Principal Deborah Kelly said the school's 203 students are from more than 30 countries and 67 per cent have English as a second language. There are 55 Afghan students, from more than 30 families.

"Even though they are here in Australia, they still have family and loved ones that are in Afghanistan that are dealing with the situation over there," Ms Kelly said.

"The reason behind what we did was to spread kindness and let them know we are thinking of them. It is really traumatic."

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Teacher Rachelle Douglas said staff felt "helpless" when news broke about the Taliban recapturing Kabul, but mobilised quickly, donating funds and resources for the care packages. Their families and community members contributed too.

The packages included remote learning essentials such as notebooks, cards, pencils, chalk, playdough and textas, as well as crocheted hearts, handmade bookmarks, chocolates and tea.

"It was important to show the families that we acknowledge the pain they're in and we're here to support them in any way we can," Ms Douglas said.

"It's a small gesture, but hopefully it brightens their day and makes things a little bit easier for them during these crazy times.

"Because of COVID everything is a little bit different. It was just pop the packages on the doorstep, knock on the door and then go back and stand in the driveway and give them a big wave. It was so nice to see their huge smiles.

"We did have some students posting photos of their little packages through [classroom app] Seesaw saying 'Thank you so much, I loved it', so I think they really did appreciate the gesture.

"The most important thing is they feel they are supported, that they have people that are here for them and while we don't understand what they're going through, we can acknowledge what they're going through and we're here for them."

Ms Kelly said the teachers had strong and close relationships with all families and had been in constant contact to offer help during remote learning, calling up to three or four times a week and hosting Zoom meetings with students four days a week.

"They rely on us and they talk to us about how they're feeling and how we can help their children, particularly now with learning at home to take a little bit of stress off them... just so they know they have that sense of belonging," Ms Kelly said.

"Jesmond Public School is the hub of the community and they are so trusting of the staff and us and they certainly talk to us about things happening, whether it's about education or something happening in the community, they have that really strong trust that we will support them with whatever they are doing."

She said the situation in Afghanistan would have long-lasting effects and she was in contact with Department of Education colleagues about what other kinds of "wrap around" support could be offered, including counselling and individual learning plans.

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