Students from St Joseph's Catholic High School and St Paul's Catholic Primary School gathered together in a human formation of the word "hope" to show their support for six Year 9 students who have close family members suffering from the disease.

Principal Peter McGovern said a number of families had been affected by various forms of cancer this year and the school wanted to send out a positive message to help them through tough times.

"This was a really important symbolic display in terms of community support," Mr McGovern said.

"It's letting them know the school is thinking of them and praying for them."

Kathleen Teixeira, whose son Marcus is in Year 9 at St Joseph's, flies out to the United States later this month for potentially life-saving treatment for a tumour on her spine.

Mrs Teixeira said she had been deeply moved by the gesture, and impressed by the empathy and maturity of the students as she joined them in the formation on the school grounds.

"These kids are thinking of everyone involved," she said.

"The community spirit of the school is unbelievable. I think we've all realised just how much the whole community cares."

While Mrs Teixeira stood with the students, her son got a bird's-eye view of the display as he joined Bendigo Bank Aerial Patrol for a fly-over.