Pupil perch: Year 3 student Mason Knight with Snowy on his arm, as well as his friend Mr Budgie on his shoulder.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
When thinking about class pets, what is the first animal that comes to mind? Fish? A hermit crab? Maybe a bunny? Think again! Mooroopna North Primary School has three funky friends.
Snowy the cockatiel
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With a chirpy nature, Snowy the cockatiel knows how to bring a smile to kids’ faces at Mooroopna North Primary School.
Principal Michelle Duke said from the moment the bird arrived in the classroom he made himself at home.
“He was one of our senior student’s birds that their family felt wasn’t getting enough time and attention at home,” Ms Duke said.
“So they suggested he could come and live at school and then when she (the student) moved up to high school, she thought that he was so settled here it would be more beneficial for him to stay and interact with the kids rather than go back home and be a solo pet.”
According to Ms Duke, it seems it’s not just Snowy that enjoys being in the classroom.
“The kids love working with him just sitting on their shoulder,” Ms Duke said.
Mr Miss the guinea pig
Hold on tight: Year 5 student Chase Morgan with Mr Miss the guinea pig.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The newest pet is Mr Miss the guinea pig.
Only six months old, Mr Miss quickly become a class favourite.
Ms Duke said he had been a welcome addition, acting as a comfort to students when they needed it.
“He’s a pretty young addition to our crowd,” Ms Duke said.
“Guinea pigs get described as neurotic animals because their hearts beat so quickly, so a huge benefit in having guinea pigs is that the kids have them to project their sense of calm.”
Joint effort: Year 4 student Xander Knight and Year 5 student Ryan Sylvester holding Mr Miss the guinea pig.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Motley the blue-tongued lizard
Scaling up: Year 5 student Jackson Kirby holding blue-tongued lizard Motley.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The oldest pet at Mooroopna North Primary School, Motley the blue-tongued lizard has been keeping an eye on students for a decade.
“When we got him 10 years ago he was already quite a mature lizard,” Ms Duke said.
“He’s probably between 15 and 18 years now and everyone that sees him tells us he’s a pretty special lizard because he’s quite pale for a blue-tongue.”
Motley, who was donated to the school all those years ago, remains active with the kids.
“He’s such a huge size, but he has no issue with being held and handled by the kids,” Ms Duke said.
“They’ll often have him just draped on them while they’re working.”
Veteran: Motley the blue-tongued lizard.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Having the pets at the school has provided the students with a unique educational experience.
“The students feel connected, they feel like they’re getting something from the animal, but they’re also giving something to the animal,” Ms Duke said.
“They’re able to cuddle the pets and touch them because if you don’t have a pet at home, that experience is not there.
“And the animals are prompting the kids to have conversations and thoughts outside of themselves.”
