On Monday, labradoodle Wally was officially certified as a therapy dog for the school. Or as Ms Byrnes explained it to the students, he completed his NAPLAN exams.

Wally was chosen especially as a therapy dog by Kaysadale Farm owner Samantha Kay, who specialises in training dogs. She specifically looked for a dog who was exceptionally confident, brave, and able to tolerate being around noisy children.

"Wally actually gravitated towards children," Ms Kay said. "The obedience side of it we can teach to any dog at any age, it's about the temperament."

Wally was introduced to the school in November 2019 and now spends three days a week interacting with students and the staff.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

Ms Byrnes said Wally was particularly helping with any students who suffered anxiety or had difficulties regulating. Patting Wally - only after they ask first - helps the students to remain calm.

As a labradoodle he's low shedding, and also feels very tactile when he's petted.

The principal said she had "totally underestimated" the therapy dog's impact.

"I just think it's a game-changer. It's just a fantastic thing. The students' wellbeing is so important and this really contributed so positively to the students' wellbeing, and the staff," Ms Byrnes said.

She has had parents who have told her they wouldn't be able to get their children to school without knowing Wally was there waiting.

He also encourages students to visit Ms Byrnes, in comparison to the traditional ways of the principal's office only being a place for misbehaving students to visit.

Wally is the first of his kind in the Catholic Dioceses of Bathurst, and Ms Byrnes would love to see similar dogs in more schools.

During his time away from the school, Wally gets to be a normal dog with Ms Byrnes.

Ms Kay praised the school and students for doing their homework and taking good care of the dog.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: