STUDENTS returned to Leeton High School yesterday for the first time since the death of teacher Stephanie Scott.
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Today the 26-year-old will be farewelled by family and friends at a function centre on The Escort Way, about two kilometres north-east of Eugowra.
It is the same location she was supposed to marry her partner of five years Aaron Leeson-Woolley at.
Leeton mayor Paul Maytom said he had been in contact with the school and that the Department of Education would be supporting staff and students.
Seventeen counsellors were rostered on at Leeton High School on Tuesday to help students through the most difficult week of their school life.
Teachers and parents urged students to "make Miss Scott proud" as they returned from school holidays to a classroom without their favourite teacher, Stephanie Scott. Students showed their courage, bringing plates of food for morning tea on Tuesday and walking arm-in-arm through the school gates still adorned with yellow ribbons and floral tributes.
One mother arrived with a sketch of Miss Scott that her daughter, a year 9 student, made.
One teenage student, Bree, had earlier posted online that Miss Scott was an amazing teacher who was there for her when she had no one else.
A statement on the school’s Facebook page confirmed counselling was available. “We will be aided by a large number of people in supportive roles and there are several individuals and organisations to whom we offer so much gratitude,” it said.
“More importantly, though, we have each other.
“Rest assured if you stumble or fall, you will do so in the safe hands of many who care about you.
“At other times, your hands could be needed and we will know you will be there.
“For Steph. For our school. For our town. For each other.” Tributes from across the world continue to pour in for Miss Scott. A Leeton man, who wanted to be known only as Tyler, has been touched by the response to the Facebook page he set up - Rest In Peace Stephanie Scott.
Tyler said he met Miss Scott a couple of times. “She was kind and passionate about her job. She was so kind and lovely to be around, she was just beautiful,” Tyler said.
He said he was heartbroken when he heard of Miss Scott’s death.
“I was heartbroken such a thing could happen,” he said.
Tyler said he had received messages from people from all over the world.
“My heart is breaking for all of Stephanie's family and friends. I'm sorry that you are going through this. May her memory and smile live on forever,” was one of the heartfelt posts on the page, which has more than 23,000 likes.