When Lindsay vander Pal arrived at PLC three years ago after 16 years at Eltham College, he immediately noticed something different about the culture of learning here.

“What impressed me straightaway was how committed and dedicated the students are,” he reflects. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Monday morning or Friday afternoon, the standard is always the same. Students are genuinely eager to learn – they even ask for extra work or revision sheets!”

With more than 25 years of experience teaching science, Lindsay now leads the Physics program at PLC, teaching Years 10–12 across VCE and IB. While trained in both biology and physics, his career path led him to specialise in physics, a subject he loves for its ability to connect theory with the world around us.

“I’ve always tried to show physics in action,” he explains. “It’s not enough to just read about concepts. I want students to see them in real life and to experience science, not just learn it from a textbook.” Whether it’s jumping off a chair to demonstrate Newton’s third law or setting up intricate experiments with the lab team, Lindsay is known for making lessons both engaging and memorable.

Anyone who’s met Lindsay knows his teaching style comes with a distinctive accessory: ties. He owns more than 60, many gifted by students over the years, often patterned with physics or science designs. “It started as a joke with my Year 12 form group at Mowbray College, who gave me Disney ties as a farewell present. Over time it became a trademark, and now it’s just part of me. It’s even a talking point in the staffroom.”

Like many teachers, Lindsay acknowledges the challenge of balancing theory with hands-on demonstrations, particularly given PLC’s fast-paced curriculum. “The key is to rise to expectations while still making science exciting and accessible. I see teaching as a shared journey of learning with the students.”

His first year teaching IB Physics pushed him to stretch his own knowledge as students asked deeper and more complex questions. “It reminded me of what it’s like to encounter new content for the first time, and how important it is to support students through that process.”

Lindsay is also spearheading the return of PLC’s international space camp program, which had paused during COVID. “I’m working on re-establishing a trip to the US for students in Years 10–12,” he shares. “It’s an exciting opportunity for them to explore science beyond the classroom and engage with global perspectives on space and technology.”

Outside of school, Lindsay has two passions: music and surf lifesaving. A lifelong musician, he plays the tuba in the Ringwood Salvation Army Brass Band, rehearsing weekly and performing at concerts and services. “I’ve been playing since Grade 5, over 40 years now! Music has been a constant in my life and the band also supports causes like cancer research.”

Closer to the coast, Lindsay is actively involved in Nippers, mentoring young lifesavers through surf life saving clubs. Both pursuits reflect his belief in teamwork, discipline and giving back to the community.

When asked what excites him most about the future of PLC, Lindsay highlights the College’s commitment to nurturing the whole student. “Of course, academics are a focus, but the opportunities here extend far beyond the classroom, from sport and music to leadership and wellbeing. The new sports complex is a perfect example of how PLC is investing in building confidence and future leaders.”

For current students, his message is simple but meaningful: “Do your best and make an honest attempt. Not everyone will pursue science, but if you give your all to what you do, you’ll be proud of your journey.”

Through his passion, humour, and genuine care for his students, Lindsay vander Pal continues to inspire curiosity and a love of learning, one lesson (and one tie) at a time.