Students from O'Connell, Wattle Flat, Black Springs, Meadow Flat, Sofala and Rockley Public Schools were inspired by the selflessness of this young boy and have carried on with his great community initiative as part of their random acts of kindness during Education Week.

Last year, 10-year old Oliver Edwards from Hobart, recognised how harsh the cold weather is for those who are homeless and came up with the "Free on a Tree" initiative. His mother, Cathy, had been talking to Oliver about the plight of the homeless in their city, which has worsened recently by a rental crisis and flooding.

Oliver decided on the idea of giving away warm winter coats to people in need.

He and Cathy agreed they would get together as many second-hand coats as they could and leave them on trees in parks. They would stick notes on the coats, saying: "Free on a tree: If you need this, it's yours."

This simple idea of putting second-hand coats on trees that would let those who were suffering help themselves, was embraced by students at Bathurst Small Schools.

Over the past couple of weeks, students from across the Bathurst Small Schools have gathered jackets, scarves, beanies and warm socks, all to be donated to those less fortunate.

Some of the items were placed on trees in and around the region so those in need can take them to keep themselves warm during the cold winter.

Other items collected are to be donated to the Uniting Care Homeless Shelter and the Salvation Army - perfect timing given the recent weather conditions. Some schools also chose to carry out an Act of Kindness within their schools. Rockley students had a number of spare picture books and decided to send them to public schools in NSW who are isolated and disadvantaged.

Students from O'Connell spent a day helping a hard-working member of our agricultural sector harvest his potatoes. Everyone agreed it was wonderful to see the students from across the six Bathurst Small Schools joining together to support those less fortunate within the Bathurst region and beyond. All the children from Bathursts Small Schools, embraced the events during Education Week this year.

Bathurst Small Schools are a combination of O'Connell Primary School, Rockley Primary School, Black Springs Primary School, Meadow Flat Primary School, Wattle Flat Primary School and Sofala Primary School.

For more information visit www.education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/education-week