Cobden Technical School principal Rohan Keert said a student counsellor had been provided to students in the immediate aftermath.

“It had been identified that there were a number of students that we need to keep an eye on,” he said.

“We’re providing ongoing support and monitoring those students.

“At this stage we’re using a student counsellor, a chaplain and a nurse.

“Families have been asked to contact us if they have any concerns.

“During the last two weeks of term it was about holding it together for everyone. 

“Now it’s about returning to normality but also being mindful and encouraging people to talk. We have to be vigilant with listening to others. One thing I’ve learnt here is that farmers are a tough proud bunch.”

Mr Keert said one family which live near the Cobrico peat fire were now in their fourth relocated residence.

He said work had been done to ensure the student could catch the bus to school and Pope bus lines had established a temporary bus stop for him.

He said the school continued to get offers of support and donations which were distributed to families affected by the fire.

Cobden Primary School principal Peter Lee said the school was sharing the technical school’s internal counselor who had worked well with children affected.

“We’re also talking to parents and encouraging them to speak to someone and seek help, because it can be difficult burden.”

Mr Lee said returning to school on Monday had brought some normality to the children’s lives and they had settled in to school life. “They’re just happy to be back,” he said.

Mr Lee said the school had also been overwhelmed with countless offers of support and donations had been distributed to the families in need.

Emergency Management commissioner Craig Lapsley encouraged adults to keep an eye on children for any change in behavior and to allow them to talk about their experience. “A fire has gone through and that's traumatic,” he said. “It's had an impact so back to school is really important.”