Page 5 - The Song Room 2021 Year in Review

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND CEO
The need to address social, economic and educational inequities, and the wellbeing of young Australians, is essential if we intend to live in a truly prosperous society.
In 2021 the pandemic continued to amplify the many inadequacies and inequities within education systems and across our communities. Uncertainty and disruption made it difficult to maintain a healthy existence. This was a challenge felt by us all, but felt most acutely by those experiencing disadvantage.
The arts provide a powerful way to uplift, enrich and transform communities. Arts learning is a critical aspect of a quality education: it promotes learning, it can increase academic performance in other subjects, it can improve school attendance and wellbeing, it teaches students about other cultures and their own, and stimulates creativity and critical thinking. An arts education helps to develop the full range of cognitive, emotional and social skills essential for young people to thrive.
In 2021, The Song Room’s solid foundation gave us strength in each challenging moment to be resourceful, agile and responsive in order to support schools in varying learning scenarios. The partnerships we formed,
and the guidance we were able to provide, meant that Song Room students remained connected to their learning under the most challenging circumstances.
This last year we looked back at our history, we considered our ambitions and appetite for growth, and the new initiatives which will set our strategic course for the next three years. A new strategy will strengthen our core and position us for growth and greater impact well into the future.
We would like to acknowledge the incredibly skilled, resilient and passionate team at The Song Room whose work in 2021 was inspiring. From our Teaching Artists and Arts Learning team, through to our dedicated support teams and Board Members - thank you! The Song Room is an organisation of learning leaders and we are honoured to have you as our colleagues.
The Song Room is as committed as ever to deliver on its promise to address education equity and provide improved outcomes for Australian children. We are extremely proud to share the story of The Song Room in 2021 with you.
Anthony Mackay AM Chair
Alice Gerlach CEO
The Song Room: 2021 Year in Review 5