Maple, our school dog, is a Cavapoo which is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. This breed has been careful selected due to it’s calm nature and ideal temperament. 

Maple will spend her days visiting the classrooms and the children from across the school. Sometimes she will even help us out by looking after anyone who is feeling a bit sad – a little stroke and a look into those big brown eyes is enough to make anyone feel happy again.

There are many benefits to having a school dog, including:

• a calming effect on pupils, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties
• improved behaviour and concentration
• reduced stress and improved self-esteem
• encouraging  participation in more withdrawn children 
• fostering a sense of responsibility
• encouraging respect and thereby improving pupils’ relationships with each other, parents and teachers
• teaching children to nurture and respect life

We hope that the children of St Brendan’s will gain a great deal of enjoyment from having Maple in school!