Meet Willow, our Reynella East College wellbeing cat.
Willow was one of a litter of three strays found at REC when they were just 3 weeks old. SSO Mayley raised the kittens until they were ready for new homes. As a former cat behaviour specialist for the RSPCA, Mayley identified Willow as having a suitable personality for training and being handled.
After a process including proposals, consultation and risk assessments, Willow was officially approved as our wellbeing cat. She lives with Mayley but comes into school 2-3 days a week and spends her time in the Senior Study area.
She can walk on a harness and just loves being patted and played with by students and staff alike. The Year 12 students find her presence calming and appreciate her being around when they are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or just need a cuddle.
According to the Department for Education’s Animal Ethics committee, REC is the first school in the state to request a wellbeing cat. We look forward to many years of companionship from Willow as she certainly brings smiles everywhere she goes.
