Carol Lockett & Shadow

Carol and Shadow (the dog) have been coming to the Junior School for the past three years.

They are volunteers in the Delta Society Classroom Canines™ Program which originated in Geelong. Before Shadow could become a part of a classroom, he had to be assessed through a specially designed temperament testing program and passed with flying colours. 

Carol was trained by the Delta Society to provide literacy support for children in their early years of learning. 

Carol and Shadow have been providing literacy and on many occasions, numeracy support to a small group of children each Tuesday for one or two hours a week on a volunteer basis. Shadow is a great part of the classroom and children’s lives. He has been instrumental in transforming shy nervous children, into feeling more confident and being more willing to have a go at reading and writing through opportunities of reading and writing for Shadow who is non-judgemental and extremely loyal to everything a child does. Carol has positively influenced the way the children behave and react towards a very large dog, taking away the fears many small children had through her interactions with Shadow and the children during literacy and numeracy sessions.

Carol and Shadow performed in our recent school concert with Shadow being the star of the show. He was the guest artist appearing as a crocodile dressed in full costume, all thanks to the hard work of Carol. Carol also goes to great lengths providing all the materials free of charge for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas gifts for the children to give to someone they love. Carol and Shadow also visit local Nursing Homes and provide companionship for many frail and elderly people.

Carol and Shadow are such a big part of the children’s lives and the Junior School feel most fortunate to have them as our very own companions. She works tirelessly and has the most generous heart. 

She is extremely deserving of formal recognition for her services to our Community and the Community in general. Carol dressed Shadow in his Santa costume and delivered a little present to each child as a farewell gift. She is truly a wonderful woman and Shadow is the kindest gentlest dog ever. We will miss her. The program has been invaluable. 

Jenny Dyer
Junior Unit Leader
Mount Pleasant Primary School, Ballarat, VIC