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REVISED CHILD SAFE POLICY 2025

Our Commitment
At Riga Victoria Dance Academy (RVDA), the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people is paramount. We are committed to creating a child-safe environment, where every child feels valued, respected, and safe from harm. This commitment extends to all children, regardless of their cultural background, including Aboriginal children, children with disabilities, and children of diverse beliefs.
Our Core Principles
• Right to Safety: All children have the right to feel and be safe.
• Zero Tolerance: RVDA has a zero tolerance for child abuse.
• Child Protection is Everyone's Responsibility: Every member of the RVDA community plays a role in protecting children.
• Best Interests of the Child: The best interests of the child will always be our primary consideration.
Compliance with Victorian Child Safe Standards
This policy adheres to the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards:
1. Establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected:
- RVDA is committed to creating a culturally safe environment. We will actively seek to understand and respect the cultural backgrounds of all children, particularly Aboriginal children, and incorporate culturally sensitive practices.
- We will ensure our resources and programs are inclusive and reflect the diversity of our community.

2. Child safety and wellbeing are embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture:
- Our Principal is the designated Child Safety Officer and provides leadership in child safety matters and committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment.
- Child safety is a standing agenda item in relevant meetings.
- This policy is regularly reviewed and updated.
3. Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously:
- We will create opportunities for children to express their views and participate in decisions that affect them.
- We will actively listen to children's concerns and take them seriously.
- We will educate children about their right to feel safe and how to report any concerns.

4. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing:
- This Child Safe Policy is readily available to families and the community on Studio Pro and our website.
- We will communicate regularly with families about child safety matters.
- We encourage open communication and feedback from families.
5. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice:
- We will ensure our policies and practices are inclusive and equitable, addressing the diverse needs of all children, including those with disabilities and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- We will take into account the diverse needs of all children when planning activities and have classes which address and support individual needs.
6. Staff and volunteers are suitable and supported to prioritise child safety and wellbeing:
- All staff and volunteers who work with children must have a valid Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) membership or a Working with Children Check (WWCC) or its equivalent.
- We provide ongoing training and support staff and volunteers on child safety matters. Training will cover relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
- We have clear procedures for employment and screening of staff and volunteers.
7. Processes for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse are child-focused and clear:
- Believing and Validating: Our first priority is to listen to the child or young person without judgment. We use open-ended questions, offer comfort, and ensure the child or young person feels safe and heard. We will never "investigate" or press for details, but rather provide a supportive space for them to share.

- Immediate Protective Action: Any suspicion of child abuse will be reported immediately to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Child Protection Crisis Line (13 12 78) or, in life-threatening situations, to 000. The child's immediate physical and emotional safety is our primary concern during this transition.

- Internal Support: The Principal must be notified immediately by staff or RVDA members to ensure the school can provide a protective "wrap-around" environment for the child while the report is handled.

- Sensitive Documentation: An Incident Report will be completed and documented with care, focusing on factual observations and the child’s own words, ensuring their "voice" is accurately represented in the record.

- Holistic Support: We provide ongoing emotional support to the child involved and extend support to any staff member making a report, recognizing that a safe community requires everyone to feel empowered and cared for.


8. Children and young people’s safety is prioritised through knowledge, skills and awareness of staff and volunteers:
- Ensuring children’s safety is a core consideration in all our organsational planning and practices.
- Staff and leadership systematically assess potential risks and implement robust safety measures across all activities and environments children engage with.
- Staff are given guidance supporting children through a range of issues regarding child safety.

9. We promote the safety and wellbeing of children in physical and online environments:
- Creating a safe environment for children is central to our organisational planning and practice. We achieve this by consistently assessing potential risks and implementing strategies across all aspects of our operations and the spaces children engage with.
- We will promote safe online practices and when used, educate children about online safety.
- We will monitor online interactions related to RVDA activities.
- We have clear guidelines regarding the use of social media and online communication, outlined in our parent/student policy.

10. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and improved:
- This Child Safe Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practice.
- Feedback from our students, families, and the wider community is welcomed and plays a key role in our ongoing review process.

11. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people
- Staff are aware of the policies and procedures of child safety through the documents and relevant meetings
- The Child Safety Officer (the Principal) is responsible for ensuring that all documentation adheres to safe practices



PRIVACY POLICY
Riga Victoria Dance Academy (RVDA) is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Victorian Health Records Act 2001.

1. Information : We collect personal and sensitive information to safely conduct dance classes and business operations. This includes: personal Information, student and parent names, addresses, contact details and dates of birth.

Health Information: Medical conditions, injuries, and allergies to ensure student safety during physical activity.

2. Use and Disclosure: We only use your information for the primary purpose of providing dance tuition and related services.

Staff Access: RVDA staff are granted access only to information necessary to perform their roles (e.g., emergency contacts for teachers). All staff are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.

Third Parties: We use Studio Pro as our secure data processor. We do not sell or trade your data.

Legal Requirements: We will only disclose information to third parties with your consent, or if required by law (e.g., law enforcement or public health orders).

3. Data Security and Retention: We take reasonable steps to protect information from misuse, interference, loss, or unauthorised access. We retain information only as long as necessary for business or legal purposes; once no longer required, it is securely destroyed or de-identified.

4. Your Rights: Access and Correction Under Australian law: you have the right to access and correct the personal information we hold.

Updates: Please keep your details current via the Studio Pro Parent Portal.

Requests: Formal access requests can be made to doatesrvda@gmail.com. We aim to respond within 30 days.

5. Communication and Opt-Out: RVDA uses email/SMS via Studio Pro for essential safety and operational updates (class changes, exam deadlines, etc.). While you may unsubscribe from marketing materials, opting out of the system emails/sms may result in missing critical information, including safety information..

6. Queries and Complaints If you have concerns about how your data is handled, please contact the Principal, in writing at doatesrvda@gmail.com. If a complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner.

Revised 2025 Code of Conduct
Our Community Philosophy: At Riga Victoria Dance Academy (RVDA), we are a family of dancers. We welcome people of all abilities and backgrounds into a nurturing and encouraging environment. We are committed to rigorous education in the art of dance while prioritising the safety, dignity, and enjoyment of every member.

The RVDA Standard: Respect is our central pillar. It must be modeled by students, teachers, parents, and carers alike. To maintain our positive studio culture, all members of the RVDA community agree to:
• Respectful Interaction: Treat all staff, parents, and students with kindness and respect at all times.
• Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Bullying, harassment, coercion, or the intentional isolation of any member (including via social media or gossip) is not tolerated and will be addressed immediately.
• Cultural Safety (Standard 1): Actively support a culturally safe environment. We have zero tolerance for racism. The diverse identities and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and those from all cultural backgrounds, are respected and valued.
• Professional Integrity: Discuss concerns directly with the Principal, rather than engaging in gossip or general criticism of other parents, students, or teachers. Uphold the integrity of RVDA when representing the studio in public or online.
• Studio Pride: Wear the correct uniform/attire and show respect for our environment by keeping the studio and waiting areas neat and tidy.
• "Health First" culture: We celebrate what bodies can do, not what they look like. Discussions regarding weight or restrictive dieting are not permitted within the studio.
• Inclusion: Uphold the rights and dignity of every member regardless of gender, ability, cultural background, or religion.

Conflict Resolution In the event of a disagreement or breach of this Code:
1. Discussion: A resolution will first be discussed with the Principal to find a positive way forward.
2. Formal Review: If the issue is ongoing, a formal meeting will be held to outline required changes.
3. Termination: As a last resort, if a resolution cannot be reached and the safety or culture of the studio remains at risk, RVDA reserves the right to revoke registration. This is to ensure the wellbeing of our entire dance family.

• Revised 2025 RVDA Uniform & Grooming Policy
- Safety & Alignment: The RVDA uniform (leotard, tights, jazz/cargo pants, etc.) is required for every class. This allows teachers to clearly see body alignment and muscle engagement, ensuring all students dance safely and avoid injury.

