Policies & Regulations
By enrolling yourself (in the case of adult students) or your child (in the case of students under 18 years of age) in Peninsula School of Dance (PSD) classes you (as the adult student, or the child student’s parent or guardian) acknowledge that you have read, agree to abide by, and (where the context requires) consent to, all of the terms, conditions, codes and policies referred to below.
To enrol at Peninsula School of Dance you agree to abide by the following:
Students MUST dance from home if they are unwell.
PSD will provide dance instruction via Zoom class links (for academy students) and online dance videos (for petite students). There will be no refunds for students not attending class due to illness AND/OR if government restrictions require us to stop face-to-face learning. If government imposed restrictions require us to once again close our doors we will revert to immediate online learning platforms. By re-enrolling with PSD you are agreeing to this approach and understand that you will not be refunded for any fees paid.
Child Safety
Peninsula School of Dance adheres to all Child Safety standards set by the Victorian Government. To view our Child Safety policy and Staff Code of Conduct click on the links below
Code of Conduct
A Guide for Students and Parents
As a condition of enrolment at PSD, students and their parents or guardians agree to abide by all the policies set forth by PSD, its director, faculty, and staff. PSD reserves the right to terminate any student’s enrolment at any time for misconduct or inappropriate actions by either the student or his or her parent(s).
We take our roles as a mentors and teachers in your child’s life very seriously. It is our objective to inspire a passion for the art of dance in every child who passes through our doors. In the process, we strive to set the right example and help your child (and you) create memories that will last a lifetime.
Philosophy
PSD is committed to providing high-quality dance classes to enhance the overall development of the child. We provide a safe and positive environment to encourage our students to explore dance with qualified, nurturing teachers.
We believe that dance training encourages young people to develop a positive self-image as they increase awareness of their physical being. Along with improving coordination skills and developing muscular awareness, dance classes give children the freedom to express themselves through movement.
The highest educational standards are expected from all PSD team members. They are lifelong learners who continue to educate themselves through certification programs, teacher-training schools, conferences, and other learning opportunities.
Our Values
At PSD our values drive our business and inform all of our decision making.
- Fun & Engaging – Our classes and activities are underpinned by this value. For students to derive the most benefit and learn they must enjoy what they are doing! Our junior program is underpinned by the notion that children learn best through play.
- Inclusive – We genuinely believe that dance is for everyone. We will work in partnership with parents and students to ensure that class placement is appropriate and we deliver content in a way that meets the needs of learners.
- Community – We will always look for ways to engage our students and families in local activities that promote dance and our students. PSD is itself a community and place which nurtures strong relationships and connections amongst our student and family base.
- Excellence – Staff are committed to ongoing training and development. Our professional associations with Cecchetti Ballet & the Australian Teacher of Dance ensure that we remain up to date with best practice. We will never stop learning!
- Leadership – Peninsula School of Dance is a platform for young people to step up and take the lead and we strongly believe young people have a powerful capacity to develop leadership skills in a variety of ways. Our classes and teacher training programs are designed to inspire confidence and leadership in our young people. We are deeply committed to unlocking and nurturing these young leaders within our dance family.
FOR OUR STUDENTS
The first step to becoming a successful dancer is making a solid commitment to your classes. Strong technique is a key ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at each class as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do. Dance full-out, stretch a little further, become more aware of your technique, and make the most of every class.
Respect for the teachers is essential. Listen to each correction given, whether it’s directed at you or another dancer. A correction is an honour; it shows you how much a teacher cares about your progress as a dancer. Always say thank you when a teacher or choreographer offers you constructive criticism. Nothing can stop those students who apply themselves in every class and appreciate their teachers’ knowledge and experience.
FOR THE PARENTS: “WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER”
We believe that children’s success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be a part of your child’s dance education.
Our programs rely on a positive atmosphere and educational experience for our faculty and students and their parents. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect—for other parents, the students, and the faculty—makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child about how to interact with others in a professional setting.
Your child’s presence at all classes is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of our school’s educational process.
