Although the college would normally be closed over the holidays, the emotional shockwaves felt by the closely knit school community resulted in the school opening between noon and 3pm for most of last week.

Kerri Bolch, an assistant principal, said counsellors were on hand for those who needed them.

But many just needed to sit quietly in the staff room with others grieving the loss of ex-student Joel Brimble, Riyani Lowen, who had been at the school for seven years, and Anja Miler, who arrived 18 months ago.

"About 100 people, mainly students, were here on one of the days," Ms Bolch said. "Our concern is getting the kids and the families through this."

When school resumes, students' input will be sought on the best way of remembering the trio at a memorial ceremony to be held at the college.