Helping Paw
Revolutionizing classroom support, one request at a time.
Helping Paw is here for students' needs.
What is Helping Paw?
Helping Paw is an app that acts as a help signal for students and teachers. It was developed in 2025 by a student at Gilroy Catholic College. This app is all for enabling students to get the help they need. Sometimes it can be difficult for students to discreetly get help from a teacher, whether it be because there are no teachers nearby, or they do not want to make it obvious that they need help. HP is an app that allows students to discreetly send a message to a teacher to ask for help, all without drawing any attention.
How does it work?
Students have an application with an array of support options, when they send a help request, it appears for the staff in the room! It shows who sent the request and what they need help with. The app automagically determines which staff to alert based on the Compass School Manager timetable, who can then see it appear live. Requests can even be sent through a discreet icon in the System Bar. If you are interested in learning more, read the Documentation page.
Can my school use it?
Helping Paw is a closed access app. Currently, no school has the access and permission to use this system, as I have been told it must be approved by CEDP before use. Ultimately, the app is in a closed usage state at this point in time, however expansion may be welcome in future.
Why not use bigger programs?
The larger companies and programs, while they are a little more reputable, most cost an arm and a leg, do not comply with NSW Education Standards, and are not specialised for the Compass Ecosystem and CEDP's systems. I can set up the whole system with you, the system complies with regulations, and it is designed specifically for the Compass Ecosystem, and CEDP.
Why is it called Helping Paw?
It is like Helping Hand, but not copyrighted in its space. It also works because Helping Paw sounds a lot nicer and more welcoming than Student Signal System (The original project name), or some other lifeless corporate name. Also names are so hard to find these days because everything is copyrighted and owned by some massive company.
About the Dev
I am the developer of Helping Paw! I developed this system as an alternative to the flawed platforms of the popular help beacon options. Having cards on a desk is too obvious, having a small item out on the desk is not obvious enough, and having staff asking how you are going frequently can get annoying quickly. With Helping Paw, you get the assistance you need, when you need it. For the longest time, there has been a lack of innovation in the space, so I aim to improve it!