Parents and teachers may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, we believe they share a common goal: to ensure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally. Mutual respect among our faculty and our students’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.
FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Understanding Dance Education
As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your student financially, but your emotional support is of equal—and perhaps even greater—value. Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be regardless of what others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form and children need to be allowed to achieve at a pace that’s comfortable. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments.
Not all children will develop into professional dancers. One of the primary goals of our faculty is to teach life lessons and skills that offer children the best chance for success. Dance education encompasses far more than technique and the steps your children learn. We believe the discipline of dance training gives young people a better understanding of commitment through learning, experiencing the spirit of teamwork, and discovering what they can accomplish through hard work. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, teaching them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance.
You play an important role in supporting your student financially, but your emotional support is of equal—and perhaps even greater—value.
Class Placement
The PSD teaching team meets regularly to discuss the students’ progress and/or placement. It is our policy to offer appropriate opportunities to every child.
Placement decisions are derived from many years of teaching experience. Often a child is placed in a particular group or class where he or she will feel confident, in order to promote the development of self-esteem. Some students who are placed in a higher level become discouraged, only to lose their passion for dance. Others respond to the challenge of being in a class with students who are more proficient by pushing themselves to work harder. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.
Dos and Don’ts
Some parents may compare their child’s progress or class placement to another child’s. Watch for this behaviour in your children as well and encourage them to focus instead on their own accomplishments.
Looking to other students for inspiration is good; however, making negative comparisons distracts children from focusing on becoming stronger dancers. In addition, speaking negatively about your child’s teachers, fellow students, or other parents in front of your child––or other students––could result in problems far beyond your original concerns. Often children will imitate a parent’s behaviour with other adults or authority figures.
Children learn important lessons from their teachers and parents, acquiring behaviour patterns through their example. Our school’s faculty takes that responsibility seriously. It’s our philosophy to encourage our students to feel, think, and act respectfully toward their peers, the adults in their lives, and themselves.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dance education (such as progress or class placement), please discuss them with your child’s teacher or the director. Talking only to other parents can lead to misinformation and confusion. Please contact the school office to set up an appointment; do not approach your child’s teacher or the director between or during classes or make contact outside of the school.
If you do request a conference, please listen carefully to what your child’s teachers have to say. They spend a significant amount of time with your child and offer expertise in the field of dance education.
Class placement of students is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.
Communication
Please direct any enquiries relating to your individual child to admin@peninsuladance.com.au or phone 5986 6948.
Important newsletters, notices and term fee invoices will be sent via email. Please ensure you provide us with a current email address. Hard copies of notices will be available from the studio and uploaded to our free PSD App available in the Apple and Google Play stores.
To support our communication to you please also join our closed PSD Families group on Facebook and Like the PSD public page. You can also follow us on Instagram @peninsuladance Note – social media does not replace our email, phone or direct communication at the studio. If you have direct questions pertaining to your child’s enrolment speak to your teacher or contact the office.
Discipline Policy
In order to maintain a happy, healthy, professional environment, students are taught the importance of being a part of the group. We encourage students to have respect for other students, the teachers and staff, and studio property, and we foster the development of good habits and compliance with rules of conduct.
Our staff and faculty are trained to use constructive techniques of discipline to maintain class control and handle individual misbehaviour.
- Children who exhibit unacceptable behaviour or attitudes are told what is wrong and directed to a positive alternative approach or behaviour.
- If a child strikes another child, the two are respectfully separated and each is asked to explain what happened. They are then asked to help solve the problem, talk to each other, and reconcile with one another.
- Children who are disruptive will be respectfully asked to stop the behaviour. If the behaviour is repeated, they will be reminded of it and told how it affects others. If the disruption continues, the children involved will be asked to sit down for a short period of time (usually three to five minutes) before re-joining the class.
- If a child’s misbehaviour continues to disrupt the class, the parent or guardian will be called to pick up the child.
