Students have returned to Leeton High School for their first day back since the alleged murder of much-loved teacher Stephanie Scott.
A school fence was decorated with tributes and many students arrived with their parents on Tuesday morning.
Ms Scott was allegedly killed by school cleaner Vincent Stanford during the NSW Easter school holidays, just days before her wedding.
Mayor Paul Maytom says the community is still reeling, but coping the best it can.
"It's just horrific," he told the ABC.
"We've never had a situation like that before in our town...
"The school has been having counselling sessions with the students and also the teachers.
"It'll be a really hard day today for the students to go back into a school where such a tragedy occurred."
Ms Scott will be farewelled at a funeral in Eugowra - where she was meant to get married - on Wednesday.
The school will remain open on the day, although many locals are expected to make the three-hour drive to attend the funeral.
As a sign of respect, local shops and businesses in Leeton will close at 1pm when the funeral is taking place.
Share
