Last week’s fabulous Toy Sale organised by the Green Team and Mr Coleman raised around $1400. Much of this money will be directed to the production of a sensory garden near the bird aviary, for the enjoyment of all students.
A decision was made to direct $500 of these funds to Storydogs. It apparently costs this much to place a dog in a school; covering training, insurance, behavioural assessments, books etc. The Storydogs program is designed to help students with literacy development. Nominated children have the opportunity to read to a friendly and non-critical audience, namely a dog, in weekly sessions. Students at Toorak who are involved with the program are very enthusiastic about reading to their furry Labrador friends, Ferris and Beau and their owners, volunteers Stephen and Norah.
Apparently Storydogs is expanding rapidly in Victoria, and as a consequence Toorak has been assigned a new coordinator, Megan Morgan. Megan and her chocolate poodle Oona were invited to attend last week’s assembly to receive a “surprise”. When handed the giant cheque, Megan was completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our school community. She will arrange for the TPS logo to adorn a Storydogs Jacket as an official sponsor in recognition of the large donation. Thank you to all involved for your continuing support.
