Calista McParland believes education has the power to change lives, not only through knowledge and skills, but by helping young people understand their capacity to contribute to something bigger than themselves.
Now in her fourth year of teaching at Loreto College Coorparoo, Calista teaches Science across Years 7-12 and is already making a significant contribution to both the classroom and the broader school community. Guided by a passion for science and a commitment to social justice, she helps students see how what they learn can be used to make a positive difference in the world.
Finding where she was meant to be
Calista’s journey into teaching was not a straightforward one.
She initially studied midwifery before moving into biomedical science, a field she had loved since childhood. It was while volunteering with the Queensland Department of Education and Volunteering Queensland’s Ready Reading Program that she discovered her true calling.
“Watching students’ confidence grow and seeing their excitement when they mastered a new skill was incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Inspired to combine her love of science with a desire to support young people, Calista completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary).
“For the first time, I felt certain I had found where I was meant to be.”
Creating change beyond the classroom
One of Calista’s most memorable experiences came through her work with the Student Representative Council, where students proposed introducing an Auslan program at the College.
After helping bring the initiative to life, more than 50 students enrolled. What impressed her most was seeing students share their new skills with others, extending the program’s impact well beyond the original group.
“It fostered not only new skills, but also greater inclusivity and awareness within the school community.”
Calista has also helped establish an Early Career Teacher Program, creating opportunities for new teachers to connect, share experiences and support one another.
“I have been able to see teachers feel comfortable voicing concerns, sharing classroom wins and uplifting each other,” she said.
Lessons from Timor-Leste
A mission trip to Timor-Leste during her first year of teaching remains one of the most influential experiences of Calista’s career. Witnessing communities facing significant challenges, while maintaining a strong commitment to education and an enduring sense of hope, reshaped her perspective as an educator.
The experience reinforced the importance of community and highlighted how even small actions can contribute to meaningful change. Since then, Calista has intentionally embedded social justice into her teaching, helping students explore how science can address real-world challenges and improve lives.
“Education is about empowering young people to contribute to a more just and compassionate society,” she said.
Faith in action
Calista’s Catholic faith shapes both what she teaches and how she teaches it.
“My faith underpins both the values I promote and the way I structure learning within my classroom,” she said.
Whether placing students in real-world problem solving roles or encouraging collaboration and empathy, she aims to help young people understand how their knowledge and skills can be used in service of others.
Beyond the curriculum, she is committed to creating a classroom where every student feels valued, supported and encouraged to contribute to the common good.
A community of hope
For Calista, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching in a Catholic school is seeing students put their values into action.
From fundraising for Mary Ward International to supporting students volunteering with organisations such as Rosies and Emmanuel City Mission, she has seen firsthand how service opportunities help young people recognise the impact they can have on others.
In an increasingly complex world, she believes Catholic education plays a vital role in helping students develop both hope and agency.
“It helps students see that they are not powerless and that their actions, no matter how small, can create meaningful change.”
Through her teaching and leadership, Calista is helping students grow not only as learners, but as compassionate and engaged members of their communities.