It's an emotionally gruelling start to the school year for teachers faced with impoverished students.

KidsCan reports families hit hard by Covid-19, are struggling to cover costs for kids' uniforms, stationery and lunches.

Colmar Brunton Research shows teachers are getting hit from all angles - as they try to care for kids welfare themselves.

Principal of Hauraki's Waihi College, Alistair Cochrane, told Mike Hosking some teachers dip into their own pockets to feed kids.

"They're being more lenient with uniforms and have recently joined the free lunches programme, which is exciting."

Cochrane says when they're hungry and feel unprepared - kids focus on those issues - rather than their learning.

Cochrane says KidsCan is helping them feed the kids and put shoes on their feet.

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