Sportlight: Christina Polatajko

What is your name?
Christina Polatajko

What is your Twitter Handle?
@cpola17
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What is your website if you have one?
www.missphysicaleducation.com

Which University did you attend?
I couldn't get into uni after year 12, as I didn't know what I wanted to do and also I didn't have a good enough VCE score. I studied at TAFE for Two years (Sports Development) then I got into Victoria University Bachelor of Education (Majoring in PE and ICT). I studied for four years.

What is your current school and role?
Newbury Primary School- Health and PE/ICT Coordinator 

How long have you been teaching Physical Education?
I've only taught PE and I'm entering my 8th year of teaching. LOVE IT! Best job in the world!!

What is your earliest memory of wanting to teach Physical Education? Like I mentioned above, I didn't know what I wanted to do, all I knew is that I loved playing sports and helping others. I think the turning point was 2nd year of TAFE and I organised a school camp with my fellow classmates for a primary school. I really enjoyed the organisation, hands on approach and working in a team environment. I also was the Youth Coordinator for a number of years with the Ukrainian Youth Association in my early 20’s and again I really enjoyed working with kids.

In your opinion where are we as a Nation with Physical Education?
I believe we are in a good place, however there is always room for improvement. For example, the professional learning that is on offer for all educators is outstanding, however we need to take these opportunities to learn and to further our knowledge to ensure all students receive the highest quality of education. I can't highly recommend for all educators reading this interview now, that networking and professional learning are the key to your teaching success. Just remember it's ok to ask for help - that's one of the big reasons why I feel that I am succeeding and most importantly my students are succeeding.

How would your students describe your teaching style?
Great question! My teaching style is very fair, approachable and so much passion. That I want my students and staff to get hooked onto my programs and my vision. However in saying that, I always remember that all students are different and learn differently. This is one challenge we face and we need to learn how to approach our students. We need to understand the different emotions and feelings our students are going through, therefore at times our approach may be different towards some students.

Tell me about your ‘BEST’ lesson so far? What happened, who was it with, why was it the best?
Best is a broad word I can't pinpoint the ‘best’ lesson, however a unit that I felt that was a huge success was with my Year 5-6 last year. I completed a SEPEP program with my students, where firstly I created a flipped learning video which enabled my students to watch and learn about the SEPEP unit. This gave them a head start of their expectations and what they'll be learning about. This was a student driven unit where all students received different roles and Coordinated a round robin of European Handball. Why was this successful? Their passion, their questioning, their support towards each other, their organisation and most importantly their enjoyment was contagious. One thing that stood out for me from this unit was that the students ran this program and they took charge of their learning and discoveries.

What is one essential item that you can not teaching without? One thing? I'll have to say the iPad. My bible with my assessments, apps, roll marking, photos, videos - don't forget to backup!! Back if I could choose another item it would my whistle.

Who is your inspiration professional and how do you mould your career on their influence?
I can't go past Andy Hair and Jarrod Robison. Both are different, but both are very unique and are outstanding towards their teaching and learning. Especially with the use of ICT, I can't live without ICT and both have steered me into the right direction in using ICT appropriately. Andy has taught me always to question ‘why and how’ will that benefit your students when using ICT.
Without them, I honestly don't think I would be teaching anymore, or wouldn't care about my teaching. I can always ask them both for feedback and receive honest responses. Both always have amazing ideas and will give you the time and day.

If you had an unlimited budget what is your ‘GO TO’ item that you would purchase in a heart-beat?
Storage bins - and heaps and heaps of them!! Also I would purchase scooters for my students and connect this with a Bike Ed program. But then again I would love to purchase high quality heart rate monitors, oh the list could go on.

What is one thing that people do not know about you?
I used to hold a national deadlift record for my weight class, I lifted 180kg at a national competition. 

What WORD would you use to describe yourself professionally?
Driven