk him around the College and always finds he is very popular amongst students from all grades.

“I have pets at home and I love animals. I reckon he makes people’s day when they see him and especially when they get to pat him,’’ Tegan said.

Mr Stein said the school prides itself on its sense of community and focus on wellbeing. “Max helps with connection and certainly improves wellbeing within the school.’’

McCarthy College’s Head of Wellbeing and Learning, Martin Stein with Max who has a very placid nature and loves a pat from students like Year 12 student Jess Ferrier

McCarthyMaxthedog3 McCarthy College’s Head of Wellbeing and Learning, Martin Stein with Max who has a very placid nature and loves a pat from students like Year 12 student Jess Ferrier

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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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