The bronze medal-winning Australian water polo goalie, who was visiting Helensburgh Public School for a special assembly with students, said community meant everything to her.

"Giving back, to me, is bigger than anything I could ever achieve myself. I get a bit emotional - I love this," she said before a sea of smiling faces in the assembly hall.

McCormack, 25, has been a hero at the school almost since the day she first arrived at kindy back in 1988.

She held many swimming and athletics records before becoming a champion water polo player as a student at Kirrawee High School and beyond.

Helensburgh principal Chris Connor said McCormack was an inspiration to the school's 448 pupils.

"The children have been inspired by Alicia's performance," he said.

"I think it's important (they know) someone who has achieved a lot after coming from a small place like Helensburgh - for them to strive to do their best too, no matter what sport they're having a go at."

Mr Connor said the school incorporated the Beijing Olympics into the school curriculum, and keenly followed the progress of "our local hero" and her team.

"We were very excited when she sent the kids a postcard from Beijing, thanking them for all their support. She's been terrific. It's great to have her come back."

Rachel McArthur, 9, was excited to meet the water polo star, especially as she was once the youngster's babysitter.

"I know her brother and her family live up the road from me," she said. "I think what she's done is special."

McCormack, who handed out principal's awards and answered children's questions, said she would be visiting schools and preschools across the region in the days and weeks ahead.