The students are back at school after The Entrance Public School (TEPS) showered them with support, gifts and even a coastal adventure last week.

Kylie Lacey said the new relationship, which had “taken the whole community aback a bit” for its generosity, was “just amazing”.

“It’s just this realisation; you remember there are really, really good people out there that really do care and are very willing to give,” Ms Lacey said.

“It kind of restores your faith a bit, after we were broken into, too … We’re now starting to talk to the kids about what we can do to give back, to pay it forward.”

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It came amid the drought continuing to take its toll on the region, and the recent robbery in which thieves took thousands of dollars of equipment and resources – and the school’s pet bearded dragon Rocco.

It all started with a TEPS Year 5 girl’s idea, combined with a couple of staffers’ links to Somerton through family and work history, Ms Lacey said.

And it all culminated with the Somerton students hosting a brief visit from TEPS students and staff, then going back with them for a couple of days on the Central Coast.

They enjoyed a stay at Camp Toukley, went to the beach, fed pelicans, ate fish and chips by the water, went to the circus and more – all provided free.

They came home with piles of gifts from Central Coast Council, and from the school community – including a new pet lizard, Wattle.

“Those kids were so kind to our kids, and so giving and wanting to help,” Ms Lacey said.

“They were beautiful; their whole community is just amazing … they could not do enough for us.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before between two schools; not to this extent.”