HUMANITIES

Walking around both campuses over the last couple of days, it’s been a joy to see such a buzz in the air and watching those genuine connections that our Humanities teachers are forming with their new classes. 

2025 was a very successful year with not only excellent VCE results achieved by our students in History, Geography, Politics, Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Legal Studies and Philosophy, but also with some fantastic events being run by our faculty across every year level. 

Keep an eye out in the Newsletter for stories and photos of excursions, fieldwork and incursions that we have planned for 2026 in the Humanities faculty. 

I am also pleased to introduce new staff joining McKinnon in our learning area this year.

Angela Masterson 

Learning Area Manager - Humanities 

NEW STAFF

Matt Gleeson, teaching Years 11 & 12 Politics at McKinnon Road Campus

Whilst in an ideal world I'd rather not be working (there's too many books to read, movies to watch, music and podcasts to listen to, football - soccer to watch), the reality is I need to pay rent in Thornbury so I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach Politics here at McKinnon. 

I'm a passionate advocate for the subject because of the impact that it has upon students beyond the classroom. Away from work I most enjoy hanging out with my partner (Jaz) and our seven-year-old son (Cassidy) and hanging out with my brothers and sisters at gigs and/or Melbourne Victory games. 

Clinton Markwell, teaching Year 7 History, 10 Global Conflict and 10 English at McKinnon Road Campus 

I am very excited to join McKinnon SC - everyone has been amazing already.  A little about me: I have 2 cats: Mochi and...Lady Margaret 'Maggie' Tottingham.  I am Karaoke tragic and my rendition of 'Hero' by Enrique Iglesias has [largely] entertained international audiences - including once on stage at the Apollo Theatre in NYC! In grade 6, I won the poetry reading section of the Warrnambool Eisteddfod with a recital of 'Bold Bruce Backwards', which the judge described as "energetic".

Farah Mahbub, teaching Year 12 Business Management, 11 Legal Studies and 10 Business/Legal 

Hi, I’m Farah, and I’ll be teaching Legal Studies and Business Management at McKinnon Road Campus. I’m super excited to get to know the school, the staff, and the students - everyone already seems so welcoming and lovely.

When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me hiking through the Dandenong Ranges, planning my next holiday, or winding down with a Netflix movie. One fun fact: I take my cats out for an evening walk everyday (they follow me without a leash!)

Arnie Ioannidis, teaching Years 8 & 9 English and 9 Geography at East Campus 

I am someone who enjoys a balanced and meaningful life. I love playing tennis and staying active, and I find peace and satisfaction in gardening. I enjoy reading about famous people because their stories inspire me and help me learn from different life experiences. I value harmony and enjoy connecting with people from different cultures and learning about their customs. Dancing is another passion of mine, as it allows me to express myself freely and joyfully.