- Genre Transitions: When moving between genres (e.g., Jazz to Classical), the base uniform may be used with adjustments as directed by the teacher.

- Inclusion: We welcome students of all backgrounds. If you require modifications to the uniform for cultural, religious, or sensory reasons, please speak with the Director so we can find a safe and comfortable solution together.

- Professionalism: Jeans and baggy t-shirts are not appropriate for class as they hide the body's movement and can be a tripping hazard.

- Arrival & Departure (Safety Rule): RVDA outer wear should be worn over your uniform when traveling to and from the studio. For your safety and privacy, students must not arrive or leave the studio in their dance uniform alone.

- Hair & Grooming: Long hair must be pulled back and secured off the neck and face. This ensures clear vision and prevents hair from interfering with turns and jumps.

- Jewellery & Safety: For the safety of yourself and others, no dangling or chunky jewellery or watches are to be worn in class.

- Assessments & Exams: No jewellery or nail polish is permitted during exams or performances. If jewellery cannot be removed (e.g., new piercings), it must be covered with skin-toned tape or a band-aid.

- Footwear Hygiene: Correct dance footwear must be worn in every class. To protect our professional dance floors and your feet, dance shoes must never be worn outside. Hip Hop dancers must have a dedicated pair of "indoor-only" sneakers that are not worn for any other activities.

• Fees & Payments: Term fees are due on the first studio day of each term. A fixed late fee of $25 is applied ten days after the due date to cover administrative costs. Please allow for bank transfer processing times.
• Refund Policy: Refunds or credits are not available for "change of mind" or student absence. In accordance with Australian Consumer Law, refunds will only be provided in the event of a major service failure that cannot be rectified.
• Trial Classes: One free trial class is available for new students. If the student continues, the remainder of the term fees or a casual rate must be paid immediately.
• Registration: A non-refundable yearly Registration Fee applies to all students to cover insurance and licensing. New families are also required to pay a one-time Enrolment Fee.
• Travel Policy: If a student travels overseas prior to a performance, 25% of the term fee is required to hold their place in the choreography and class.
• Specialty Payments: Levies, Sitting Fees, Production Fees, and Costume payments are non-refundable once committed to third-party suppliers, except where required by consumer law.
• Sibling Discount: A 10% sibling discount is available for families with 2+ children. To access this incentive, payment must be received by the due date. Payments made after the due date will revert to the standard full rate.
(Note: Payment plans may available by arrangement with the Principal, ideally at the start of the year).
• Boys' Scholarship: Boys are offered 50% off tuition fees for their first term of tuition. This is a standalone scholarship and cannot be combined with sibling discounts or other offers.

Revised 2025 Liability & Release Agreement
Risk Warning and Waiver of Liability

1. Acknowledgement of Risk: I understand that dance is a physical activity and that participation in classes, workshops, rehearsals, or performances involves a risk of physical injury. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with such participation.

2. Waiver and Release: To the full extent permitted by law (including the Australian Consumer Law and the Victorian Wrongs Act 1958), I agree to release and hold harmless Riga Victoria Dance Academy (RVDA), its Principal, staff, and contractors from any liability for personal injury or damage arising from participation, except where such injury is caused by the gross negligence of RVDA.

3. Personal Property: RVDA is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property brought onto the premises. We recommend that students leave valuables at home and label all dance gear clearly.

4. Behaviour and Responsibility: I agree to abide by the RVDA Code of Conduct and facility rules. I accept full responsibility for my/my child’s behaviour and agree to indemnify RVDA for any damage caused to the facilities or equipment by myself or my child through reckless or intentional misconduct.

5. Medical Care: In the event of an emergency, I authorize RVDA staff to obtain medical assistance or ambulance transport at my expense, if I am unable to be reached.

I have read and understood this release and agree that my child dances at their own risk in a supportive and supervised environment.

RVDA Integrated Media & Device Policy

1. Purpose & Studio Focus To ensure a safe, distraction-free, and respectful learning environment, RVDA operates as a "Digital-Safe Zone." This policy is designed to protect our students' focus, our teachers' intellectual property, and the professional "flow" of our dance education.

