Many of us were so glad to see the end of 2020, it will certainly be a year that many of us will remember for a series of firsts. For me, those firsts including experiencing a global pandemic, seeing panic buying of toilet paper, zoom family quiz nights with our family in the UK and teaching my students online. Upon reflection I can see many positives personally and for MAWA, these include slowing down and enjoying spending time with my children, learning new card games and meetings that did not require travel. Just when we thought school would start on time and as normal things changed again for people in Perth, Peel and the South West. Hopefully, we can all return to a more normal lifestyle soon. I hope that all children have made a successful start to school, especially those four- and five-year-olds going for the first time. I wish the best to all the children making the transition from primary school to high school. It is important for parents and children to remember that it takes time to settle in and feel comfortable with new schools and situations. Below are links to some helpful information: Hello Kindergarten https://www.education.wa.edu.au/dl/0dergq Transitioning through school https://www.education.wa.edu.au/transitioning-through-school Six tips to help your transition to high school https://studentedge.org/article/six-tips-to-help-your-transition-to-high-school During 2020 we worked tirelessly to support The Western Australian Mathematics Problem Solving Program (WAMPSP) during Term 2 when all classes needed to move online. This year we see an expansion of our online classes and a face-to-face class in the Peel region. We welcome Kolbe College as our new Peel venue. We wish to thank Australian Maths Trust for their generous support during 2020 and 2021. We are pleased that MAWA will sponsor two scholarships for WAMPSP students. These scholarships have been named after WAMPSP founder Dr Norm Hoffman. There is a primary scholarship and a secondary scholarship. The WAMPSP Hoffman Primary Scholarship is open to any WAMPSP student currently in primary school and the WAMPSP Hoffman Secondary Scholarship is open to any WAMPSP student currently in high school. Applications close on 31 March. AMT has provided five scholarships for regional students or students who attend a school with an ICSEA below 1000. You can check your school’s ICSEA at the My Schools website https://www.myschool.edu.au/ . Each scholarship will cover the 2021 WAMPSP course fees. If you are interested in how to apply please contact wampsp@mawainc.org.au and an application package will be sent to you. I wish everyone a smooth and successful Term 1. Paula McMahon Executive Officer |