Saint Stephens College’s Shanine Collavino wins best prep teacher on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast’s best prep teacher says winning the title was a “bittersweet moment” as her “biggest supporter is not here” to celebrate with her. Read her story
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The Gold Coast’s favourite prep teacher says winning the title is “bittersweet”.
Shanine Collavino from Saint Stephen’s College at Upper Coomera was voted in top spot by Gold Coast Bulletin readers, but said her biggest supporter wasn’t here to celebrate with her.
Just four months ago, Ms Collavino tragically lost her husband and fellow teacher Mario Collavino.
She said she had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from parents, staff and past pupils who commented on the newspaper poll.
“This is bittersweet as my biggest supporter is not here and I miss him so much,” he said.
“We were an amazing team. Life is different now.”
Ms Collavino — who has been teaching for 20 years — said she was grateful to be “wrapped in love” by the Saint Stephen’s College community.
“They said grief is love with nowhere to go … I was so in love,” she said.
“The past few months have been heartbreaking but I am surrounded by the most wonderful community, family and friends.”
Ms Collavino has continued to work to keep a routine for herself and her four children Danielle, Antonio, Luca and Arianna.
“I want school to be a magical place for (children), where they feel safe, learn about the amazing world that we live in, grow and develop in their own unique way,” she said.
Ms Collavino said she decorated her classroom to fit the curriculum each term and would dress in theme too.
“Right now we are in the ocean and next term I plan on taking them to the Amazon,” she said.
“I believe that it is important for children to learn about the world we live in and the amazing people and cultures that inhabit it.”
Saint Stephen’s dean of junior college Leith Biggs said it was a no-brainer for them to hire Ms Collavino in 2004 after she finished her university placement.
“Shanine was — and still is — very enthusiastic, engaging, motivating and a valued member for the college,” Ms Biggs said.
“Shanine is caring, compassionate, a knowledgeable teacher and knows her students personally and caters for their individual learning needs.”
WHAT YOU SAID
The attention to detail she puts into her lesson plans and themes is absolutely amazing. An inspiration to all those around her. Nicole Mountney
Absolutely incredible. Goes above and beyond to make every day magical for her class and has so much love for them all. Angie Denman
A dedicated and innovative prep teacher like no other I’ve ever known or met. Teena Nienaber
Her ability to connect with her students and inspire them daily is truly remarkable, making her not just a teacher but a lifelong mentor to her pupils. I truly wish I’d had a teacher like Mrs Collavino when I was younger, and I’m so thankful that my daughter was lucky enough to have the experience. Katie Wood
There are many dedicated teachers out there but this lady is next level. Kind, hardworking, generous, creative, patient – the list could go on. The level of detail Shanine goes to with everything she does in education is truly amazing. Kylie Waide
Her classroom looks like a child’s wonderland! Tameryn Rix
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