Jenny Bromley described Vivien Hodgins, wife of Hepburn Shire councillor Rod May, as one of the schools best loved teachers.

She said Ms Hodgins was as popular with students as she was with staff and parents.

"It's just devastating, it's a terrible tragedy for her family and for all staff and students," she said.

"She was very loved and touched a lot of the community."

Ms Bromley said she and many others were still in a state of disbelief the Samoan tsunami had claimed the life of Ms Hodgins, a media and drama teacher at the school for more than 20 years.

She said her absence when school resumed on Monday would be keenly felt and would cast immense sadness across the school.

"She was very involved with the arts and put hours upon hours into productions and taking kids to Melbourne. I think the whole school will be devastated," she said.

"She taught quite a lot of the kids and had many friends among the staff and parents."

Ms Bromley said students and staff would all be offered counselling in the wake of the tragedy.

Both Ms Bromley and Hepburn Shire Council mayor Bill McCleneghan extended their condolences to Cr May and his daughters, Stephanie and Carla.

"The Hepburn Shire Council wish to extend to Cr May and his family our deepest sympathy, under tragic circumstances," he said.

"Our thoughts are with him at this difficult time and he can rely upon his colleagues for as much support as we can give him."

Cr McCleneghan said the couple had lived at Blampied with their two daughters for many years, with Cr May operating an organic farm.