ChIEf EXECuTIVE’S REpORT

John Clarke

The first half of 2023 has gone very quickly. Exhausting for many I understand, but hopefully Semester 2 comes with less pressure.

CONSTAWA was a great success. 147 delegates enjoyed an engaging program and access to 20 conference exhibitors. Our very loyal regular exhibitors along with a few new ones this year enjoyed their experience and appreciated the positive contact they had with the attendees. They continue to be impressed with how WA science teachers and technicians at STAWA conferences, embrace and make use of their presence. This makes an exhibitor’s time both enjoyable and productive, encouraging them to continue a relationship with STAWA. A big thank you to:

• The CONSTAWA organising committee for their time and energy and Mady Colquhoun for her leadership.

• Willetton SHS and Lance Taylor for hosting the conference.

• Exhibitors for their support.

• The more than 50 presenters and our keynote speaker Julia Powles for their time and sharing of expertise, whom without there would be no conference.

The Synergy School Solar Challenge, developed in partnership with Synergy, without COVID interruptions, again proved very successful. 2023 included five regional events in Albany, Bunbury, Collie, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie, and two large metro events North at St Mark’s Anglican Community School and South at Lumen Christi College. The Grand Final was hosted by Murdoch University. The events involve student teams of 4. 2023 Stats for each event are provided in the following table: book Lists

Don’t forget to include STAWA publications on your Years 11 and 12 Science booklists. Note we have new titles to accommodate syllabus changes as well as revisions. Visit the STAWA Shop for details https:// www.stawa.net/

Human Biology*

• ATAR Exploring Human Biology Year 11

• NEW General Human Biology (Spiral bound for easy opening)

• Year 11 General Human Biology Unit 1

Workbook (new syllabus starting 2024)

• Year 11 General Human Biology Unit 2

Workbook (new syllabus starting 2024)

• Year 12 General Human Biology Unit 3 and 4 Workbook (current syllabus continues through 2024)

Chemistry* (Spiral bound for easy opening)

• ATAR Exploring Chemistry Year 11 while stocks last

• NEW ATAR Chemistry replacing Exploring Chemistry Year 11

• Year 11 Chemistry Laboratory Manual and Workbook

• Year 11 Chemistry Questions and Problems Workbook

• ATAR Exploring Chemistry Year 12

Physics* (Spiral bound for easy opening)

• ATAR Exploring Physics Year 11

• ATAR Exploring Physics Year 11

• ATAR Revising Physics Year 12 while stocks last Psychology

• Psychological Research, Theorists and Studies to Support Psychology ATAR – Units 1 and 2

* All publications are available online in digital versions from the larger book sellers, such as Campion and Winc.

Semester 2 Events

We have another busy schedule of events for the remainder of 2023. Those identified so far are listed.

1. STAWA AGm

Thursday 31 August

Details and to register your attendance or apology https://www.stawa.net/about-us/ about_agm/

2. psychology Teachers Convention

Friday, 8 September at the University of Western Australia.

Link to details and to register https://www. stawa.net/eventdetails/18552/psychologyteachers-convention

3. physics Day at Adventure World

Thursday 21 September https://www.stawa.net/student-activities/ physics-day/

4. Science Talent Search Awards presentation

Monday 23 October at Scitech https://www.stawa.net/student-activities/ science-talent-search/

5. marine and maritime Teachers forum

Term 4 Week 7, details coming soon https://www.stawa.net/conferences/marineand-maritime-teachers-forum/

6. future Science

Friday 1 December, ECU Joondalup

Call for presenters: https://stawa.wufoo.com/ forms/stawa-future-science-2023-exhibitorregistration/ membership

STAWA has changed from a rolling membership to a fixed anniversary date, or Calendar year membership. If you have not already joined to do so now you will be charged a pro-rata fee. This will bring you up to date with the new cycles and renewal alerts will occur from December, February to start the new year.

Build your and STAWA’s capacity to advocate on science education issues affecting science teachers with Government and Industry. Membership provides opportunities to develop leadership, curriculum development and presentation skills. STAWA is embarking on several projects this year that require fresh ideas and provide new opportunities for members, including the delivery of online learning to teachers, revision of STAWA resources and the development of new resources. Calls for expressions of interest for some tasks have been made and will continue as opportunities unfold.

Please encourage your peers, particularly early career teachers to take up STAWA membership. Share your thoughts and ideas to help STAWA grow into the future. The strategic plan is under review. To see the existing plan and new plan once developed visit https://www. stawa.net/about-us/constitution-and-strategic-plan/ Have a safe and enjoyable remainder of the Term.

Your Chief Executive Officer, John Clarke