Schoolyard of broken hearts: Students mourn another pupil
EBONY Perks was ready to start her final year of primary school on the day her life was taken in a stabbing attack which also killed her mother.
The 12-year-old is the second Glenvale State School student to die in shocking circumstances in 18 months.
Candace Macgowan, also 12, died after playing a voluntary "choking game" in her family's Rockville home in 2012 strangled by a dog leash.
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Education Queensland regional director Greg Dickman said Ebony's death had devastated her fellow students.
"The Glenvale State School community is deeply saddened by the sudden death of one of its students and her mother on the first day of the new school year," he said.
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"This is an absolute shock and tragedy and the school's thoughts and prayers are with the family at this terrible time.
"Our sole priority now is for the welfare and well-being of all staff and students of Glenvale State School."
Counselling will be offered to staff and students.
The death of Ebony's mother, Melanie Perks, has triggered a similar outpouring of grief.
"I met Melanie in an aged care course we were both taking, from the moment I walked in and sat beside her she was very warm and welcoming," a friend said.
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"Over the few months I had spent with Melanie I came to understand she was a dedicated mother who loved both her children very much - a mother who lived for her children's happiness.
"My thoughts are with her family and friends."
The RSPCA has taken on the care of the family's pets, moving their two dogs into shelter and providing neighbours with food for their three cats.
"We are looking after the animals until we hear from the next of kin what they would like us to do next," Toowoomba shelter manager Cassie Ellis said.
