Teacher Diana Ellis and 44 grade 6 pupils travelled by bus to the Black Saturday-devastated zone to visit pupils at Middle Kinglake Primary School, which was completely destroyed in the blaze.

Ms Ellis said the pupils wanted to help those in need and had organised a book collection shortly after February 7.

The pupils had been studying the topic 'hazards of nature', looking at floods, cyclones and other natural disasters.

"Then the bushfires came along and took over. [The topic choice] was very much student-led. The kids suggested books because it was one of the things that was lost. We all love reading books."

More than 1100 books were donated and bundled for delivery.

Ms Ellis said the Middle Kinglake Primary community, which is now operating from make-shift portables, appreciated the contribution.

"It was valuable on many levels and I hope it had a huge impact on my students and those who received the books.

"I hope the pride and community spirit that has been instilled in them will stay with them for life."

Ms Ellis said the trip had been an overwhelming and sometimes emotional experience.

"A lot of the kids had not been to, or experienced, the bushfire-ravaged areas. Most of the obvious devastation is gone and the rebuilding is under way, but when they saw that first lot of blackened forest, the whole bus went quiet."

After the school captains handed over the books, pupils from both schools spent time together, playing football and talking.

"In my 25 years of teaching, it is the most rewarding day I have ever had. It shows that as one person you may not be able to make much of a difference, but by working together you can."