Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales Inc.
Providing leadership and promoting excellence in science education
OBJECT 3.2 a. initiating actions and to influence decision making
in areas pertinent to science teaching by communicating policy
and advice to relevant individuals, organisations and the Media;
Consultation to NESA regarding new Stage 6 syllabus
President’s Report
Margaret Shepherd
2017 was another busy year for STANSW Councillors and science teachers in NSW since to the normal
load of teaching we added preparation for implementation of the new year 11 stage 6 science syllabuses.
A huge number of volunteer hours were donated to our members and also non-members by very
passionate and enthusiastic science teachers from NSW. The Professional Teachers Council (PTC)
acknowledge these volunteer hours at the annual AGM each year.
Last year we held a number of conferences and workshops for both primary and secondary science
teachers which will be described later on in this report. These events would not occur so successfully
without the work by STANSW Councillors, other volunteers and office staff. I commend and thank all
Councillors on behalf of STANSW members and offer sincere thanks to:
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Vatche Ansourian for taking on Vice President’s role in his first year on Council, working as part
of the executive and convening the Chemistry conference. Vatche resigned from Council at the
end of 2017.
Julie Rogers for taking on Treasurers role and duties so diligently, working on YS committee as
executive representative, working on Council business, MTM, co-covening the BEESST
conference. Julie was re-elected onto Council for 2018.
Olivia Belshaw for her work over the last two years on Council business, MTM and
Branch/regional network development and support and STANSW Facebook page administrator.
Olivia completed her term at the end of 2017.
Aaron Cook for his work over the last two years on Council business, director of professional
learning portfolio & convening the Physics conference. Aaron completed his term at the end of
2017.
Deborah de Ridder for her first year on Council learning the ropes, working on Council business,
support at MTM, Deb was re-elected onto Council for 2018.
Cherine Spirou for her first year on Council also learning the ropes, convening the HSC Study
days, working on Council business.
Maree Woods for her ongoing and long term commitment to STANSW through Council work,
compliance portfolio, MTM, HSC Study days and co-convening of the 2018 CONASTA with Brett
McKay. Maree will remain on Council for 2018.
Erin Munn for working on Council business and her support with the Physics Conference. Erin
finished up on Council at the end of the 2017.
STANSW Young Scientist Awards was also very capably coordinated by Ann Hanna with Stuart Garth as
ISEF coordinator. Thank you to both for their continual work running this outstanding project.
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