Welcome to Terang College

Dear Families and Community Members,

I have been in education for nearly 30 years. Initially, I began my career as a shared music specialist in rural schools in the surrounding district of Mildura. Following that I was a classroom teacher at Lismore Primary School for three years; before starting my family. After this I began a twenty-year association with Mortlake P-12 College, music and finishing as a member of the leadership team. 

I am a passionate lifelong learner. In 2010 I completed a year long Bastow course titled ‘Leaders in the making’.  This sparked an interest in study, so in 2011 and 2012 I completed my Master of Education in School Leadership at Melbourne University.  It was during this time I learnt about Positive Education from an international expert, Assoc Professor Lea Waters.  Although this was a relatively new field of psychology, there was a lot of evidence regarding the positive outcomes it provided in the social and emotional development of students.  So, in 2014 I went back to Melbourne University, whilst working full time, and completed a Professional Certificate in Positive Education. Then in 2020, I completed the Data Wise course through Harvard University.

My principalship started in 2017 with an Acting Principal role at Lismore Primary School for 6 months. Following this, I was the principal of Port Fairy Consolidated School. I spent the next four years at PFCS and together with the staff, implemented a six-week reporting cycle as well as the Explicit and Direct Instruction as a model for teaching. We also strengthened our teaching of reading through the systematic, synthetic teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness.  I also introduced Positive Education to improve student wellbeing.  I worked closely with a vibrant and supportive Parent and Friends group to build strong connections between the school and its families.  As the Instructional Leader of Terang College, I am committed to delivering evidence-based practices for all students that reflect current research. Terang College staff and I are dedicated to ensuring explicit and responsive teaching is at the core of all we do, ensuring all children receive teaching and learning opportunities that systematically build on knowledge, year on year.  

We understand that our students are at varying stages and provide scaffolding and extension so that all learners achieve their potential.  The college provides additional staff to give small group and individual support to students for whom learning is challenging.  We provide small classes where possible and optimal learning environments that focus on learning growth for all. 

At Terang College we have established an incredible wellbeing team with a fulltime counsellor, Mental Health Practitioner and other staff as well.  We know that building strong social and emotional skills in our students will assist them to be flourish.  One of my passions is to create a sense of belonging, I want everyone to feel connected and part of the College, echoing the sentiment that it is ‘our school’ or ‘my school’.  


Kath Tanner
Principal