Science Matters Quarterly Newsletter (2020) Science Matters Newsletter #1 2020 March Term 1 | Page 7

Navigating the implications of the
spread of COVID-19
What an extraordinary time to be living through. Hope you are all safe and well. 
The STANSW Team have moved to a new way of working this week.  Having invested in flexible working technologies over the
past year we seamlessly moved to working from home as of the beginning of this week. 
We recognise that many of you are navigating the implications of the spread of COVID-19, what this means in the
classrooms now and planning for digital classrooms in the future. Teachers are at the frontline and we applaud you for your
professionalism and dedication.    
As we navigate these unprecedented times, we will continue our focus on the delivery of professional learning opportunities
for 2020 and are excited to be expanding our digital capabilities to enable safe and remote learning for science teachers
across NSW. 
Obviously, the spread of COVID-19 has meant that we’ve needed to alter a few of our plans. 
• Delivering Professional Learning Digitally
- We will be releasing a program of Professional Development to be delivered via webinars, inc. some great ideas for
digital classrooms. 
- K-6 workshop program will continue through 2020 and will be delivered online via a number of platforms such as
Teams and Zoom.
• Meet the Markers 
- With such overwhelming response to Meet the Markers this year we decided to run a second Meet the Markers. This
will now be delivered via Webinars. 
• BEEINS Conference 
- In partnership with UNSW we will be postponing BEEINS to later in the year
• Physics Conference  
- Will also be postponed to later in the year 
• Chemistry Conference 
- No changes here - see you September 14 at Macquarie Uni 
• Young Scientist
- We are exploring opportunities with ISEF for our Young Scientist delegates to attend a Virtual Fair 
• CONASTA69  
- As a state association we are part of the governing body of the federated national organisation - ASTA who runs
CONASTA each year. This years event will no longer be going ahead and Conference organisers are exploring
opportunities for a virtual event.  
We are still working through the details of much of these changes and look forward to reaching out as soon as we can with
confirmed dates and details for registration. 
As we set our plans in motion please let us know what subject area you are interested in so we can keep you informed of
upcoming events and news relevant to you.
Sign up here https://mailchi.mp/stansw.asn.au/stanswevents-signup
Stay safe and well
Jane Powles
Executive Officer 
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