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Feb 26

Sundowner on 26th Feb 2010.
Presenter - Chief marker - Economics TEE, Mr Steven Kemp.
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PDF Document

President’s address from the AGM

13 November 2009

Dear ETAWA Members

2009 Highlights:

ETAWA Conference: The highlight of this year was undoubtedly, our conference – it was an outstanding success! A small group from the executive was involved in the organization but Mandy Hudson – our Vice President and conference convener must be acknowledged for her tireless efforts in putting the conference together. I would also like to thank Steve Kemp for his contribution as conference co-convener and for enabling us to use the wonderful facilities at Curtin University which included the use of buildings and the provision of catering at no cost to the association.
I would also like to acknowledge the support from Fran Ooi from the Institute of Chartered Accountants who provided the conference packs.

Two professional development sundowners for teachers:

The first held at The Broadwater in Como where Steven Kemp presented the 2008 TEE Chief Markers Report and picking up the areas of teaching concern– this event was organized by Maria Coate. This was a very successful event which was well patronized by our members.
The second presentation was by Ricky Deverill from the Reserve Bank of Australia –Sydney office - which was held at St Mary’s Anglican School for Girls – I would like to thank Peter Evans for organizing this event. Unfortunately, this event was not well patronized, which was disappointing as the guest speaker was outstanding.

The two ETAWA/CCI Student Economic forums were attended by 41 school groups - approximately 163 students and 42 teachers – the forum was co-ordinated by Maria Coate. The relationship between ETAWA and the chamber continues to strengthen with Nathan Taylor – manager of economic policy introducing some new initiatives into the programme. One of these was to seek sponsorship from the forum through UWA as the platinum sponsor and Curtin & ECU in order to allow them to have access to some of the state’s top students. In addition, Laura Price joined the team in place of Anne Griffiths who retired as education liaison officer. Anne was acknowledged and presented with a gift from ETAWA at the last forum.

The two RBA student seminars were held at Lake Joondalup Baptist College and Methodist Ladies College – thanks to Ryan Verge, Vanessa Smith and Sherryl Giannis for co-coordinating these seminars. For such an excellent opportunity for year 12 students – these seminars could be better supported.

A new initiative for 2009 was the Meet the Business Leader Luncheon with economists which was organized by Fran Ooi from the Institute of Chartered of Chartered Accountants. It was broadened this year to include economists as well as accountants. Students, teachers and leaders interacted to learn about working as an economist and/or accountant. This type of partnership is crucial to support the status of economics.

Continuing again this year is the Most Outstanding Economics Student Award which is sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants and which is another way of promoting economics at the secondary level.

To further the relationship between the two organizations, the Institute has invited some members of the executive and some practicing teachers to various breakfast business series presentations throughout the year.

Economics Update – thanks to Andrew Tibbitt for writing the material and to Ryan Verge for organizing & distributing the publication – on the ETAWA website & in hard copy for all ETAWA members to access.

Continued development of the Website with a wide range of resources added throughout the year – thanks to Ryan Verge for facilitating this and for introducing the electronic newsletter.

ETAWA enjoyed an enhanced financial position with a net increase in ETAWA’s cash balance due largely to the conference; events such as the CCI Student Economics Forum and sponsorship initiatives such as the $2,500.00 from Mannkal for attendance at the Council for Education Conference.

Looking ahead in 2010

The need to raise the profile of the teaching of Economics in schools and on the national agenda continues to be the most critical challenge. To this effect, ETAWA sent two members to the Council for Economic Education Conference – Mandy Hudson and Maria Coate – the final cost to ETAWA for that was $3100.00 - where we were exposed to excellent professional development and networking opportunities to further facilitate the push for Economics to be a part of the National Curriculum and to promote the teaching and learning of Economics. I was actually sponsored by Mannkal Economic Foundation for $2500.00 and will be presenting a conference report to the Mannkal Board in early December of this year and I will also be presenting at the Freedom Factory Conference to be held in July at Curtin University next year.

As Mandy has alluded to there are many opportunities to capture and build on the initiatives which have been developed in the US. For example, to use some of our capital to push Economics in lower school – this could include: a comprehensive package of teaching and learning programs and support materials.

With ETAWA looking to expand its publications there has been a need to reconsider the financial structure of the association. In order to apply and receive grants from organizations such as the Commonwealth Bank, ETAWA needs to be a Designated Gift Recipient (DGR) – this was highlighted when we were seeking grants for new initiatives this year. At this point, I would like to thank Ryan Verge for his work with two Federal members of parliament in working towards this goal.

To develop an effective and enticing set of materials promoting Economics in schools early in the year for distribution at the beginning of term 2.

To provide support for members in the implementation of the new course. With the Curriculum Council moving away from having project officers designated to each course there will be an even greater reliance on professional associations to support teachers while the courses become established over the next few years. To this effect ETAWA in collaboration with AISWA, CEO, DET and the Curriculum Council is organizing the Cross – Sector PD Day on Tuesday, 24th November at the Boulevard Centre, Floreat Park. If you have not already registered – I strongly encourage you to do so!

In looking to review the financial processes, it was incumbent upon the executive to find and examine the constitution (known as The Articles of Association). Here I would like to thank Chris Stone for tracking down this elusive document – in fact it was only found in the last couple of weeks. It will provide the lens to examine the executive process with the new executive committee when it meets for the first time. It is from this document that we found that the executive was to have nine members as indicated in the nomination process this year.

As part of the initiatives over the next year, I would like to capitalize on the new relationships already established and possibilities that would come from further networking with the CEE.

Overall we have had a very successful and very busy year in which ETAWA has provided a range of high quality services to its members.

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to those committee members who have contributed so much this year.

For those members of the executive who have not nominated for a role in 2010, on behalf of the members, I would like to thank them for their contribution. As a voluntary organization, we function on the goodwill of teachers stepping up to leadership roles.

Regards

Maria Coate
President

Council for Economic Education (CEE)
Conference Report AGM 2009

The Council for Economic Education in the United States of America and its affiliated state councils and university centres, classroom teachers and other partners have been working for 60 years to promote the teaching and learning of Economics...

Download the CEE Conference report