From the President

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This year has been a challenging one for all associations, not just STAWA. A survey on Australian associations has found they have been heavily impacted by COVID-19, with the majority experiencing significant falls in revenue due to restrictions on face to face activities. Three quarters of associations surveyed had seen a fall in revenue due to declining conference, professional learning and event income, and losing sponsorship. Nearly a third have also seen a fall in membership income, with over half expecting it to be more difficult to retain existing or attract new members over the coming 12 months.

STAWA has experienced a significant fall in revenue due to the cancellation of CONSTAWA, the Psychology Teachers’ Convention, the Marine and Maritime Teachers’ Forum and the Synergy Schools Solar Challenge. To lessen the impact of this revenue loss, STAWA has been able to access government support through tax offsets and job keeper, and STAWA staff, John Clarke (CEO) and Angie Ng (Office Manager), volunteered to reduce their work hours.

Maintaining and growing membership remains our biggest challenge. As an association, we need to consider ways in which we can promote STAWA and grow our membership numbers. Should there continue to be a decline in membership, then we suffer not only the financial implications, but also have a less powerful voice for the matters in which we advocate. A large

m t he president

Julie Weber

membership base ensures financial security and means we are seen as the key representative body for teachers of Science in WA.

STAWA has four strategic goals that underpin the activities of the association. Even though the achievement of these goals has had its challenges this year, I will address each of these goals in my report.

1. Effective leadership and advocacy

• STAWA is represented on a number of external committees and boards. For example, ASTA Board, ESWA Board and STEM Learning Consortium. • STAWA is called to provide feedback on science education/programs/projects. For example, meetings with members of parliament, university outreach and professional learning, STEM Incentives Review project. • STAWA represented at a number of public events, for example, Governor’s School STEM Awards, Premier’s Science Prize, National Science Week, STEM4Innovation Hospital Immersion Challenge. • STAWA has a number of committees that advocate for, and support teachers of Science; for example, the Primary Science Committee and Psychology Committee.

STAWA also offers a number of awards for members. Information about all of these is available on the STAWA website.

2. Excellence in professional learning

STAWA provides a number of professional learning opportunities for teachers through conferences and teacher days. • Future Science is an annual event held in December each. The event was well attended and offered a good variety of workshops. This year’s Future Science will be held at Murdoch University on Thursday 3 December. • STAWA’s other regular events were cancelled, however, planning for next year is underway.

3. Quality teaching and learning resources

• Members of Council are currently working on a new ‘members’ only site to store primary and secondary science resources. This is replacing the old ‘Teachers Survival Kit’. • STAWA produces quality publications for Physics, Chemistry, Human Biology and Psychology. These publications provide us with an ongoing revenue stream. Sales of our publications have been declining over the years, so if your school doesn’t have these on the booklist, consider adding them. These publications are reviewed periodically, so if you have any suggestions for inclusion or improvement, or spot any errors, please let us know. • STAWA has plans to produce other publications to support the science syllabuses in the future. If you have any suggestions for future publications, or would like to contribute to these publications, please let us know.

4. Quality engagement and enrichment opportunities for students

STAWA offers engagement and enrichment opportunities for students. • The Synergy Schools Solar Challenge commenced in Term 1, before being postponed and eventually cancelled for 2020. There will be the opportunity to participate in this event next year. • Science Talent Search is still happening, with changes to deadlines and the entry submission and judging process. • National Science Week Schools program occurred in a modified format. • STAWA partnered with the Innovation Institute WA to present Transformers: WA Virtual STEM Careers Forum.

Thank you to the STAWA committees and the outgoing Council for your support during this difficult year. I would especially like to thank John and Angie for volunteering to reduce their work hours and continuing to ensure that STAWA continues to operate with minimal disruption.

I would like to conclude by reminding you that STAWA is only as strong as its membership and we ask you to consider suggesting STAWA membership to your colleagues, and to renew your membership as it becomes due. Look out for opportunities in the coming year where you can contribute to your association, whether that be by taking up professional learning opportunities, participating in student activities or becoming member of STAWA committees.

Yours sincerely,

Julie Weber President 2020