Page 3 - 2022 The Song Room Year in Review

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND CEO
Improving educational outcomes for all young Australians is central to the nation’s social and economic prosperity and will position young people to live fulfilling, productive and responsible lives”.
THE ALICE SPRINGS (MPARNTWE) EDUCATION DECLARATION
2022 was The Song Room’s biggest year yet! We expanded our reach and impact in response to government investment in the wellbeing of young people to work with more schools, students and teachers than ever before.
It was a difficult year for schools and communities experiencing disadvantage as they responded to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Educational equity and inclusion, student wellbeing, and teacher skills and shortages formed the educational context for the year.
In direct response, The Song Room developed an enhanced arts and wellbeing program to deliver trauma- informed, evidence-based arts learning programs to vulnerable students. Mentoring and professional learning supported teachers and school leaders at a time of great complexity for schools and the teaching profession.
Anchored in our mission, The Song Room solidified new and existing partnerships. Strong relationships with Federal and State education departments helped us to broaden our reach with 50% of programs delivered in regional locations. Philanthropic and corporate partners worked alongside us to access communities who would otherwise miss out on the valuable impact of learning in and through the arts.
We completed the 3-year pilot of Transformational Learning through Creativity (TLC) in 17 schools and four states with The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) confirming that The Song Room’s TLC program design presents a best practice approach to arts learning and professional development, and verifying the opportunity for The Song Rooms’ Program Logic to create systematic change.
Every ripple in schools is felt by our team. Their dedication, passion, commitment and skill was inspiring to witness in 2022. We extend enormous thanks to our Teaching Artists and every member of our team for demanding high quality arts learning. To achieve this under challenging circumstances with grace and care provides a great legacy to young people at a critical time in their social and personal development.
The Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration explains that education goals must be achieved through partnerships between government, the education community, young people, families, and the broader community. Indeed, working collaboratively and effectively with each of you is how The Song Room achieves impact. Thank you for your commitment and support.
Anthony Mackay Alice Gerlach
AM Chair CEO
THE SONG ROOM: 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW 3
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND CEO