Tributes flow in for drama teacher Vivien Hodgins from the students who adored her

VIVIEN Hodgins touched many lives as a passionate drama teacher at a Ballarat high school.

VIVIEN Hodgins touched many lives as a passionate drama teacher at a Ballarat high school.

Such was the outpouring of grief for the Mt Clear College teacher, who was killed in the Samoan tsunami, that past and present students went to the school yesterday to pay tribute to her, despite it being closed for the term break.

Many posted messages on Facebook, telephoned or emailed the school to share their grief at the passing of their teacher of 30years.

"Vho, as we all called you, you will still live on in our hearts and minds, you were my favourite teacher and the closest," wrote one graduate on Facebook.

"I thank you for the awesome and wonderful three years of media; I enjoyed every second of it, I will miss you, rest in peace Vho. We love you dearly."

Others described Ms Hodgins as an "awesome teacher" who had a beautiful soul. "Vivien Hodgins, the world's a darker place without you! Will miss your welcoming smile and infectious personality ... the tsunami wave in Samoa took away so much," posted a former student.

Ms Hodgins, 55, was due to return today to her home just outside Ballarat, but was caught up in the tsunami at Lalomanu, a village in Samoa devastated in the disaster.

Her friend and travelling companion, Claire Rowlands, survived the tidal waves.

Mt Clear College assistant principal Alan Parker told The Australian yesterday that Ms Hodgins was irreplaceable.

"We're still shell-shocked by it," he said.

"She would have touched the lives of thousands of kids at this school ... she was an absolutely passionate teacher who was dedicated to her students."

Mr Parker said the school planned to have an assembly on Monday, when the students return from holidays, to celebrate Ms Hodgins's contribution to theschool.

Counselling was being offered to the students and staff.

"I worked with her very closely for the past 20 years and I have known her for another 10 years," Mr Parker said.

"She was a very friendly person who would go out of her way to assist her kids in relation to their studies." He said Ms Hodgins - who was married to Rod May and had two children, Stephanie and Carla - was passionate about teaching drama and media, and was always organising excursions, sports and theatre productions. "She was always involved in the school community and was an integral member of the staff," he said.