Hillcrest Primary School embark on journey of recovery as school returns

That's according to Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who on Wednesday acknowledged the return of the school year for 2022.

In December of last year the tiny Tasmanian school experienced an unthinkable tragedy when a jumping castle was lifted into the air, resulting in the death of six children and injury of others.

Mr Rockliff, in his role as acting Education Minister, attended the school with education department secretary Tim Bullard on Tuesday to speak with staff about supports in place ahead of students returning.

"I was very impressed with their resilience and their effort to make this school year as smooth as possible, knowing, of course, that many of them would have those inner anxious feelings and turmoil around around the events on December 16 last year," Mr Rockliff said.

"To this point, I can't recall any tragedy that's affected a school so closely.

"What is clear is the willingness of the staff and support staff... in creating as normal an environment as possible for our children to feel welcome, included, embraced and supported through their learning."

He said support systems were in place for all members of the school community, with these measures including access to an on-site senior psychologist and an additional psychologist, and social workers for the school.

Staff have also undertaken trauma-informed professional development, guided by expert advice from Professor Brett McDermott, who leads Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for Tasmania.

Mr Rockliff said there would be no quick fix for the trauma experienced, but that the government was working hard to ensure no one affected by this tragedy would feel they had to go through the recovery alone.

"There are going to be bumps along the way and there'll be triggers for people that might arise unexpectedly," he said.

"We're going to be there to support students and the staff should they arise."

To this point, he said he felt an "enormous responsibility", and was aware of "the enormous sensitivity and loss".

"Unless you have lost a child, you cannot possibly understand what people are going through. And it's important then to listen, and answer the many questions that the families have now, and will have no doubt in the future.

"It's going to be quite a journey to recovery."

Mr Rockliff, who attended each of the funerals of the children, said the department and government was also in regular communication with the families affected by the tragedy, and that this would continue.

He said while it could not compare to the pain they were feeling, he hoped the families could take at least some comfort in that their loved ones would always be remembered.

"We'll always ensure support for their families in moving forward, as difficult as that will be."