Dear Parents/ Caregivers,
Palmwoods SS has historically worked on a common-sense approach to dogs/ pets on the school site and has enjoyed Mr Petts' dog Zep being a welcome visitor to classrooms. Unfortunately, we had an incident last year when a student was bitten when they tried to pat an unattended dog in the school grounds. We have also had numerous occasions where large and powerful dogs were left under the control of younger students/ carers who were physically unable to restrain them.
Following complaints made to the school, the Palmwoods SS Workplace Health and Safety Committee have tabled the dog/ animal policy recommended by Education Queensland and in place in schools across the region to the school P&C. This policy was passed by the P&C at a recent meeting.
From Monday 22nd November, dogs and other pets are to be kept outside the school on a lead with an owner/ handler over the age of 16 in attendance when dropping off or collecting students. Dogs are not to be tied up and left unattended at any time. Dogs should not be exercised in the school grounds before or after school hours.
Animals with an approved purpose such as 'Story Dogs', guide dogs or animals that children would like to share with classmates, need to be approved by the owner completing an application form and have it approved through the office before entering the school grounds. These animals must then be restrained under council guidelines while they are inside the school grounds.
We thank families for their understanding of the school implementing this policy. It is out duty of care to ensure that children's safety comes first at all times.