No dogs allowed

Woy Woy South Public School principal Mr Terry Greedy has asked families walking to and from school to leave dogs outside school grounds in order to minimise the risk of injury to students.

Mr Greedy said he acknowledged that dogs were an important part of life for many Woy Woy South families and were included in day-to-day activities such as walking children to and from school.

"While the school appreciates this inclusion and values pet ownership as an educational experience, it also acknowledges other families and individuals can find contact with dogs stressful and even frightening," Mr Greedy said.

"Dogs can behave unpredictably when placed in excited and/or crowded environments and this can lead to accidents and even dog bites.

"To minimise the risk of injury to children and animals within the school grounds it would be appreciated if dogs could remain outside the school."

Mr Greedy suggested families with dogs arrange a safe meeting point at one of the school exits with their child in advance to ensure the safety of all students.

He said the plan ensured that dogs remained outside of school grounds and could still be included in the daily walk.

Newsletter, 23 Feb 2010 Terry Greedy, Woy Woy South Public School