Next to three colourful butterflies, this week's St Joseph's Catholic Primary School newsletter contains words no one ever thought would be written.

How do you explain to primary-aged children three of their classmates and friends aren't walking through the school gate again?

"Our sincerest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Geoff, Kim, Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe at this tragic time," the newsletter, sent home with students yesterday, read.

The Australian flag outside the Lockhart school - with an enrolment of just 74 - has flown at half mast since Wednesday morning as parents, teachers and students struggle to come to terms with the deaths of the Hunt family.

Their bodies, along with that of their 41-year-old mother, Kim, were found at their home on Tuesday.

Police divers recovered the body of man - believed to be their father, Geoff, 44 - from a dam on the Boree Creek Road property on Wednesday afternoon.

St Joseph's principal Debbie Sheather paid tribute to the children, saying the school was dealing with the tragedy "as best we can".

"Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe were absolutely beautiful children," Ms Sheather told media outside the school yesterday.

"They loved to smile. They loved to chat and tell people about what they'd been doing. They were always full of laughs."

Mrs Sheather said the school community would miss them.

"They played with them, they worked with them, they were friends with them, and we'll miss them hugely," she said.

Ms Sheather said students were being encouraged to hold on to the good memories of their classmates.

"We talked a lot about that yesterday - Fletcher's and Phoebe's and Mia's favourite things and favourite games," she said.

"We'll do a lot of the same today."

A Centacare counsellor has visited every classroom a number of times over the past two days and will continue to provide support for students, the newsletter said.

A liturgy will be held at the school at 9am today to celebrate and give thanks for the lives of Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe, and parents will be briefed by the counsellor at a meeting on Wednesday.

- with AAP

* Support is available for anyone who may be distressed by calling Lifeline 131 114, Mensline 1300 789 978, Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.