Talented artist and musician Kylie Morgan has been running free arts and music sessions for kids at Kurmond Public School to encourage them to be creative.
During the challenging year pupils have experienced due to COVID interruptions, kids have been able to paint, play games, learn music, and join a rock band and guitar group in the mornings before school, thanks to the volunteer work of Ms Morgan, a mum in her mid-30s.
Ms Morgan is employed 10 hours per week at the school through the Student Well Being Program, but it is the work she does as chaplain before school starts that is perhaps even more inspiring.
"The reason I do what I do as a chaplain at Kurmond school is because I have a passion for kids and families to know they are loved and valued and to know they can make a difference in this world," Ms Morgan told the Gazette.
"I always seek to build up and encourage the kids to believe in themselves and to be all they can be.
"I do this through art and music and also just by being available if anyone needs anything.
"I absolutely love being the chaplain here at Kurmond school. The kids, parents and staff are amazing and it is the greatest joy and privilege to be a part of this beautiful community."
Ms Morgan has two children who attend the school, and has been working there since 2018.
Over the past year she has painted several major murals at the school on various walls with the help of the students, including an artwork to mark the school's 100th anniversary earlier this year. The most recent one was a sports-themed mural that involved every pupil from Years 3 to 6, who got involved in lieu of being able to play sports during COVID lockdowns.
The murals have not only brightened up the school grounds but they have also provided a positive outlet for the kids during a challenging year.
School principal Patricia Beggs said Ms Morgan was "a real asset" to the school fraternity.
"It is really important during this time. She is a student support worker, but really she's been a support for staff as well," Ms Beggs said.
"She takes a real interest in the school community and we're lucky to have her."