Turvey Park Public School teacher Kellie Chapman awarded a 2020 NSW Minister for Education Excellence in Teaching Award

Up to a quarter of the student population in Turvey Park come from non-English speaking and refugee backgrounds.

Having been at the school for seven years, and as the EAL/D (English as an additional language or dialect) teacher, most of Ms Chapman's time is spent with these bilingual students.

"I have a background in Asian studies and linguistics which helps," Ms Chapman said.

"There are also three EAL/Ds and one bilingual aid who helps with our Yazidi community. I certainly could not do it without them."

Negotiating the language barrier can be a struggle. But many of these students have also faced significant hardships before they arrive at the school.

"A lot of my job has become counselling as well as teaching. Some of these kids have experienced trauma getting to Australia, some are living with parents who have experienced trauma," Ms Chapman said.

"This [classroom] is a safe place. I think the challenging thing is hearing their stories, they share such hard stories."

To help the children and their families transition to their new lives in Australia, Ms Chapman has support sessions at her school, and across the region.

"I run a games session, for example, because a lot of these kids have missed out on learning those play skills," she said.

"I'm really proud of the kids and their resilience."

Ms Chapman's efforts in promoting resources for students with diverse backgrounds earned her the excellence in teaching award in this year's NSW Ministers for Education awards.

Across the Riverina, Ms Chapman was one of only six people to receive an award in the annual showcase. The other five went to teachers, students and a parent at Wagga High School.