School mourns loss of teacher in tsunami

Staff and students at Ballarat's Mount Clear College are mourning the loss of a
friend, mentor and gifted teacher who died when caught by the tsunami while
holidaying in Samoa.
Acting principal Jenny Bromley said students and teachers had formed a special bond
with Vivien Hodgins since she began teaching media studies and drama at the college
in 1989.
"She was a friend to many staff and students," Ms Bromley told AAP. "She was an
integral part of the school."
Ms Bromley said the 55-year-old teacher maintained contact and friendships with past
students and organised the school's annual rock eisteddfod entry.
"She was much loved by the students and by the staff as well," Ms Bromley said.
"I think they'll remember her as someone with a passion for her subjects and a
passion for her students.
"She really cared about kids ... she won't be able to be replaced, she's
irreplaceable."
Mount Clear College school captain Claire Wilson said Ms Hodgins was a "huge part of
the school".
Ms Hodgins, who was due to return home on Thursday, was caught up in the tsunami at
Lalomanu, a village devastated in the disaster.
It is believed her travelling companion and best friend Claire Rowlands identified
Ms Hodgins' body.
Ms Rowland's daughter Jane said her mother was "distraught over Viv's death and
traumatised by the experience".
"We are relieved Mum is okay and have spoken briefly with her, but we are all
incredibly shocked and sad," she said in a statement.
Ms Bromley issued special condolences to Ms Hodgins' husband Rod May and her two
daughters Stephanie Hodgins-May and Carla Hodgins-May.
She said Mount Clear College students would grieve as a community when they returned
from school holidays on Monday.
Some staff had returned early to share their fond memories of Ms Hodgins, she said.
"She loved to travel," Ms Bromley said. "Our sympathy goes out to her lovely
daughters and husband.