2025 ENROLMENT POLICY FOR THE McALEER DANCE SCHOOL

Permissions and Publications
By enrolling at McAleer Dance School (MDS), I acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information necessary to implement the school’s rules, regulations, and policies. I grant permission for results, names, and photos to be used in official programs, newsletters, social media platforms and websites for the promotion of the school or other lawful purposes related to McAleer Dance School.


Dance at Your Own Risk
Participation in dance classes involves physical activity and carries an inherent risk of injury. The teaching team take great care to provide a class structure, that includes a focus on safe and proper technique. 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, or events.


Fees
• Tuition Payments: Parents/Guardians are responsible for tuition payments, billed weekly through our AutoPay system. AutoPay setup is required at enrolment. Payments are automatically debited from the nominated card or bank account each Friday morning.
• Processing Fee: A 2.7% processing fee applies to each transaction. For example, a $20 tuition fee will result in a $20.54 debit.
• Non-Paused Payment Plans: Payment plans cannot be paused for vacations or holidays. Families may:
o Cancel enrolment and re-enrol upon return, subject to an re-enrolment fee of $65
o or
o Remain enrolled and continue payments.
• Non-Refundable Payments: Class fees are non-refundable except for cases of prolonged illness, serious injury, or family relocation, supported by documentation.
• Additional Charges: Extra fees apply for enrolment, private lessons, rehearsals, workshops, costumes, exams, and competitions.
• Updating Payment Details: Families can update payment information via the Parent Portal at any time.


Make-Up Classes
• Missed Classes: Missed classes due to sickness or personal reasons are not refundable.
• Make-Up Classes: Students may attend up to two make-up classes per term, subject to availability, within the same term as the missed class.
• No Guaranteed Availability: Make-up classes are offered based on space and scheduling, and fees will not be refunded if a convenient class is unavailable.


Communication
• Paper-Free Policy: All documents are emailed and available via the Parent Portal or our private Facebook group.
• Parent Responsibilities:
o Ensure a current, functioning email address is on file.
o Check emails and text messages regularly and ensure McAleer Dance School emails are not directed to Junk Mail.
• Communication Channels:
o Email: Primary form of contact (office@mcaleeririshdance.com.au). Replies are sent within 48 hours.
o Facebook: Updates are shared in our private group.
o Text Messages: Sent as needed.
• Absences: Notify the school of absences through the Parent Portal.
• Teacher Availability: Teachers cannot take calls during class times. Schedule meetings with Miss Fiona via email or text.


Competitions and Exams
• Tuition fees must be up-to-date for competition and exam entries to be processed.
• Students must purchase or hire costumes meeting the standards set by the Principal.
• All participants must demonstrate sportsmanship and respectful behaviour during events.
• Teachers will attend competitions when possible, to support dancers. Championship dancers should prepare to warm up and perform independently if necessary.


Studio and Car Park
• Closed Classes: Classes are closed to spectators. If a child requires parental supervision, they may not yet be ready for class. Tiny Jig classes are exempt from this policy.
• Drop-Off and Pick-Up:
o Drop children off at the specified arrival time.
o Collect children promptly at the end of class.
• Independence: Parents are encouraged to leave students in the care of the school during class.
• Studio Access: Only students and teachers are allowed in studios. Friends and siblings are not permitted.
• Uniform Policy: Students must wear the approved uniform.
• Parking: Use marked bays only and adhere to street parking signs.
• Respectful Behaviour: Bullying or negative behaviour from students or parents is not tolerated. Concerns should be addressed directly with Miss Fiona.
• Zero Tolerance Policy: Families engaging in gossip or negative behaviour will be asked to leave the school.


Social Networking and Internet Policy
• Personal blogs and social media pages must include disclaimers that views expressed are personal and not representative of McAleer Dance School.
• Maintain respect for the school, its staff, students, parents, and associated organizations in all online interactions.
• Do not reference or cite teachers, students, or families without express consent.
• Comply with copyright laws and credit sources appropriately.
• McAleer Dance School logos and trademarks may not be used without written permission.


Code of Conduct
• McAleer Dance School promotes teamwork and healthy competition. Teachers encourage each student to achieve their personal best, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
• Parents should encourage a healthy competitive attitude, avoiding jealousy among students. Families are expected to model this behaviour.
• Students should not bring valuables to the studio. McAleer Dance School is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Respect for one another in the classroom is paramount. Voices should be kept to a quiet conversation during classes.


By adhering to these policies, we aim to create a respectful, supportive, and professional environment for all members of the McAleer Dance School community.