In this edition of 'Meet the Teacher' we speak with Mr James Paraskeva from the Secondary School.
Name: James Paraskeva - Secondary School Teacher - james.paraskeva@marymede.vic.edu.au
What is your role at the College?
I am currently a Secondary School classroom teacher of Mathematics, Physical Education and Health & Human Development. I have previously taught Science, Information Technology, and Biology. I am also the Tutor Group Teacher for Chisholm 1 and coach various sporting teams for the College (Athletics, Chess, Volleyball and Football).
Tell us about an interesting project or topic that you are currently working on?
My Year 7 Health & Human Development students have recently completed a video analysis of their soccer skills to upload onto SIMON and are also working in groups to create a board game based on a whole Term’s worth of knowledge. Additionally, on any given day I can be seen before and after School and/or during lunchtime coaching various College sporting teams. At the moment I have two teams in a Grand Final; the Senior Boys AFL Team (with Mr DeSilva) and the Junior Boys Volleyball Team.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Teacher?
Teaching involves being a role model for those under your care. I believe it’s not so much what you teach but more so providing students with strategies on overcoming difficulty so that those skills and self-belief can flow into life after school; unless of course you’re playing the “VCE game”!
Fast Five:
Favourite Food: Oats, Nuts and Yoghurt
Favourite Movie/TV Show: Game of Thrones
Hidden Talent or Something We May Not Know About You: I have competed at a National level in both Olympic Weightlifting and Computer Gaming!
Favourite Sporting Team/Athlete: Hawthorn Football Club
If You Could Pick Any 3 People as Dinner Guests, Who Would They Be and Why?:
David Attenborough - One of the most inspiring teachers of the natural world.
Cyril Rioli - An incredibly clever and quick-thinking footballer. His story of leaving his remote indigenous family to become a professional footballer is remarkable.
My Son - Who better to share the company of two of my idols than with my clever little toddler!
