A popular and fit physical education teacher at Mary MacKillop College has died suddenly, leaving a husband and two young children behind and her school community in mourning.
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Jodie Higgins, 35, died on Wednesday last week after collapsing at home the previous Friday.
Mrs Higgins had a pulmonary embolism in her lung and never regained consciousness.
She was head of physical education at the college's Isabella Plains Campus, and had been a member of the teaching staff for 13 years.
Principal Michael Lee said the school was in shock.
In a letter to staff, parents and students, he wrote: "It is with very great sadness that I write to advise you that Jodie Higgins entered into eternal life last night.
"Late last week Jodie sustained a thrombosis on the lung and became unconscious. She was placed on life support and died in the company of her loving husband, children and family."
Mrs Higgins has left her husband Michael, son Curtis, aged 4, and daughter Zoe, 2.
Mr Higgins said his wife's death was tragic and completely unexpected.
Mrs Higgins did boot camp three times a week and ran her own personal training sessions. Her husband said she loved sport and enjoyed encouraging her students to be active and enjoy physical education.
He had been inundated with messages of support since her death and was focused on helping their young children understand that "mummy isn't going to come home".
A rosary was held for Mrs Higgins last Friday and had to be moved to the school hall to accommodate the more than 600 past and present students and friends who attended.
Mr Lee said: "Jodie Higgins was a respected and admired teacher who brought to her colleagues and students professionalism, dedication, a deep concern for high achievement, and for the wellbeing and progress of all in her care. She exhibited the best that the teaching profession can be."
Counselling was being made available to staff and students at the college.
"The progress of classes and examinations will continue in the firm belief that familiar routine will be a great help for all of us," Mr Lee said. But if students could not attend exams or classes, the school was "entirely sympathetic to this and alternative arrangements can be made".