Termination of Enrolment
In certain circumstances, when it is in the best interest of one or more students or PSD, it may be necessary for PSD to terminate a student’s enrolment. All reasonable efforts will be made to correct a problematic situation before terminating enrolment. Reasons for termination of enrolment include the following (without limitation):
- Disruptive or dangerous behaviour by students or their parents
- Abuse of other students, children, staff, or property
- Inability of PSD to meet the student’s needs
- Breach by the student (in the case of adult students) or student’s parent or guardian (in the case students under 18 years of age) of any of PSD’s terms, conditions, codes or policies available at: https://peninsuladance.com.au/school/policies-regulations/
- Failure of the student (in the case of adult students) or student’s parent or guardian (in the case students under 18 years of age) to pay on time and in full
Tardiness
Dance is a physical activity that requires the body to be warmed up in order to execute movement safely. Late students miss the proper warm-up and/or barre and therefore may sustain injury. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late may be asked to observe class for reasons of personal safety.
PSD Fees Terms and Conditions 2022
Note – Customers who pay by credit or debit card will see the following notation on their statement to indicate their payment to you: IPY*PENINSULA SCHOOL.
I/We authorise and request IntegraPay Pty Ltd, to debit payments from my/our account as specified below at intervals and amounts as directed by Peninsula School of Dance as per the terms and conditions of my agreement with Peninsula School of Dance and in accordance with the Direct Debit Request and the IntegraPay DDR Service Agreement.
A copy of the IntegrayPay DDR can be found on here: IntegraPay Direct Debit Form
All fees must be paid in advance by a monthly direct debit via the bank account or credit card details you provided upon enrolment. If you do not do this the student will not be permitted to participate in the class.
Please refer to the below table for a list of IntegraPay fees and charges
Missed direct debit payments will be automatically re-scheduled within three (3) business working days and will attract a dishonour fee of $4.40
If 2 or more direct debit payments are missed, the student’s enrolment will be cancelled and the student will not be allowed to participate in PSD classes. Outstanding debts will be forwarded to our debt collection agency.
If you are unable to make payment on the scheduled date simply contact the office (at least 48hours prior to the debit) and we will happily reschedule your debit date and you will avoid the dishonour fee
All fees are inclusive of GST. A tax invoice will be issued to each family at the end of each term for the following term or upon enrolment.
PSD requires a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice in writing, to cancel or change a student’s enrolment details and associated payments.
Fees are neither refundable nor transferable between students or terms.
Students MUST dance from home if they are unwell. PSD will provide dance instruction via Zoom class links (for academy students) and online dance videos (for petite students). There will be no refunds for students not attending class due to illness AND/OR if government restrictions require us to stop face-to-face learning. If government imposed restrictions require us to once again close our doors we will revert to immediate online learning platforms. By re-enrolling with PSD you are agreeing to this approach and understand that you will not be refunded for any fees paid.
If a student is going to be away for extended periods of time (i.e. 4 weeks or more within one term) discounted fees may be applied for in advance. These arrangements must be made prior to the commencement of term and discounts will be at the discretion of the Principal. Discounts will not be available for those classes with waiting lists in place.
Family discounts are available (please see schedule of fees for details) – HERE
| Fee Type | Description | Amount | ||
| Direct debit | recurring payments from bank account and credit cards | ||||
| Transaction fee – bank account | Per transaction* | $0.88** | ||
| Rejection fee – bank account | Per rejected transaction attempt | $4.40 | ||
| Transaction fee – credit/debit cards; all types | Per transaction* | $0.33 | ||
| Visa/MasterCard | Calculated on transaction value | 1.87%*** | ||
| American Express | Calculated on transaction value | 3.50% | ||
| * | Transaction fee applies to all transactions, successful or not | |||
| ** | Additional 0.25% high value surcharge applies to bank account transactions over $2,000 | |||
| *** | Additional 1.10% applies to international cards | |||
Social Media and Image Policy
- From time to time images from school performances, class photos and various events will be used to promote the activities of PSD e.g. in newsletters, on the PSD website, social media (e.g. Facebook/Instagram/Twitter), noticeboards, brochures etc. Parents consent to the use of images of their children in this way, and waive all rights in respect of such images. PSD will not sell the images to third parties.
