News Stories

Rupert, The School Intervention Dog has been acclimatising to President Kennedy School in the last few weeks. He has been making friends and getting used to the school environment in a really positive way.

He was sourced from Medical Detection Dogs, who are members of Assistance Dogs International, a charity that trains dogs for medical purposes, and Medical Alert Assistance Dogs. He has had a career change after being assessed as a suitable dog for being in a school. Many students have been asking questions about him and he is looking forward to working with targeted students before the end of this term.

Mr Arnett said,

"Having a dog in school is an amazing opportunity for our students. It allows us to explore lots of avenues associated with dogs; careers; training; responsible dog ownership and of course helping with positive mental health. It's also an exciting opportunity for me to bring all the vast experience I have had with dogs in my previous profession as a Service Dog Trainer to my role as Pastoral Leader in the school. I have already seen the positive impact he can have firsthand on some of our students and know he will help to instill the school values of PRIDE."

The cast of Romeo and Juliet from The Bridge performed their play at The Belgrade Theatre. They attended a full professional technical and dress rehearsal in the morning and then wowed the audience on the night. They performed as part of The Shakespeare Schools Festival, along with Edgewick Primary School.  

The students had a great experience! 

"Romeo and Juliet rehearsals were tough and tricky but the process was fun. We learnt a lot about projecting our voices, blocking and theatre etiquette. We had a theatre professional come to our school for a workshop which helped us to 'land our lines!' Shannon and Mya

"I had the experience of a lifetime doing Romeo and Juliet. I decided to do this because I thought it would be a great gateway to an acting career; and it is! It has helped with my stage fright as I have ended up with a small part. It has been so much fun performing with everyone!" Eliot 
"The Belgrade was so much fun! I had a great time and got to experience so many fun things! I made lots of new friends and I felt like I could express my feeling, especially as Romeo. Overall, it has been amazing and if I could do it all again, I would!" Seb

"It takes ages to learn your lines but it is all worth it! The stage is beyond anything and the feeling of everyone seeing you is really exciting." Wren 

Mrs Arnett said, "The process this year was tough, but the cast pulled through and showed their commitment to the performance process. They were so mature in the tech and dress rehearsal and had lots of positive comments on the night. Well done all!" 
  
Mrs Arnett, Student Leadership and Character, The Bridge