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Rasmussen State School’s prep class have been working on a ‘pet’ project … and they’ve roped in North Queensland Toyota Cowboys legend Matthew Bowen to help them!

As part of their reading and writing modules, the Rasmussen students have been learning about responsible pet ownership and welcomed 'Mango' – Cowboys community ambassador and Rasmussen’s Adopt-a-School partner – to share their learnings with him.

“Our family have a pet Maltese-poodle cross, Snoopy, and we teach our kids about responsible pet ownership and it’s great to see the smiles on these students’ faces when talking about their own pets,” Bowen said during his visit.

“Normally I come here to Rasmussen and we throw the footy around a bit but this time, before we did that, it was nice to talk to them about caring for your pets.

“It’s great to see the school has included this in their lessons.”

Rasmussen Prep teacher Kaylene Stockham said the prep students had been reading a book called Mutt Dog, about a stray pooch who gets adopted by a family.

“As part of their learning around this, the students were asked to write a little explaining why they wanted to keep Mutt Dog and how they would care for it,” Ms Stockham said.

“Having Matty along to share this unit with them is truly special and the school proudly participates in these Adopt-a-School initiatives.”

The Adopt-a-School program, proudly supported by Stockland Townsville, was established as a long-term social commitment to North Queensland school communities, and gives participating schools the opportunity to utilise their 'adopted' Cowboy as a role model for their students.

The Cowboys make over 650 visits to North Queensland schools each year and are involved in a variety of school community activities, including curriculum activities, sporting clinics, presentation nights and school assemblies.

Main image: Matt Bowen with Rasmussen State School prep students Jayden Gilbey-Johnny (front), 6, Tisharlah Marou (back left), 5, and Annastasia Kennedy, 6 (back right)

Acknowledgement of Country

North Queensland Cowboys respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.