Grade 5 student Jack Davey was sitting with a group of fellow students at a table on the grounds of Auburn South Primary School at around 2.30pm on October 29 last year, when a car crashed through a school fence and struck the group.

Jack was taken to hospital with critical injuries and later died. Two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were seriously injured and taken to hospital, but were later discharged.

The SUV driver, a 40-year-old woman, had just collected her child from the school in Melbourne’s east and attempted a U-turn when her vehicle veered into the group of children.

The pair inside the car were not injured.

The Hawthorn East mother was arrested at the scene. Following a police interview she was released pending further enquiries.

The driver was charged on Tuesday with careless driving and failing to have proper control of a motor vehicle.

The tragedy left the community reeling, with Jack’s parents Michael and Jayde clinging to the memories of the positive influence their son had in his short life.

Extra teachers from nearby schools were brought in to support their colleagues in the days following the incident, with pastoral care staff also sent in.

Devastated community members went to the school with flowers, biscuits and footballs, with a tribute created just metres away from the crash site.

The Davey family expressed their devastation in coming to terms with the sudden and overwhelming loss of their “shooting star”.

“We find comfort in reading the many messages and memories of Jack and how his life and energy was a positive influence on so many in the community at just 11 years old,” Michael Davey said shortly after the tragedy.

“Personally, he is our champion.

“He is our beloved son and brother who remains very much alive in our hearts and memories as we piece together our lives with his spirit going forward.”

A fundraiser for the Davey family raised $291,000 to help with costs related to the loss of their son and to allow them to take time away from work.

The woman will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 15.

(with AAP)