2. Personal Devices (The "Off & Away" Rule)
- Storage: All mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches must be switched to silent or "Do Not Disturb" and stored inside dance bags upon entering the studio.

- Studio Floor: No personal devices are permitted on the studio floor. They must remain in bags/dressing rooms unless a teacher has granted express permission for a specific educational or rehearsal purpose.

- Emergency Access: If a parent needs to reach a student urgently during class, please contact the Principal/Studio Office directly via 0419507204. Students are not permitted to check devices for messages during class time.

3. Filming & Photography (Conduct & Intellectual Property)
- Authorised Recording: Photography and filming by students or parents are strictly prohibited unless a class teacher explicitly invites students to record a routine for at-home rehearsal purposes only.

- Intellectual Property (IP): All choreography taught at RVDA is the intellectual property of the academy. It may not be shared, taught elsewhere, or uploaded to public platforms (including YouTube or personal websites) without written consent.

- Social Media Distinction: * Official RVDA Content: Managed exclusively by staff. We encourage families to celebrate our community by re-sharing content from the official RVDA accounts.

- Personal/Student Content: Any footage recorded by students (with permission) is for private rehearsal use only. To protect the safety of all children, student-recorded footage MUST NOT be shared on personal social media (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, etc.) if it features other students in the background.

4. Zero-Tolerance Safety Zones
- Private Areas: The use of cameras, phones, or any recording device is strictly forbidden in change rooms, bathrooms, and dressing areas.

- Digital Integrity: Using devices to bully, gossip about, or isolate any member of the RVDA community is a breach of our Code of Conduct.

- Breach of Policy: Unauthorised filming or sharing of footage is a serious violation of studio trust. RVDA reserves the right to require the immediate deletion of footage and may revoke studio membership for policy breaches.

Mission & Vision Statement
Our Mission
To provide rigorous, excellent-class dance training through exemplary teaching practices that empower every student to reach their absolute personal best. We achieve this through:
-Structured Progression: Using recognised syllabi and methodical repetition to build an unbreakable technical foundation.
-Engaging Pedagogy: Utilising skilled and dedicated teachers who deliver our curriculum in a varied, engaging, and high-energy format.
-Inclusive Excellence: Creating a nurturing environment that allows every student to thrive, regardless of their starting ability or physique.

Our Strategic Aims
-Technical Parity: We ensure our teaching is sufficiently rigorous so that proficiency remains at the highest possible level, whether a student is studying for lifelong recreation or to further pursue a professional career.
-The Pursuit of Excellence: We inspire and challenge students to strive for excellence in every class, pushing beyond their comfort zones to reach their peak.
-Physical Mastery: We focus on the development of physical fitness, mobility, fluidity of movement, along with coordination, and posture, with a specific emphasis on refining both fine and gross motor skills.
-Cognitive Discipline: We cultivate concentration, focus, and self-discipline—essential skills for success in the studio and as a foundation for the student's future beyond dance.
-Artistic Passion: We foster a deep, enduring love for dance and the unique thrill of live performance.
-Professional Stagecraft: We train students for the stage in a professional manner, instilling the etiquette, presence, and standards required for public performance.
-The RVDA Family: We intentionally encourage friendship and teamwork, maintaining a supportive community where every member is valued.

Our Vision
To foster a "Whole-Person" approach to dance education, where the core values learned in the studio—discipline, focus, and excellence—become the blueprint for our students' success in life, both on and off the stage.

Revised 2025 RVDA Class Viability & Scheduling Policy

RVDA Class Viability & Scheduling Policy

- Class Minimums & Viability To ensure a high-quality learning environment and the operational viability of our programs, classes generally require a minimum of 5–7 students to run.

- Cancellations: If a class does not meet minimum numbers, it may be cancelled. In this event, families will be offered a choice between a full refund for the remaining classes or a transfer into an alternative class.

- Small Group Tuition: Under specific negotiation with the Principal, a class with low numbers may continue to run if the participating families agree to a revised "Small Group Rate." This rate is calculated based on our standard Private Tuition Fee scales.

