A Kempsey public school has developed a Personal Best Room where students have a safe environment to self-regulate to ensure they can effectively learn in their classroom and playground.

The Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said Kempsey East Public was one of four schools that were successful in receiving funding as part of the Local Schools Community Fund Projects.

“The four schools received funding under the scheme, which is designed to deliver small projects that improve students’ experiences at school,” he said.

“Our Government recognises the important role schools play in our community and that’s why we’re funding small projects that will make a big difference at our local schools.

“The $30.2 million Local Schools Community Fund Project delivers some great, grass-roots projects to schools.”

Kempsey East Public School principal Penny Chow said the Personal Best Room supports all students.

“The Personal Best Room is a vital part of our school,” she said.

“It provides a safe environment for students to self-regulate to ensure they can effectively learn in their classroom and the playground.

“While in this room, students are supported by staff and Molly our therapy dog.

“The funding has been used to resource this room with furniture and materials to support the needs of all our students.”

Along with the $8000 for the Kempsey East Public School’s Personal Best Room, South West Rocks Public School received $9000 to drought-proof the rejuvenate the school oval; Smithtown Public School received $15,000 for Connected Futures project while the Kempsey Adventist School used its $16,483 to install shade sails at the school.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan has praised Australia’s students, teachers, principals, parents and carers who have completed a school year like no other.

More than four million students went to school in 2020, including more than 321,000 students who started school and more than 236,000 students who completed Year 12.

“Our Government will continue to support all students as part of Australia’s recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Tehan said.

Students and parents can access online mental health resources from Beyond Blue, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and Student Wellbeing Hub.