A challenging first year

It has been a challenging first year as President. From our first meeting in February 2020 when most members had suffered in varying degrees (and continue to this day to be traumatised) from the Black Summer bushfires to COVID-19, it has been a year of constant change and evolving stories.

Zoom allowed many members to attend meetings they might have otherwise struggled to make, although we missed face-to-face companionship.

In some ways it was easier to attend from our lounge rooms rather than embark on a three-hour Friday afternoon drive. Still, I am grateful to return to our normal format and venue.

The IEU was very supportive during 2020, offering many PD opportunities and ways to teach remotely. I know that many members were able to amass nearly 20 hours of PD last year.

Our members showed what a resilient, creative and flexible bunch we are, changing teaching practice on an almost weekly basis.

I wish to thank the IEU for its incredible support over the past year and its dedication to making our working lives better.

I would also like to thank our executive for their support through this most difficult year.