Please Meet New Staff Member – John Purcal

Getting to know our people is an important part of building community. In this Q&A, our newest staff members introduce themselves and share a little about their background, interests and what inspires them in their work.

MLC School welcomes John Purcal to the History and Religion Department.

John joins us from Roseville College. I sat down with John to find out a little more about his passions and his best hopes for his students at MLC School.

Tell me a little about your background:

My first degree was in psychology and sociology, but I quickly realised that I didn’t want to pursue clinical work, so I pivoted to a Masters of Education. My first practicum made me aware that teaching was the career for me. I am qualified in History, Aboriginal Studies and Society and Culture, and this year at MLC School, I am teaching History from Year 7 to Year 11.

What attracted you to MLC School?

Early in my career, I developed a keen interest in the education of young women and MLC School is a leader in this space. I am impressed by the co-curricular opportunities and the way in which MLC School caters for a very diverse group of learners. Although I am qualified to teach Aboriginal Studies, I haven’t had the opportunity before and I would relish any opportunity to teach it in the future. The IB was an additional drawcard.

What do you love about your subject?

History helps students understand the world they live in. If you understand the history of different people around the world it can help you understand the present. I also believe History develops girls’ ability to think critically. When they are being bombarded by so many layers of information, history helps them ask critical questions. I believe in ‘beyond-subject expertise’ as school should build skills for life. History affords the opportunity for girls to learn to construct and argument and research which will hold them in great stead for the future.

What do you love to do when not teaching?

I love food! I spend my weekends travelling around Sydney and sampling great food. I am into sandwiches at the moment. And I am a film buff. My favourite film is one I studied in Extension English at school, 2001 A Space Odyssey.

How you are settling in at MLC School?

The whole community is warm and welcoming. I have had great support as I learn new systems and structures. It’s a great group of staff with lots of support from Executive who are keen to help me grow in different ways. This year, I am mentoring an intern in the ISNSW Hub Schools program, and I have joined Cadets. Mentoring is something I am passionate about, and I was involved in this at Roseville. I feel like I have come full circle as some of my own mentors, Tim Lennon and Dave Posker-Hill, now work alongside me at MLC School.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching