The flag outside Rosedale Heights School of the Arts flew at half mast Monday to pay homage to a popular student who was murdered over the holidays.

"It's going to be really sad, a really, really sad day," said a friend of Stefanie Rengel, the 14-year-old girl who was stabbed to death on New Year's Day, steps away from her home.

Rengel's friends returned to school with heavy hearts, while even those who weren't close to her said they were sad when they heard the tragic news.

"From what I did know, she was an unbelievable person. I can't believe that someone could have put out a light like she was," one girl told CTV Toronto.

"Everyone was so nice to her and she was so nice to everyone," said another student. "Everyone just feels terrible about what happened."

Crisis counsellors were at the school today to support staff and students, though many of Stefanie's friends decided to stay home today and deal with their grief alone.

Hundreds attend funeral

About 400 people gathered the day before for the teen's funeral service.

Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair was among one of the people who came to pay their respects as Stefanie is the daughter of Toronto police officers.

Stefanie's casket was carried by uniformed police officers in front of hundreds of people who crowded the Presteign Avenue church to say goodbye one last time.

Her murder on New Year's Day shocked the city as she was left lying in the snow, bleeding to death from stab wounds.

Two other teens have been charged with her murder.

Stefanie's friends alleged the murder was the result of a love-triangle and teenage jealousy.

"Stef died because she was a kind, trusting and forgiving person," her mother, Patricia Hung said at the service. "That was my Stef and I was very proud of her."

A 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy have been charged with first-degree murder. They cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The accused have been remanded in custody until Jan. 16, when they will appear in court via video.

With a report from CTV Toronto's MairiAnna Bachynsky