As students and teachers across the country returned to school for the year, the Australian Defence Force played a key role getting term one under way in Western Australia's flood-hit far north.
Travelling by air was the only option for education staff working in the central Kimberley after floodwaters cut off main roads to remote schools around Fitzroy Crossing.
The wet-weather caused extensive damage to homes and key infrastructure and left residents devastated and displaced.
The Australian Defence Force provided an aircraft to take staff and students back to the region to start the school year.
Brooke Adam, the vice-principle at Bayulu Remote Community School, about 20 kilometres out of Fitzroy Crossing, was one of 12 teachers who travelled to the isolated community.
She said it had been a challenge, but staff were in good spirits.
"We're very lucky that everything is starting to go back to normal," she said.
"It's definitely increased the workload, but everyone's just really excited to get back into it and see the kids."
Support on the fly
Some staff suffered flood damage to their homes and will be residing in hotel accommodation until repairs can be completed.
In the meantime, staff will go to and from school by helicopter.
Ms Adam said staff were eager to get back and support the community.
"We know they've had a tough time the last couple of weeks," she said.
"We're excited to help them get back to the way things were."
Many students travel long distances each day for school in the region, but road blocks have forced the education department to make alternative arrangements.
Ms Adam said the primary school would accommodate students from other schools for a time.
"We're looking after high school students that usually go to Fitzroy Crossing," she said.
New teachers working at Wangkatjungka Remote Community School travelled even further, and their trip was disrupted when the bus broke down near a flooded creek.
Locals came to the rescue and helped staff cross the creek to reach the community, before getting the bus and the teachers' belongings across a few hours later.
"I just can't be more happy, honoured and privileged to have such a great community here helping us out," principal Hamish Etheridge said.
"There's no better way to get to know your community, and build those relationships which are so important out here, than a little bog on the way.
"We're just super-stoked that we were able to get school open."
Logistics 'enormous'
Education Minister Tony Buti said a lot of effort had gone into getting school back on track.
"The logistics behind this exercise have been enormous," he said.
"We've had to engage private aircraft, the Australian Defence Force and helicopter."
Mr Buti said people were still in shock but hoped the return school would bring some stability back to the region.
"It's going to be a tough challenge in the first few weeks and beyond," he said.
"The teachers are being prepared and we're also utilising school psychologists to provide support to the staff and students."
It is unclear when roads will be accessible again, but Mr Buti said the government was prioritising repairs.
"We'll be working hard to ensure their homes are repaired and liveable again," he said.
"And we will ensure the education department will provide the necessary services so teachers can do a sterling job."
