Top 5: Rockhampton’s most beloved prep teachers | 2024

Beloved by children and parents across the region, Rockhampton’s favorite prep teachers have won hearts with their dedication and warmth, creating cherished memories.

Beloved by children and parents across the region, Rockhampton’s favorite prep teachers have won hearts with their dedication and warmth, creating cherished memories for generations to come.

With more than three decades of teaching up her sleeve, the region’s favourite prep teacher has undoubtedly made an impression.

Originally from Hong Kong, Deb Cunningham moved to the region in 1972, attending Park Avenue State School as a student.

“I had always hoped that after I became a teacher I would get the opportunity to teach at Park Avenue,” Deb said.

Flashforward to 2024, Deb is celebrating 34 years of teaching, and 29 years at teaching at her dream school Park Avenue.

“My dream came true in 1995 and I have very happily been here since,” she said.

#1 Deb Cunningham has been named the region's favourite prep teacher of 2024, receiving 13 per cent of the votes.

Teaching prep to year 4 at Park Avenue, Deb has had a prep class for 12 of those years.

“In my early years I was known as the ‘Jellybean Queen,’ because I handed out jelly beans on a Friday as part of a reward system we had going,” she said.

“Currently I am teaching Prep with 21 unique and valued little personalities; it is so rewarding seeing their growth and independence each day.”

For Deb, prep is the year level that she is most passionate about, making her feel that her teaching is meaningful and worthwhile.

“The Prep Year is the foundation for any learning and I find it most rewarding,” she said.

“ You observe shy, unsure little people become independent, confident individuals who work hard to achieve their goals.”

Priding herself on being a passionate, dedicated teacher who wants the utmost for every student in her care, Deb truly believes that being a good teacher you build genuine connections with your students, parents, school and community.

“You need these relationships to build rapport, trust, respect and confidence with the people who leave the care of their child/children with you.”

“This is a big responsibility and you need to treat it as so.”

Her dear friend and colleague, Mrs Nicole Kift describes Deb as an inspirational force in the classroom, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a dedicated teacher.

“Her passion for education radiates through every lesson, igniting curiosity and sparking a love for learning in all of her students.”

“Debbie’s vibrancy and smile reach everyone in our community, with her unwavering selflessness and care that goes above and beyond, ensuring every student in her space is successful.”

Pictured with her 2024 prep class, Miss Deb Cunningham's caring nature and lively spirit make her an inspiring figure in education.

#2 Adair Mehlhose-Shore: The Rockhampton Grammar School

Having worked at The Rockhampton Grammar School for 17 years now, 16 of which she has taught Prep, it’s no wonder Miss Adair Mehlhose-Shore has received a lot of love from the community.

With a passion for nurturing learning, creativity and to teach resilience and determination, Adair said that she loves the ‘buzz’ feeling that comes when her students have achieved something academically, worked with a partner in collaboration or achieved something independently.

“That moment is special, unique, and incredibly precious; our children are our future, so we need to empower them with as many tools as possible to succeed,” she said.

Now studying her Doctorate of Education, focusing on ‘how children perceive what resilience and social and emotional wellbeing looks like from their point of view,’ Adair has worked as a teacher for the last 22 years, and was a teacher’s aid and in day care before that.

#2 Adair Mehlhose-Shore from The Rockhampton Grammar School came runner up for the region’s favourite prep teacher.

“Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul," Adair said, quoting Karl Jung.

“Being a Prep Teacher is an ongoing process that involves dedication, passion, and a commitment to the wellbeing and development of my student.”

“I embrace the joy of teaching and continually strive to create a positive and enriching learning experience for my young learners.”

Adair would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support, extending her heartfelt appreciation to each and every one who believed in her dedication to education and recognised the passion that she brings to teaching.

“It is a privilege to serve as a prep teacher in Rockhampton, and your encouragement fuels my commitment to providing the best possible learning experience for our students,” she said.

“Congratulations to the winner, Deb Cunningham from Park Avenue State School and all nominees; your dedication to education is commendable, and I am honoured to be a part of such a talented and passionate group of educators.”

Adair would also like to give a shout out to the teacher aides, fellow prep teachers and Principal Kate Harris at The Rockhampton Grammar School.

“I really feel that we need to celebrate our amazing teacher aides (Robyn Cox, Emmeline Elder, Kylie Sandow, Helen Bartlett and Ingrid Haviland) for their tireless efforts, their boundless love, and their steadfast commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.”

“You guys are really the heart and soul of our classrooms, and your impact resonates far beyond the walls of the school.”

#3 Emma Murphy from Saint Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wandal has come in third place with 7 per cent of the votes.

In fourth place with 6 per cent of the votes is Anne Kerley from Parkhurst State School.

Tying for fifth place with 5 per cent of the votes is Lighthouse Christian School's Naomi Smith and Mount Archer State School's Erin Colquhoun.

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Originally published as Top 5: Rockhampton’s most beloved prep teachers | 2024