Page 17 - The Song Room 2021 Year in Review

OUR PROGRAMS
Deadly Arts
In 2021, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teaching Artists delivered Deadly Arts programs
in 17 schools in Western Australia and New South Wales, helping students and communities to learn about and value the richness of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander knowledge, cultures and
histories through arts-based experiences. The programs included teacher professional learning and mentoring, community engagement activities, cultural responsiveness training, and music, dance and visual arts learning activities.
These programs were made possible in six school communities in Western Sydney through partnership with the Australian Government Department of Social Services Communities for Children initiative via The Smith Family and Mission Australia; and through the generous support of the Packer Family Foundation, Crown Resorts Foundation and the Bowness Family Foundation.
Six schools on Noongar Country in Perth, Western Australia, participated in Deadly Arts thanks to funding from Lotterywest. The programs ended the year with a community concert to celebrate and share their learning. 400 students, 50 school staff and
40 parents and guests enjoyed the celebration that included performing a new school Acknowledgement of Country Song written by the students.
The principal at Neerigen Brook Primary School, Lesley Barrett, described how important the program and the concert are for her school:
“It was lovely to see all children embrace the performances of each school with such a genuine love of culture and music together, a true celebration. There was a wonderful energy in the room, where all children celebrated their part and owned their performance free of judgement. It was great to hear the presenters and leaders acknowledge that we are all learning about culture and learning Noongar together. This openness really encouraged everyone to join in. It was fun. It was great for the soul!
(The Song Room) have a fantastic team of people at all levels who clearly not only love what they do but
are centred on improving outcomes for children, not just academically but through their hearts, souls and having strong self-confidence and belief. With that, the children can go on to do anything. Our school motto is Strive to Achieve through moorditj kaadadjiny (strong learning). Thank you for supporting our students to do their best and build capacity.“
The Song Room: 2021 Year in Review 17