Get to Know: Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning

Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning

Mr Paschal McCarthy joined Mandurah Catholic College in 1996 and has held a leadership role since 2012

Brief summary of professional career:

I started my professional career teaching Physical Education and Science at a variety of high schools. My passion at university was studying genetics, hence why I love teaching Human Biology. I taught at Willetton Senior High School, Katanning Senior High and Coodanup College and now after 28 years, I am still here at Mandurah Catholic College.

What are you most looking forward to, in your role this year?

I was so delighted to be appointed the Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning at MCC for 2023. The role is different to my previous role even though the job title is the same. As an educator and Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning, my role is to help students learn and achieve their full potential. This role enables me to be more strategic and look at the big picture of education, I have the scope to go beyond day-to-day teaching and take a broader perspective on what constitutes the best education for all students.

This involves analysing current educational trends, researching new teaching methods, and evaluating the effectiveness of different learning strategies. It also requires collaborating with other educators and stakeholders, such as families, to identify and address the specific needs and goals of students.

In addition to these practical considerations, being more strategic and utilising ‘big picture thinking’ involves cultivating a deeper understanding of the broader social and cultural context in which education occurs in our society as well as within the Peel region. This may involve exploring issues such as equity, diversity, and inclusion, and considering how these factors impact students' learning experiences and outcomes.

By taking a more strategic and big picture approach to education, I feel I can help students and staff develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, this means not only focusing on purely academic achievements but also their personal growth and development as engaged and responsible members of their communities.

Professional passion, or educational philosophy:

My educational philosophy is to create bright minds, cultivate a love of learning, and inspire students to contribute to society and make the world a better place for all. I have a deep passion for students developing critical thinking skills. I believe schools need to encourage students to think independently, question assumptions, and analyse information from multiple perspectives.

I also want classrooms and learning environments to be engaging, challenging, and relevant to students' lives. Encouraging students to pursue their interests and passions and providing opportunities for hands-on learning experiences will always improve academic results and grow a love for learning.

I want our students and staff to feel safe, valued, and supported in their learning and teaching journey. Encouraging a positive school culture which promotes inclusivity, respect, and collaboration is something I will strive for. When staff and students leave Mandurah Catholic College, I want them all to have positive memories of school and say what a great place it i. This is why I have been here for 28 years and my three (3) children all attended from Kindergarten to Year 12.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love sports. All sports. I love playing in team sports and I still play hockey on weekends. I was fortunate to represent the State on a number of occasions in masters hockey which provided me with opportunities to learn the value of a strong work ethic and perseverance, which are valuable attributes in many areas of life. I believe the experiences gained through competitive team sports can be invaluable in developing skills such as leadership, teamwork, and personal improvement. These skills I have applied in a variety of settings, including my workplace, to help achieve personal and organisational success.

Key responsibilities of your Role:

As the Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning, I am responsible for ensuring the highest quality of education is delivered to students. To achieve this, I stay up to date with the latest trends in education and continuously improve the pedagogical approach to learning. By making the curriculum dynamic and engaging, students are encouraged to reach their full potential. Additionally, I work to create a school culture that reflects success and progress, encouraging students to strive for excellence. To support this, I ensure that all resources and facilities are up-to-date and accessible to all students. I also reflect on the needs of students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and explore ways to enhance their learning experience. My ultimate goal is to improve academic standards and offer an inclusive education that is accessible to all.