Caring for animals supports students to learn about empathy, relationships, the environment and nature.
Currently, Ajuga School cares for two chickens and Carlos the budgie. These feathered animals are supporting the students to observe, interact and learn about animals, instilling respect for life and an awareness of the needs of others.
Through the animals, our students have learned what the survival modes (fight, flight, freeze, collapse) looks like in action and are responsive to supporting our animals feel safe.
Class groups are rostered on to let the chickens out of the coop each morning, replenish their feed and water, and collect their eggs. before returning them to the coop in the afternoon.
Collected eggs are used as part of the Ajuga paddock to plate and AjugaEats initiatives.
Carlos the budgie spends most of his time in the Principal's office, chatting away to Leah even when she needs quiet time! Carlos visits senior classrooms throughout the day, with students cleaning his cage and taking him out for a flight each day.
