WINNIPEG - Staff at River East Collegiate started Monday morning with the crisis support team, meeting to outline a support plan for mourning students and families.

12 people including administrators, resource teachers and support workers are trying to provide everyone at the school with help after the tragic murder of 17-year-old Cooper Nemeth.

"Hopefully those students can find a spot in our building where they can comfort each other," Diana Posthumus, principal at River East Collegiate. "We will make sure they have what they need to cope."

Posthumus said support will be available both in the classroom and school offices for anyone in need of help.

"Today may not have as many students coming to school with the incident just happening on the weekend,"  Posthumus explained.

READ MORE: Police charge 22-year-old with second-degree murder in Cooper Nemeth death

Posthumus read a school announcement to start the day honouring Nemeth. Staff are also working with students in classrooms letting them know what happened.

Classes are running as scheduled at River East Collegiate Monday.

"We'll figure out where the needs are in the building," guidance councillor at River East Collegiate Paul Anderson said. "It's a process that will continue throughout the week and year to be honest."

Anderson said many people will be showing their support at a smudge ceremony at Gateway Community Centre Monday night starting at six.

"If we come away with anything here it's that we have a very strong community here in this building,"  Posthumus said.

More to come.