At NLCS (Singapore), student wellbeing is an integral part of daily school life. Kona, our resident Educational Assistance Dog, supports students as part of a thoughtfully structured and purposeful initiative that has made her a valued member of our school community.
Kona is a professionally trained working dog who began her School Assistance Dog training at just eight weeks old. Now eight years of age, she is part of our daily school routine, moving between classrooms, joining discussions, attending assemblies, and contributing to pastoral care. Her presence is supported by clear routines and boundaries, alongside designated spaces for rest and a carefully managed schedule, ensuring her role remains purposeful and supportive throughout the school day.
Kona is integrated into a range of activities that create meaningful opportunities for our students to connect, communicate, and feel supported. She joins reading sessions where students read aloud to her, supports small-group interactions, and accompanies “Walk and Talk” check-ins. Her calm, reassuring presence helps students feel at ease and more confident in their learning environment, reducing stress, building confidence, and encouraging focus, particularly for younger students or those who may need additional support.
Spending time with Kona also nurtures empathy and social awareness, as students learn to understand her body language, respect her boundaries, and take responsibility. All interactions are optional and based on parental consent, with careful consideration given to individual comfort levels, allergies, and cultural preferences.
In many ways, Kona embodies our commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence, but also kindness, empathy, and emotional wellbeing, making her a truly valued member of the NLCS (Singapore) community.
