Ms Katerina Tilley is Head of Primary at The Lakes College. She shares her teaching philosophy in this Q&A with WhichSchool? magazine.
WhichSchool?: When did you commence in your position/role at the school?
Ms Tilley: I commenced as Head of Primary in January 2024. However, I joined The Lakes College in 2020, and worked as the Dean of Studies 7-9 in the Secondary School, from 2021-2023.
WS: What are the top three highlights you’ve experienced as a teacher at the school?
- 2024: Becoming the Head of Primary at The Lakes College is an incredible privilege. I feel truly fortunate to be in this leadership role, where I have the opportunity to shape the lives and futures of our youngest Lakes Learners. Having spent most of my career in Secondary education, returning to the Primary setting and contributing to the foundational stages of learning has been an exceptionally rewarding experience.
- From 2021 to 2023, I collaborated with the Leadership Team at the College to develop our Teaching and Learning Culture framework. This initiative involved working closely with students, staff, parents and carers to create a comprehensive document that defines and shapes our teaching, learning and overall cultural ethos at the College, offering clear guidance on our educational practices.
- Being a pivotal stakeholder in several of our Primary School community events this year, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day and our Multicultural Expo, has been an immensely enriching experience! These occasions provide valuable opportunities to connect with families and come together as a community.
WS: What makes the school different from other schools?
Ms Tilley: I’ve been fortunate to gain diverse experience as an educator across various State and Independent school settings, but nothing quite compares to The Lakes College. What truly sets our school apart is the strong sense of community that greets you the moment you walk through the gates. At the heart of everything we do are our children and their families, who are an absolute joy to work with. In addition, the dedication of the Executive Team, staff and the quality programs we offer play a pivotal role in delivering outstanding academic results and fostering a solid foundation in faith for our students.
WS: Why is the school a great place to teach?
Ms Tilley: At The Lakes College, our students come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and I believe this diversity enriches the learning experience in the classroom. Each child brings unique perspectives that enhance the quality of our curriculum. Additionally, I’ve never worked in a school where the teaching staff collaborates so effectively, consistently sharing high-quality resources to elevate classroom learning. At the heart of our approach is a strong learning culture—we never lose sight of what truly matters in our school. Evidence-based research guides our teaching, and we are deeply committed to ongoing reflective practice to continually improve our educational outcomes.
WS: What are some of the challenges faced by teachers in the primary/secondary sector?
Ms Tilley: Primary school teachers face a range of challenges, with the most common being heavy workloads, increasing administrative duties, stress and constant changes to the curriculum. The role of a Primary School teacher is unique and memorable—many of us fondly recall the impact of these role models in our own childhoods. While the dedication of Primary teachers remains unwavering, societal pressures have significantly added to their workload. Teachers hold themselves to high standards, and the growing demands placed on them are a major factor in why many leave the profession before retirement. As Head of Primary, my top priority is to ensure that our teachers continue to find joy in their work, are encouraged to have fun, and that processes are streamlined where possible.
WS: Tell us about your approach or philosophy to teaching?
Ms Tilley: One of the most impactful moments that shaped my teaching philosophy came from a University lecturer in 1996, who said, “The woods would be quiet if no birds sang except those that sang best.” This phrase has stayed with me ever since, forming the foundation of my approach to education. My goal is to ensure that every child is valued, given a voice and provided with a platform to learn. At the heart of education is connection—knowing our students, engaging with their families and working together. If a child can’t access the curriculum, it’s our responsibility to make the necessary adjustments. Upholding the dignity of each child is crucial because educators are, in essence, nation-builders. If we do our job well now, we’ll help create a better world. Every child will have a future, knowing they have a champion in their corner.
WS: Did you have a teacher that inspired you? Tell us about them, and how they inspired you.
Ms Tilley: From the moment I started school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and my Year 1 teacher, Mrs Brock at Mitchelton Infants School, was a big reason for that. At just five-years-old, I was captivated by her presence—she always wore beautiful dresses, had her hair perfectly styled, and treated every student with kindness, even the mischievous boys in our class. Beyond her appearance, it was Mrs Brock’s genuine warmth and ability to connect with each child that inspired me. Despite having a class full of rambunctious boys, she treated everyone equally and created an environment where each day was a positive experience. And, of course, her huge lolly jar was a highlight for all of us! Mrs Brock taught me how to read, write, listen and be creative. I’ll never forget how she even called my mum when I had my tonsils out, making me feel truly special. I was fortunate to have many wonderful teachers throughout the years, which only deepened my passion for becoming an educator.
