MOVE over Glastonbury and Coachella.
Waratah West Public School has celebrated its wellbeing dog Barney's first birthday with a unique festival, which assistant principal Jane Chapman dubbed a Barnival.
"Barney is such an important part of our school and it's his first birthday on Sunday, so we thought what a great time to celebrate all the positive things that Barney adds to our great little school," she said.
Barney Day raised about $1000 for his care.
It included a hot dog stand, Barneybald Prize art gallery with student artworks for sale and a raffle with dog-themed prizes.
There were competitions to pin the tail on Barney, match photos of teachers and their dogs, and to guess the number of treats in a jar.
There was a cake for the humans and a cake for Barney, plus gifts for his trainers, a funds donor and the student learning support officer who Barney lives with.
Ms Chapman said Barney had exceeded the school's expectations and "gets as much out of being with the kids as they do from him".
"Barney supports all aspects of student learning and wellbeing," Ms Chapman said, as well as promoting empathy, responsibility and encouraging attendance.
"He provides a calming effect for kids when they're anxious or upset and increases their social skills and interactions.
"Barney has those one-on-one interventions with kids focusing on raising their confidence and promoting physical and mental health and wellbeing.
"Some would not want to read aloud before, but they're happy to sit and read aloud to Barney."
