I promise not to theme every blog from now about the dog, but it has been a week of firsts for him and the school. It has been lovely hearing from the children about half term adventures and nice to have everyone back in school for the second half of this spring term. If the daffodils outside my office are any indication, spring is just around the corner and I for one am ready to welcome it with open arms and a face to the sun (hard to remember what that is this year).
There has been much anticipation and patience as everyone awaited the arrival of River in school this week. He took a few extra days to settle into his new life at home before he came to BPS for his induction afternoon on Thursday. As I write, he is chewing my laces under my desk having tried, fairly successfully I might add, to destroy what is now a very different workspace. I must say, it is wonderful having him here and he has bought so many smiles to people’s faces already. Whilst still very much a puppy (9 weeks old yesterday) I have been so encouraged by how friendly he has been to everyone he has met and utterly unfazed by the adoring watchers through the windows. Far from it, he seems very keen to get out of my office and join in the real fun around the school, and as we wrote before half term, all this will be managed very gently and with limited spaces where he will be when he is in school.
One unintended consequence of his arrival is higher than ever numbers of children “checking” for lost property. I am sure this is just that they are very diligent and responsible for their belongings and nothing to do with the proximity of the table to River’s new base! This interest is heartwarming, but we want to manage distraction and expectation in equal measure so I gently reminded everyone that he will need time to settle in and meeting so many new people and things can be overwhelming, even for a confident and friendly puppy like River. Please help us reinforce these messages over the coming weeks. River is here to stay, and everyone who wants to will get their chance when he is ready to spend some time with him. Here are a couple of key messages we shared.
- Don’t be offended if the office door is shut, or you are asked to come back another time. He sleeps a LOT, and he may already have had lots of visitors before you arrive.
- Please keep the noise down around him. Squeals and shouts can be quite scary.
- Always ask before touching him and be wary that he can be a bit nippy as his teeth develop. If you are allowed to stroke him, always approach slowly with your hand under his chin, not over his head, and wash your hands afterwards.
- He has not had his second vaccines yet, so we have to keep him safe and away from any possible infections. Please bear this in mind.
- Please remember that we do have to do SOME work, so please encourage children to stay away from my office window as I may be in a meeting.
We have been really touched by some lovely welcome cards and even some gifts, but please don’t be persuaded that he needs anything. His toy basket is already a little embarrassing so please get in touch if there is absolute insistence and we can work something out!
Thank you all for making River so welcome. He is a very lucky puppy to be surrounded by so much love and interest and I know he is going to be very happy here.
We wish the Year 5 and 6 pupils and staff on sports tour a wonderful weekend and look forward to hearing all about their adventures. Enjoy the warmer weather whilst it lasts and have a lovely weekend.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mr C and River
