Meet the teacher building connection and community this World Teachers' Day

"Teaching is all about connection. When students, families, and staff feel connected, that's when real learning happens,” - Support Teacher Engagement and Wellbeing Kylie Jackson, Siena Catholic Primary School, Sippy Downs. 

For students at Siena Catholic Primary School, that sense of connection is something they experience every day through the work of Support Teacher Engagement and Wellbeing, Kylie Jackson. 

Whether she's facilitating morning circles, creating safe spaces through the school's wellbeing hub, or strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, Kylie is committed to building meaningful connections across the school community. 

Kylie said everything starts with relationships. 

"What I love most about teaching is establishing relationships with students and their families," she said. 

"Once you have a connection and rapport with a child, you can teach them anything." 

For Kylie, teaching extends beyond the classroom walls. It is about creating a sense of community where students, families and staff feel connected and supported. 

Bringing people together 

This year Kylie helped bring students, staff, and families together to create a new Acknowledgement of Country video for Siena Catholic Primary School. 

Developed during National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), the project was designed to strengthen understanding, celebrate culture, and foster meaningful connections across the school community. 

The video features students delivering the Acknowledgement of Country, sharing an important message of respect and acknowledgement with the broader school community. 

Siena Catholic Primary School Principal Eric Ellems said the project strengthened connections throughout the school community and created opportunities for students to learn from one another. 

"The project brought people together and strengthened our understanding of the cultures, stories, and perspectives within our school community," he said. 

"It gave students an opportunity to share their voices, learn from one another, and celebrate what connects us as a school community." 

An education to believe in starts with you 

While Kylie's impact can be seen across her own school today, her inspiration to become a teacher began many years ago in a Year 2 classroom. 

Growing up and attending St Bernadette's Primary School, Scarborough -now Southern Cross Catholic College -Kylie said she still remembered the teacher who first inspired her to pursue a career in education. 

"My Year 2 teacher, Miss Grey, was just really relational," she said. 

"She made learning interesting and engaging and created a classroom where everyone felt connected." 

Looking back, Kylie said that experience shaped her own approach to teaching. 

"Teachers have a unique opportunity to bring people together and help create a sense of community and connection," she said. 

"That's what I love most about this profession. It's about building relationships that help students, families, and communities thrive.” 

Learn more about Kylie Jackson: 

Favourite game to play with your students? Uno! I like to win too. 

Coffee order?  Ice long black. 

A teacher who inspired you? Miss Grey. 

What's one thing that makes you smile every day? Beach walks. 

Hobbies outside of work? Walking my dogs Lulu & Winston  

Why would you encourage others to become teachers? It’s an absolute privilege to know the positive impact you can have on a child’s life. For many teachers our primary purpose is to teach academics, but in this day and age we need to acknowledge we are educating the whole child. 

About Queensland World Teachers’ Day