Murdered water polo coach Lilie James mourned in school memorial

The Sydney college held a special assembly as students returned to campus for the first time since her body was discovered.

"The tight-knit, deeply loving and faith-filled nature of our community is what will get us through this and you have demonstrated that in its fullness over these last days," head of school Julie McGonigle said at the memorial.

"You are not alone in this, we are a strong and courageous community.

"Together, each day, we can face our fears and take a step forward, (and) together we can rise up with courage and strength, for the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go."

Floral tributes have lined the front of the school in Ms James' memory.

More than $17,000 has been raised for the James family by family friend Daniel Makovec through a GoFundMe fundraiser.

"Everyone who has been graced with the presence of Lilie will be broken forever," he said on her tribute page.

"With tears streaming, numb with disbelief, this new journey is now a long one for the family. We will be grieving this loss forever. Lilie was stolen from us but never forgotten."

The community has posted tributes alongside donations including a message from Elissa Manera saying "I taught Lilie dancing at Blakehurst Academy of Dance and Drama when she was very young".

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jamie, Peta and Max," she said.

"I met Lilie on a holiday when we were very little," Hosanna Athas said.

"She coincidentally started at the same school as me the following year. I knew her all through my schooling and had the pleasure of working alongside her during high school on house festival events."

"Although I wasn't in her grade or in her friendship group, Lilie was always such a bright, joyful and vibrant young woman," Ms Athas said.

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The James family has released a statement saying they are "devastated and heartbroken" but are grateful of the support from their community.

She was remembered as being vibrant, outgoing and "very much loved by her family and friends".

The school was closed to students for the week except those sitting Year 12 exams.

Teachers and students will have access to counselors and as the school returns to normal the campus is no longer a crime scene. Though the gym remains closed.

Ms James, a school water polo coach, was found dead with severe head wounds by emergency services on October 25 after police allegedly received a call from her coworker Paul Thijssen, 24.

After a two day search of cliffs near Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse a body was recovered from the rocks which is believed to be that of Thijssen.

The police investigation continues.