The students of Mayfield East Public School have held a fundraising day to support an 11-year-old girl in Ukraine’s capital Kiev who is helping animals displaced from their families by the war.

Polina is the subject of a documentary by local Newcastle filmmakers Shane and Agnes Burrell.

Teacher Jacq Kimbell said one of the school’s enrichment groups was studying children in war when they came across the documentary in their research and were moved to help.

“Polina’s trials, her work with animals, and her fierce ambition to become a vet despite what the war has thrown at her, and her family was enough to spur the students into organising a fundraising day for them,” Ms Kimbell said

“They made it part of Wakakirri, a national festival for schools to share stories through dance to make changes for the better.

“The group has been working with the Burrells, getting personal insights into Polina’s life that have added a whole new – and very real – dimension to their studies.

“Many local businesses generously came on board to support our school’s fundraising efforts for Polina, their contributions including a wide range of vouchers and raffle prizes.”

The fundraising day started with an assembly when Polina’s story was presented in a slide show and the group’s dance was presented on video.

Students from all years arranged stalls to run during the day, with baked goods, arts, crafts, face-painting and other activities available in exchange for 50-cent vouchers purchased by students prior to the event.