A lunchtime conversation which led to a light-bulb moment has sparked a new relationship between two very different schools.
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Westmead Public School teachers Meghan Hughes, Jodie Pearce and Kylie Campbell were having a chat about the drought.
Ms Campbell, who went to school in Inverell, was sharing with her fellow teachers how friends and families were doing it tough in the bush when an idea flourished to help out.
"We thought we're such a big school, we have over 1600 kids, it'd be lovely if we could do something for them. The idea evolved into giving bush kids personalised happy packs," Ms Hughes said.
With Westmead principal David Jenkins on board, Gilgai Public School was chosen to receive the packs having only 50 students.
Classes decorated individual boxes for each Gilgai student with their names on it, then were asked to bring in stationary, games, packets of food and other helpful items for the packs.
"We got so many donations we couldn't fit it all in the happy packs so we've brought extra boxes of food and items that we'll donate to the school as well," Ms Hughes said.
Mr Jenkins said 98 per cent of Westmead students were from a non-English speaking background.
"There are 250 kids in Year 3 so that's five times the size of Gilgai School just in Year 3. It's been an interesting learning experience for both schools, being so different."
The pack also includes two personalised letters, one from a Westmead Kindergarten and one from a Year 5 or 6 student.
The happy packs were presented to the students on Thursday morning in front of family at an assembly.
Gilgai Public School Principal Lachlan Stewart said February's bushfires and the worsening drought were two factors impacting students and their families.
"Being able to give our families something that lets them know people elsewhere are thinking of them is pretty special and important. I can't thank Westmead enough, it's really generous of them.
"We're going to do a bit of work between the two schools to help each other learn about each ones different context," he said.
Mr Stewart highlighted the fact that each pack was designed to not only boost confidence but make them feel supported.
"There's basic things for education like pens and pencils they can use at home whilst doing their homework, or new books they can read. Each box has specific items for each kid. We've been very fortunate," Mr Stewart said.