These policies apply to all students and families enrolled at McAleer Dance School (MDS). Enrolment constitutes agreement to all policies outlined below.

1. Permissions & Publications
By enrolling at McAleer Dance School, families acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information necessary to implement the school’s rules, regulations, and policies.
Permission is granted for student names, competition results, and photographs to be used in:
Official programs and publications
Newsletters
Websites
Social media platforms
This content may be used for promotional or other lawful purposes directly related to McAleer Dance School.

2. Dance at Your Own Risk
Participation in dance classes involves physical activity and carries an inherent risk of injury.
The teaching team takes great care to provide a safe class structure with a strong focus on correct technique and dancer wellbeing. By enrolling, students and parents acknowledge this risk and agree that McAleer Dance School and its instructors are not liable for injuries sustained during classes, rehearsals, performances, competitions, or events.

3. Fees & Payments

Tuition Payments
Families are responsible for full term tuition fees of the current term they are enrolled in.
Fees are billed via AutoPay
AutoPay enrolment is mandatory for all families
Payments are debited either:
In full on the Friday prior to the start of each term, or
Weekly on Fridays, commencing the Friday prior to the start of term

Processing Fees
A 2.7% processing fee applies to all transactions.
Example: a $20.00 tuition fee will result in a $20.54 debit.

Payment Conditions
Payment plans cannot be paused for holidays, absences, or travel
Tuition fees are non-refundable, except in cases of:
Prolonged illness
Serious injury
Family relocation
(Documentation is required)

Additional Charges
Additional fees may apply for:
Enrolment fees
Private or semi-private lessons
Workshops and rehearsals
Costumes
Exams
Competitions and events

Updating Payment Details
Families may update payment details at any time via the Parent Portal.

4. Make-Up Classes
Missed classes due to illness or personal reasons are not refundable
Students may attend up to two make-up classes per term, subject to availability
Make-up classes must be taken within the same term as the missed class
Make-up classes are not guaranteed and are dependent on space and scheduling
No refunds will be issued if a suitable make-up class is unavailable

5. Communication
Paper-Free Policy
All communication and documentation is provided via:
Email
Parent Portal
2026 Communication App
Private Facebook Group
Text Message

Parent Responsibilities
Parents/guardians are responsible for:
Ensuring a current and functioning email address is on file
Regularly checking emails and text messages
Ensuring McAleer Dance School communications are not filtered to Junk or Spam

Communication Channels
Email (primary): office@mcaleeririshdance.com.au
Facebook: Updates shared via the private group
Text messages: Used when required
2026 App: Central communication platform

Absences
Absences must be reported via the Parent Portal.
Teacher Availability
Teachers are not available to meet with parents or take calls during class times. Meetings with Miss Fiona must be arranged via email.

6. Competitions & Exams
Tuition fees must be up to date for competition or exam entries to be processed
Students must purchase or hire costumes that meet standards set by the Principal Teacher
All dancers and families must demonstrate sportsmanship and respectful behaviour at competitions and events
Teachers will attend competitions where possible
Championship dancers must be prepared to warm up and perform independently if a teacher is unavailable

7. Studio, Parking & Supervision
Independence
With the exception of Tiny Jig, parents are encouraged to leave students in the care of McAleer Dance School for the duration of their class to support independence and focus.

Studio Access
Our waiting room opens 15 minutes prior to the first class of each day. Please do not enter the waiting toom until this time.
Studios are closed to spectators
Only enrolled students and teaching staff are permitted in studio spaces
Friends, siblings, and visitors are not permitted in studios
Tiny Jig classes are exempt from the closed-class policy

Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Students must be dropped off at the designated arrival time
Students must be collected promptly at the end of class

Parking
Families must use marked parking bays only and comply with all street parking signage at all times.

8. Uniform Policy
Students must wear the approved McAleer Dance School uniform to all classes unless otherwise advised.

9. Respectful Behaviour & Zero Tolerance Policy
McAleer Dance School maintains high standards of behaviour for students and families.
Bullying, harassment, gossip, or negative behaviour—by students or parents—will not be tolerated
All reports of inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously and addressed promptly
Breaches of this policy may result in:
A formal warning
Suspension from classes or events
Expulsion from McAleer Dance School without refund
Concerns must be raised respectfully and directly with Miss Fiona.

10. Social Networking & Internet Policy
Families and students are expected to act responsibly and respectfully online.
Personal blogs or social media accounts must state that views expressed are personal and do not represent McAleer Dance School
Respect must be shown toward the school, its staff, students, families, and associated organisations at all times
Teachers, students, or families must not be named, referenced, or discussed without express consent
Copyright laws must be followed and sources credited appropriately
McAleer Dance School logos, branding, and trademarks may not be used without written permission
Breaches of this policy may be treated as a breach of the Respectful Behaviour Policy.

11. Code of Conduct
McAleer Dance School promotes teamwork, effort, respect, and healthy competition.
Teachers encourage each student to achieve their personal best in a positive environment
Parents are expected to model respectful behaviour and healthy attitudes toward competition
Jealousy, comparison, or negative commentary between students is not acceptable
Students should not bring valuables to the studio; McAleer Dance School is not responsible for lost or stolen items
Respect for others in the classroom is essential; voices should remain at a quiet conversational level during classes

Policy Acknowledgement
By enrolling at McAleer Dance School, families confirm they have read, understood, and agree to comply with all policies outlined above