Tributes pour for former Woree State School, Yorkeys Knob State School teacher Shauna Roche
A much-loved teacher has been remembered as “loving, warm and caring” after 27 years educating Woree State School students. Read the tributes.
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A much-loved teacher who inspired many has been remembered as “loving, warm, caring” over her 39 years of teaching.
Former Woree State School teacher from 1987 to 2014, Shauna Roche died on Sunday September 11 at Townsville Hospital.
Mrs Roche started with Education Queensland in 1977 at Healy State School for two years, worked at Townsview State School in 1979 and at Yorkeys Knob State School from 1980 to 1986.
Tributes have been pouring by friends, family, past students and colleagues over the last few days.
Shelly Stitt, 29, said Mrs Roche was not only her Year 1 teacher but she also taught three of her siblings.
“She was honestly, she had the personality of your mum. She was loving, warm, caring, she took the scare out of going to school,” she said.
“She created a warm and safe environment that made you want to go to school.”
Ms Stitt said she was a very special teacher to her and influenced her life even from an early age.
“There’s always one teacher that you remember so many fond memories of and the one that impacted your life,” she said.
“She inspired me to become a teacher. She was the kind of person I looked at and I said I want to be you when you’re older.”
Memories from that first year at school are usually difficult but there’s one moment Ms Stitt remembers so clearly.
“On our very first day of school. I was so upset and Mrs Roche had her big well welcoming arms, she sat you on her lap and she pretty much mothered you,” she said.
Over her time as a teacher she influenced many. Woree State School principal Terry Davidson said she had a positive spirit, a huge smile and was an amazing teacher.
“Shauna was a dedicated and much loved early year’s educator who made a difference and created life long memories for the many children she taught as a teacher of Woree State School,” she said.
“She is remembered clearly by many as their favourite teacher in their childhood who will be sadly missed.
“Teachers talk of the privilege of working alongside Shauna.”
Ms Davidson said she was a generous soul who left a huge impression on everyone she met.
“Shauna was an amazing colleague and friend to so many staff, sharing her knowledge and thoughts, always a pleasure to be around,” she said.
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Originally published as Tributes pour for former Woree State School, Yorkeys Knob State School teacher Shauna Roche
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