Mourners have gathered for the funeral of 12-year-old Elliott Fletcher, who was knifed to death at his Brisbane school earlier this week.
Hundreds of classmates, friends and family members are attending the memorial, at St Patrick's College in Shorncliffe, along with Queensland Premier Anna Bligh.
Elliott's parents, Russell and Brigitte, have requested that the service be a "celebration of Elliott's life".
Brisbane's Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby is expected to preside over the funeral mass.
The school's bell rang on Friday morning to mark the start of the school day but classes have been cancelled to allow students to attend the service.
A 13-year-old fellow student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with Elliot's murder. He remains in police custody.
School congregation 'solemn'
Fletcher family friend Dave Lee was full of praise for the 12-year-old.
"Elliott was a lovely boy. I've known him since he was five or six. Terrific kid, no trouble," Mr Lee said. "I don't know what you can say."
Music teacher Laszlo Sirsom said it would take some time but St Patrick's would recover from the trauma of this week.
"The school works together and the community is fantastic," he said.
Former student Michael Hoffman told reporters he had returned to his school because it was "a time for the whole community to come together".
A school spokesman told reporters the mood of the congregation was "pretty solemn".
Queensland Catholic Education director Mike Byrne said St Patrick's College and the Fletcher family would be in the prayers of students and staff in the state's 288 Catholic schools.
"I want the St Patrick's College community to know that our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this terribly difficult time," Mr Byrne said.
Share