- All classes held at Merino St premises are filmed on CCTV.
- At Open Days parents are permitted to attend class and take images of their children. This means that parents consent to other parents taking images of their children. Parents must use all such images appropriately. PSD takes no responsibility or liability in relation to the use of images by parents.
- PSD encourages active and responsible participation by parents on its social media platforms (e.g. Facebook). All posts and comments must be respectful, polite, inoffensive and appropriate. PSD does not always monitor its platforms, so if you see that something inappropriate or offensive has been posted, please contact PSD immediately via phone. PSD takes no responsibility for the posts or comments of parents on its platforms.
- Children are not to post, comment or upload content to PSD’s platforms. These platforms and forums are for parents only
Medical Treatment and Injury
- Dance is a physical activity and whilst all reasonable care is taken, to the extent permitted by law PSD is not liable for injuries sustained during classes, instruction, performance activities or otherwise.
- In the case of an injury or health concern in respect of your child, all reasonable efforts will be made to contact you promptly. But, in the case of an emergency, or in the event that you cannot be reached, PSD will to seek medical attention for the student. This may involve PSD rendering first aid to the student or calling an ambulance for the student. You agree to indemnify PSD for any costs incurred in obtaining such emergency medical attention, for example ambulance fees.
Car Parking Code of Conduct
In recent months PSD has come under pressure from various sources to control inappropriate conduct in our car parking facilities.
We have spent some time undertaking audits and speaking with our fellow property owners in the Body Corporate in the interest of respectfully considering traffic management and car park safety.
At all times we have considered:
- The needs of our dance community, our Industrial Estate neighbouring businesses and local authorities to manage the traffic our school generates
- Concern from staff and families about the problems caused by excessive speed, and the increase in obstructive and dangerous parking
Sadly, the behaviour of some has compromised student and staff safety, and our good standing on our community as a respectful, well-regarded business. We know that families are often rushing, juggling work commitments and sibling events but this is no excuse to speed upon exiting and entering the facility, abuse others or not obey road safety rules. In response to alarming behaviours, PSD is committed to tackling these challenges by adopting a Car Parking Code of Conduct. This approach is critical to ensure we have a respectful flow of traffic alongside our local businesses, and that car-parking activities guarantee the safety of our children.
We ask all PSD families adhere to:
- Please be respectful of others, our children are watching how we deal with momentary challenges with patience and consideration
- Slow down! For the safety of our children. There are many young children coming in and out of the building.
- The car park is a shared car park with other tenants using it as well, please be mindful and respectful of this. Our fellow property owners have as much right to be using the car park as we do so, we ask you to please be courteous and respectful at all times. At times our neighbours require access to their facilities for trucks due to the nature of their businesses. This is not frequent and we kindly ask that you oblige by moving your car if requested to do so.
- Foul language in the car park is unnecessary and will not be tolerated. Please refer to our PSD Code of Conduct if you are unclear about our expectations.
- Do not under any circumstances enter or park in the car parking bays across the road. This is not our property and the owners of those buildings have specifically requested those bays be used only by their staff.
- Do not park in the middle of the road waiting for your child to come out from class. This obstructs other people needing to park and turn their cars around.
- There is plenty of street parking and the Bunnings carpark is a short walk away.
- There is plenty of street parking on Merino Street, Thamer Street and Bunnings. Please make use of this.
- Failure to adhere to our Car parking Code of Conduct may result in the withdrawal of your student from PSD or the issue of a Parking Charge Notice by local authorities:
These requests must be observed when parking in and around PSD. There is plenty of space in surrounding areas for us to all access with ease and safety. Unlike other dance studios in more built up locations beyond the Southern Peninsula, we are fortunate here to have a number of nearby parking options. The safety if our students, children and staff is of paramount importance, and we respectfully ask you to communicate our Car parking Code of Conduct to any other parties who may be dropping off or collecting your child.
General
- It is expected that students are punctual to classes.
- Please advise the office (phone or email) if the student is going to be absent due to illness, injury, holidays, school camp etc.
