Finalists announced: Vote for the best prep teacher on the Gold Coast

We are on the hunt to find the Gold Coast’s best prep teacher, so we are calling out to all parents and fellow teachers to vote for their favourite. CHECK OUT THE FINALISTS

Finalists announced: Vote for the best prep teacher on the Gold Coast

We are on the hunt to find the Gold Coast’s best prep teacher, so we are calling out to all parents and fellow teachers to vote for their favourite.

After an influx of nominations we have named 31 finalists and now it is up to the Gold Coast to vote.

Last year, competition winner Shanine Collavino from Saint Stephen’s College at Upper Coomera said securing the title was a “bittersweet moment”.

Just four months before she took the crown, her husband, biggest supporter and fellow teacher Mario Collavino tragically passed away.

Shanine Collavino has been teaching for 20 years and likes to decorate her classroom in what they are learning. Ms Collavino teaches at St Stephen’s College. Picture Glenn Hampson

This year there has been a flood of new and experienced teachers who have made the shortlist.

Mrs Hockings from Marymount Primary was one of the most nominated prep teachers.

“I’ve seen first-hand how incredible she is with her prep students,” Krystal Piggott said.

“Not only is she patient, caring and kind, but she also goes above and beyond to ensure each child feels valued and supported.

“She’s truly a wonderful person who makes a real difference in the lives of those around her.”

Mrs Latimer from Bellevue Park State School was also named as a finalist for the 2025 competition.

“If I have to choose, I have a preppie who loudly and proudly declares to anyone who’ll listen that she is the best and most nicest and super funnest teacher in the whole earth and galaxy,” Ness Zaitoku said.

“So, if that’s not a glowing endorsement, I’m not sure what is.”

Vote for your favourite prep teacher in the poll below:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Facebook nominations closed on Friday, March 28 at 6pm.

Nominations, via the comment section on our Facebook post, will be calculated and finalists will be announced on Friday, March 28 at 6pm.

Finalist voting will be a subscriber-only poll vote that runs on the Bulletin website.

The poll will close on Friday, April 4 at 6pm.

The winner will be announced in the Gold Coast Bulletin paper and online.

**Note nominations from outside the City of Gold Coast will not be counted**

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Originally published as Finalists announced: Vote for the best prep teacher on the Gold Coast