Murraylands high school is set to allow assistance dog companion for student with special needs

A Murray Bridge mother says after a long battle with a local high school to allow an assistance dog to accompany her son to school, a successful resolution will see her child get the support he needs.

A Murraylands high school is set to welcome an assistance dog companion for a student with special needs in what a local family is hailing as a massive win for inclusiveness and the wellbeing of the student.

On Monday, Murray Bridge mother Murrianna Reese said she had been in a long battle with the Murray Bridge High School to allow an assistance dog to attend school alongside her son Logan.

Murrianna Reese and her son Logan with his assistance dog Hunter. Picture: Dylan Hogarth

Logan is 12-years-old and lives with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and autism.

He relies on his assistance dog Hunter to keep him safe and had the four-legged companion alongside him for his last years of primary school.

However, the family said the dog had not been permitted to attend Murray Bridge High School with Logan since he started Year 7 this year.

But, as of Wednesday morning, Ms Reese said she was thrilled to learn the school would now allow the dog into the school.

“We had a meeting this morning, they had two people from the department of education whose job it was to assist schools in preparing them for dogs to come in … they said they were going to allow Hunter in,” she said.

An Education Department spokesperson confirmed the dog would be allowed to enter the school and an integration process had begun.

“The school, along with the Education Department met again with Ms Reese this morning,” the spokesperson said.

“The dog will now start an orientation after school hours to familiarise him with the school site and dog training will also be provided to other staff as well.

“The school has been supporting Logan with a 1:1 student support officer and are pleased with how he has settled into high school.

“The department will also provide a dog handler to look after his dog while it is on-site supporting Logan, the recruitment for this role has already begun.

Logan Reese with his assistance dog Hunter. Picture: Dylan Hogarth

The spokesperson said the department was pleased to have worked with the family to identify a positive outcome for Logan.

“These instances can be complex, particularly at a school with 1200 students, so it does take time to ensure other students’ needs, for example allergies, are also met,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier this week Murray Bridge High School principal Ruth Mussger told The Messenger the school had been working with the family and was hopeful of an early resolution, which ultimately came today.

Ms Reese said she congratulated the school and the department on working towards a positive outcome for Logan.

“They’ve realised it’s a necessary thing – they’ve got the message,” she said.

“I’ve been told the dog could be into the school within two weeks.”