Assistance Dog
At Woodville High School, Laser, our assistance dog, plays a vital role in supporting student wellbeing. Laser provides comfort, reduces stress, and fosters a positive environment, helping students navigate challenges. As a beloved member of our community, Laser enhances connection, promotes inclusion, and brings joy to staff and students alike.
Meet Laser Our Education Support Dog
Laser has been part of the Woodville High School community for five years. Laser provides students and staff with unconditional, nonjudgmental kindness and love.
At Woodville High School, we are proud to have an Assistance Dog as part of our school community. Research shows that the presence of a dog can help reduce stress, increase feelings of wellbeing, and create a calmer learning environment. Our Assistance Dog supports student learning by helping students to regulate their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop confidence. Whether offering quiet companionship during a busy day or encouraging engagement in learning activities, our dog plays an important role in promoting resilience, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all students.
Laser brightens up the classroom and the school yard. I see the student’s energy boost as he walks through the door, and they are more willing to have a discussion or work on their task when Laser is next to them.
– Laser’s Handlers
Testimonials
Hear from our teachers and students how Laser has benefitted their learning.
“Laser thrives on routine and over the past five years he has learned the routine of entering a classroom, saying hello to each class member who is making eye contact with him and leaving those who aren’t, collecting his lead when he hears the bell and waiting for it to be secured before exiting the classroom to his wind down space. The maintaining of these routines both supports students and allows them to feel responsibility in being a part of his support network in the same way that he is a part of theirs. That reciprocal relationship promotes kindness, awareness of others and partnership, all of which are important skills in future pathways.” – Laser’s Handlers
“ Some students also utilise Laser for their Brain Breaks, often they will sit on the floor with him and will get him to do some tricks.” – Laser’s Handlers
Some comments about Laser’s skills from our students:
- Be a companion to all
- Rest his head on your lap
- Shake hands and even ‘high 5’!
- Listen to reading / stories
- Open and close doors and drawers
- Open a fridge/cupboard, get items and bring them to you
- Can collect and return dropped items
- Climb through tunnels
- Climb over certain equipment
- Press traffic light crossing buttons for you
- Switch lights on and off for you
- Present awards at assemblies
Laser’s Handlers
Rebecca Sykes
Arts and Global Projects Coordinator & Laser’s Primary Handler
Molly Place
Student Engagement Officer & Laser’s Secondary Handler