Western Australian Institute for Educational Research President's Report 2009 Ian Gaynor

It is with some regret that I present my final report as president for the Western Australian Institute for Educational Research. This year, like previous years, has been one of continued growth and success for the Institute. This success is due to the unreserved commitment and support of all members of the executive. It is with their combined efforts that WAIER is able to provide an unparalleled support to early career researchers. The recently updated constitution states that the aims of the institute are:

• The presentation and publication of research papers; the discussion or research issues;
• The dissemination of information about educational research, particularly the reporting of current trends in educational research;
• The identification of suitable areas for educational research;
• Bringing these areas to the attention of persons or bodies likely to be interested in conducting such research, or, in appropriate circumstances conducting this research as an Institute activity;
• Discussion, criticism, and general guidance in the designing and planning of research projects.

	Office	Sub Committee
Mr Ian Gaynor Curriculum Council	President	Fellows & Life Membership Coordinator
Dr Lesley Newhouse-Maiden Edith Cowan University	Vice President	Post Graduate & Early Career Awards Coordinator
Dr Philip Paioff	Immediate Past President	Fellows & Life Membership Committee
Dr Susan Beltman Curtin University of Technology	Secretary
Dr Lina Pelliccione Curtin University of Technology	Treasurer	Curtin PR representative
Dr Karen Murcia Edith Cowan University	Forum Coordinator
Dr Eva Dobozy Edith Cowan University		Assist IIER Editor
Brad Gobby Murdoch University		Research Seminars
Dr Chris Hackett Notre Dame University	Assist Treas	PG and EC Awards Committee; Notre Dame PR Rep
Dr Caroline Mansfield Murdoch University	Assist Sec	Murdoch PR Rep;
Eve Ruddock Murdoch University		Research Seminars Coordinator
Dr Roger Atkinson		WAIER and IIER websites; WAIER Archives
Christine Glass Murdoch University
Dr Jan Gray Edith Cowan University		resigned 12 June 2009
Dr Judith MacCallurn Murdoch University		Fellows & Life Membership Committee
Dr Clare McBeath		IIER Journal Editor; WAIER Archives
Sheena O'Hare The University of Western Australia		UWA Rep; PG and EC Awards Comm
Michelle Striepe The University of Western Australia		Assist. Res Coord; UWA Rep

I wish to extend my appreciation to all members of executive for continuing to volunteer their time and to promote educational research throughout Western Australia. Your continued contribution will continue to positively impact upon our education system.

Another successful Annual Research Forum was held at Edith Cowan University (Mount Lawley Campus) was held on Saturday 1 August. This year the forum attracted approximately 70 participants and included 43 presentations. The Forum consisted of presentations by local and international researchers arranged in concurrent sessions grouped under themes. This Research Forum continues to receive excellent support from the Western Australian Educational research community. Many who attend expressing a desire to return and participate in future forums. Details of this and previous forums including abstracts and published papers can be accessed from WAIER's website. http://www.waier.org.au/

Two seminars were held during 2009, they were well attended and valued by all. Thank you to Dr Susan Beltman, of Curtin University of Technology for her presentation "Mentoring: Conceptual, Methodological and practical considerations" and to also Becky Holtham and Kate Abbott of Curtin University of Technology, for their presentation on "Gender inclusivity and early childhood science education". Details of their presentations can be accessed by the WAIER's website. http://www.waier.org.au/

With this report signifying a change of elected offices bearers, to all who are no longer on the Executive or relinquishing a committee position. I extend the Institute's grateful acknowledgment for their enthusiastic and generous contribution over the many years.

Finally, at a personal level thank you to Dr Susan Beltman, Secretary, Dr Lina Pellicione, Treasurer, Karen Murcia, Forum Coordinator, Dr Lesley Newhouse-Maiden, Vice President, and Dr Phil Paioff, Immediate Past President, for your support and guidance. The success of the last three years would not have occurred without your support.

Ian Gaynor
President
November 2009