The head teacher of Olivia Pratt-Korbel's school, Rebecca Wilkinson, has described her as a "kind-hearted, helpful and happy little girl".
The nine-year-old was killed on Monday night, after a 35-year-old stranger ran into her house as he tried to get away from a gunman.
Her mother received a bullet on her wrist as she tried to stand between the gunman and Olivia. The same bullet that reached the mother reached Olivia.
Wilkinson said: "Olivia was a much-loved member of our school. She had a beautiful smile, a lovely sense of humour and a bubbly personality.
"She was kind-hearted and would go out of her way to help others."
St Margaret Mary's Catholic Junior School, also published a statement on their website announcing the sad news.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Olivia's family and friends at this very sad time," the statement read.
"As many of you will know, Olivia was a happy pupil with lots of friends at school; she was someone who always went out of her way to help others. She will be sadly missed by everyone at the school."
The school also announced measures were being taken to support Olivia's school friends and classmates.
"We will of course do our very best to support your child upon their return to school, particularly those who were friends of Olivia.
"We have posted links to the following resources on the school website. You may find these useful should you wish to talk to your child about what has happened."
The 35-year-old man has been arrested for breaching the terms of his release from prison and will be questioned in connection with Olivia's murder, police said.