- Schedule Changes & Performance Rehearsals As we move toward performance seasons (specifically the end-of-year performance), the studio schedule will be adjusted to accommodate necessary rehearsals.

- Schedule Flexibility: While we aim to keep classes as close to the original start-of-year schedule as possible, some times may shift or additional rehearsal slots may be added. We endeavor to provide families with as much notice as possible regarding these changes.

- Rehearsal Fees: Some additional rehearsals are provided at no extra cost to parents, while others (such as intensive production rehearsals) may incur a separate fee.

- Principal’s Discretion: To maintain the artistic standards and safety of our productions, all class times and schedules are subject to change at the Principal’s discretion.

We thank our families for their flexibility and support in making our performances a success.

Revised 2025 RVDA Studio Rules & Safety Protocols

1. Studio Etiquette & Environment
- Class Focus: Please do not interrupt a class in session. Only students are permitted in the dancing space to ensure a safe, non-disruptive environment.

- Nutrition & Hygiene: Only water is permitted in the studios. No food, sugary drinks, or chewing gum are allowed.

- Smoke-Free Zone: RVDA is a smoke-free, vape-free, and alcohol-free environment.

2. Supervision & Child Safety (Standard 7)
- Sibling Safety: The safety of every child is our priority. Siblings and visitors must be supervised by a carer at all times and are not permitted to run in waiting rooms or hallways.

- Drop-off/Pick-up: Please collect your child promptly. RVDA does not provide child-minding services, as teachers are engaged in active instruction.

- Toileting: Primary and pre-school students should use the bathroom before class. Students must never go to the toilet alone; they must inform the teacher, and parents of younger children should remain on-site if their child requires assistance.

-RVDA Premises & Off-Site
Students must not leave the studio during class without express permission. To ensure the safety of our dancers, under-18s are strictly prohibited from leaving the premises (e.g., to visit local shops) except under the following conditions:

- The 13+ Rule: In accordance with VicRoads safety guidelines, research indicates that children under the age of 11–12 generally do not have the cognitive skills or experience to judge the speed and distance of traffic accurately. Consequently, RVDA does not permit any student under the age of 13 to leave the premises unsupervised.

- Waiver Requirement: Students aged 13 and over may only leave the premises if a 2025 Permanent Off-Premises Waiver has been signed by a parent and is held on file by the Principal.

- Sign-In/Out Protocol: Eligible students must personally sign-out with their supervising teacher upon departure and sign-in immediately upon their return.

- Suspension of Duty of Care By granting permission for a student to leave the premises, parents and guardians acknowledge that RVDA’s Duty of Care is suspended the moment the student exits the studio doors. The Academy accepts no responsibility for the conduct, safety, or well-being of students once they are in the public domain.


3. Communication & Professional Boundaries
- Official Channels Only: To protect the privacy of our staff and ensure clear records, students and parents must not contact teachers via personal phone, social media, or private email.

- Escalation: All concerns should be directed to the Principal, Deborah Oates immediately via official studio channels.

- Gossip-Free Zone: We promote a culture of respect. We ask that all community members speak positively about teachers, students, and other dance schools.


4. Conduct & Respect
- Zero Tolerance: Physical or verbal abuse, inappropriate language, or bullying will not be tolerated. Such behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the premises and the Academy.

- Property: RVDA is not responsible for lost items. We recommend bringing valuables into the studio or leaving them at home.


5. Progress, Exams & Casting
- Grading Criteria: Participation in examinations and assessments is at the discretion of the Principal. Decisions are based on technical proficiency, physical development, emotional readiness, and cognitive level. While parent input is valued, placements are made to ensure the student's long-term safety and success, rather than social preference.

- Performance Casting: Casting decisions made by the Principal and are final. Once roles and schedules are published, no further discussion will be entered into.


6. Transitions & Uniform
- Arrival/Departure: Students must arrive in the correct uniform (with outer wear over the top) and depart promptly at the end of class to allow for safe, efficient transitions between groups.