Mandy Wells teaches refugee children whose parents can't afford to buy pencils, stationery or school bags. They certainly don't have felt pens, pencil sharpeners or erasers. So, to ensure they don't miss out, she dips into her own pocket.

"Every term I will stock up on the things that their parents can't buy for them," she says. "I can spend anywhere from $900 to $1800, $2000 a year – depending on the needs of the class. I work with colleagues who spend more.

"We have to get them to engage in learning, yet they can't read write or speak English, they don't eat breakfast, they don't eat lunch, they don't have a school bag or stationery and they certainly don't have any books at home."

Teacher Mandy Wells uses her own money to buy supplies for her pupils. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Ms Wells is far from alone. A national survey has found that 93 per cent of teachers use their own money to purchase supplies for their school or students and 25 per cent of those – mostly primary teachers – spend more than $1000 a year.