- No gum, jewellery (except for stud or sleeper earrings), watches or mobile phones are permitted in class. Jewellery and watches have been known to cause injuries and abrasions in the past. All valuables should be left at home.
- Whilst all reasonable care is taken, to the extent permitted by law PSD is not liable for students outside of scheduled classes or the immediate premises. Parents of junior and younger middle school students are asked to pick children up from inside the studio, rather than asking students to wait unsupervised in the car park.
- Parents and students are asked to take particular care and be respectful of our facilities. Bins are provided for rubbish please make sure you use them!
Student Class Placements
Careful placement of students in classes at an appropriate level is taken very seriously. It is extremely important to the proper development and safety of the student. The final placement of student is at the discretion of the Principal.
Examinations & Assessments
Examinations and assessments are offered for students through Cecchetti Ballet Australia and the Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD). Examinations and/or assessments are not compulsory but are encouraged as they offer the student a goal to work towards. Ballet students from Grade 2 onwards must take a minimum of 2 classes per week if they wish to participate in examinations. Students will be entered for examinations at the discretion of the Principal.
Grooming
Students must be dressed in the correct uniform at all times. Beginners are requested to obtain school dancewear as soon as possible. It is expected that students arrive in and depart the ballet school premises in appropriate attire (e.g. tracksuit) and not in their ballet school uniform.
Grooming is an essential part of a student’s training. It encourages good deportment, enables students to be able to turn correctly without hair flicking in the eyes and is essential for teachers to be able to observe correct placement of the head and shoulders. To this end it is expected that:
- ALL female classical students wear a bun. If Petite Dancers are unable to maintain a bun, hair must still be off the face (e.g. Using an appropriate headband).
- ALL male students maintain a hairstyle that does not fall into the eyes.
- ALL female Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, Song & Dance students are to wear a ponytail or bun without any loose fringes or tendrils hanging in across the face.
Performances
All students are offered the opportunity to participate in the Annual Performance. Students wishing to participate must commit to attending additional rehearsals during term 4. All students must attend the dress rehearsals, and be available for all performances.
It is etiquette for students to inform the Principal of their participation in any productions or performances outside of the PSD. Students must not perform choreography taught at the school without seeking prior permission from the Principal. All rights in such choreography vest in PSD.
Costume Hire
Costume hire will be billed during term 3 and can be paid in instalments or in a lump sum. Costume Hire Accounts MUST be settled prior to the end of Term 3. The costume levy covers the extensive preparation, sewing, purchasing and laundering of costumes and accessories required for the annual performance.
Parent viewing policy
Whilst the PSD does not have a closed door, parents are asked to not to view classes, aside from prearranged Open Days. Students become distracted by parents and therefore do not gain the full benefit of the class. Parent distractions can also affect the entire dynamic of the class so your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.
We welcome all parents to watch the first class. We believe parents/guardians have to be 100% happy and comfortable with how we teach and interact with our students before deciding whether or not we are the right school for them.
Our reception area Merino Street includes a CCTV system and all studios can be viewed via a TV screen. The screen will not be on during dance examinations, auditions and scholarship days.
Sometimes the process can take a little longer to settle in pre-school children, we understand this completely and you will not be rushed out of the room! Once your child is happily settled we do ask that parents leave the room to allow for the smooth running of our classes.
Parents of children in Petite Stars (toddler class) are required to stay and actively support their little dancer in class.
If you are in the room with your child in any class, we kindly ask that you remain quiet and do not answer phone calls. Keeping the attention and focus of our students is our main priority.
Open Days
Parents, family and friends are invited to watch classes generally once per term (except for Term 4). Dates will be set by the Principal and a notice will be sent out accordingly.
PSD’s liability
To the extent permitted by law and without limiting your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, our liability is limited to (at our option):
- the supplying of the service(s) again; or
- the payment of the cost of having the service(s) supplied again.
Failure to comply with these terms and conditions
In the event of any failure to comply with any of the terms, conditions, codes or policies referred to on this page, PSD reserves the right to cancel the student’s enrolment and in this situation any fees paid or payable will not be refunded.