Terms & Conditions

By enrolling your child at PPA, you agree to the below terms and conditions.

Fees

·      Terms are paid in full, regardless of children missing classes for any reasons.

·       All fees are due within 14 days of the commencement of each Term. This includes a $15 annual registration fee for every student at the start of their first term.

·       Failure to pay within this period will incur a $20 late fee. Failure to pay the outstanding fees and the late fee within another 7 days, will result in a second late fee.

·       If fees are still outstanding by week 5 of the Term, students will be asked to sit and watch class until full payment is received.

·       All fees are non-refundable. If your child’s fees continue to remain outstanding your account will be forwarded to our debt collection agency for further action. All agency costs will be added to your account.

·       If your child misses classes they are more than welcome to make up classes providing there is a vacancy and they have spoken to a Palms Performing Arts staff member prior to their absence in their regular class. Classes can only be made up within the same term.

- No more than 3 make up classes per child per term.

·       If you are unable to pay fees within the allocated time frame, please contact the office to make arrangements.

·       Fees can be paid via direct deposit or credit card.

Account Details:

Name: Palms Performing Arts

Bank: Commonwealth Bank Of Australia

BSB - 062-692

ACC No. - 44487275

Production Policies

·       All students are required to perform in the end of year production performance.

·       Costume hire for the end of year production will be added to your Term 4 invoice. You must notify the office at commencement of Term 3 if your child is not participating in the concert, otherwise full fees and costume hire will have to be paid.

·       Costumes will not be issued until all accounts are finalised.

·       All hired costumes must be returned to Palms Performing Arts on the night of the concert. Failure to do this will incur the complete cost of the costume.

·       All Competition/Performance Students are required to buy their costume outright. If your child’s costume is hired from Palms Performing Arts, there will be a hire fee.

·       All students are required to attend ALL rehearsals leading up to the concert.

·       To preserve the intellectual property of our creative teachers, all choreography taught by Palms Performing Arts teachers and contract teachers remains the property of Palms Performing Arts and may not be used without written permission.

Other Conditions

·       All students must be appropriately groomed for class and in the correct uniform. This is located on our Uniform List on our website.

·       Classes are closed to parents/family. We have an open week at the end of Term 1 and 2 where you can view your child’s class. Do not enter a studio unless you have spoken to a PPA staff member as it causes distraction to the students.

·       Teachers are only available to supervise your children in the allocated class time inside the studio. We are not responsible for your child outside class times.

·       All students participate in dance activities at their own risk. PPA teachers are not responsible for any injury or accident that may occur during class. Palms Performing Arts strive to provide a safe and caring atmosphere.

·       Physical teaching contact between teachers and students may be necessary at times.

·       All students may be photographed and videoed for use on any advertising material and/or concert DVD

·       Palms Performing Arts has a very high NO Zero Tolerance bullying Policy, which includes social media, verbal or physical. Palms Performing Arts also has in place a zero tolerance to publicly discrediting Palms Performing Arts or any teachers, students, parents and office workers on any public forum. Instant dismissal from PPA, and legal action will commence.

Disclaimer:

·       Participation in Palms Performing Arts can involve the risk of personal injury: While Palms Performing Arts takes all reasonable care in the conduct of its classes, it accepts no responsibility for injury or loss caused during classes or whilst participants are at or near the dance studio.

·       You are responsible for ensuring that your child is physically and medically fit for Palms Performing Arts and during their time at Palms Performing Arts they must take care of their own personal safety at all times.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISKS, INJURY & OBLIGATIONS

I acknowledge that the activity my child is to undertake can be a dangerous activity and that by participating in it they are exposed to certain risks. Palms Performing Arts teachers will do all in their power to avoid any such incident from happening at all times.

I acknowledge and understand that whilst participating in such activity:

a) They may be injured, physically or mentally, or may die
b) Personal property may be lost, stolen or damaged
c) Other persons participating in such activity may cause them injury or may damage their property
d) They may cause injury to other persons or damage their property
e) The conditions in which the activity is conducted may vary without warning
f) They may be injured, die or suffer damage to my property as a result of breaching this contract
g) I assume the risk of and responsibility for any injury, death or property damage resulting from their participation
in the activity.

RELEASE AND INDEMNITY

I participate in the activity at my sole risk and responsibility. I release, indemnify and hold harmless Palms Performing Arts, its teachers and staff, from and against all and any actions or claims which may be made by me or on my behalf or by other parties for or in respect of or arising out of any injury, loss, damage or death caused to me or my property whether by negligence, breach of contract or in any way whatsoever.

PALMS PERFORMING ARTS POLICIES

FREE TRIAL LESSON POLICY
Individuals will only be permitted to try a free class, if the class has vacancies. 
Places will only be held for 7 days in the lead up to participating in the free trial class.
Individuals will only be permitted to try a free class, if the class is deemed suitable for them by Palms Performing Arts staff. This will be in accordance with the students age and/or experience.

ENROLMENT POLICY
Any student wishing to enrol at Palms Performing Arts first complete a registration form. This form is available on our website, www.palmsperformingarts.com.au

Participation in a class is not available until a registration form as been completed, received, and processed by our office. Enrolment is valid for one calendar year only. A new registration form must be completed to commence classes in a new calendar year.

Students will be allocated to the most suitable class level and age group according to PPA standards.

Where a class has reached maximum capacity, students will be placed on the waiting list. 

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to update PPA with any changes to personal information that was previously provided on their registration form.

AUDITION POLICY
Students may apply for entry into the Eisteddfod Team at Palms Performing Arts.
Suitable students will be offered an audition.
Audition dates and times are set out by PPA.

Auditions will provide staff with the opportunity to evaluate the student and therefore determine the most suitable class level for the student. 

Successful students will be enrolled for one calendar year only. Students must re-apply annually.
Successful candidates may be placed onto the waiting list, if the required program level is full.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Parents/guardians are responsible for communicating absences with PPA office.
The PPA office must be notified in advance if a student is going to be absent from class. This can be done by emailing contact@palmsperformingarts.com or calling 0412 215 295.
Eisteddfod students are expected to attend all classes. When notifying of an absence, a reason must also be given. 
Where a student is injured, they are expected to attend the class to observe. 
Students who do not attend regularly may be withdrawn from classes, sections of routines, or routines entirely.
Students should not engage in external activities that may affect their ability to attend their PPA classes.
Attendance at compulsory rehearsals is compulsory. Where a student does not attend without prior discussion, they may be withdrawn from the group, class, and/or routine.
Attendance for eisteddfod performances and competitions is mandatory. When a competition or performance is missed, the student will be withdrawn from the routine, class and/or group immediately.

If a student needs to depart their class earlier than the allocated time, this must be discussed with the teacher before the class commences. No student will be allowed to leave the class early if prior communication has not been made, as this can be disruptive to other students and class flow.

FEE POLICY
All fees are inclusive of GST.
Fees are advertised on the PPA website.
A tax invoice will be issued to each family in term 2,3 & 4 and must be paid before commencement of the term.
Fees are invoiced by the term. The full term invoice must be paid, regardless of the number of classes the student wishes to attend (or actually attends). There will be no refunds, credits, or transfers if the full term isn't completed.
Fees are not refundable nor transferable between students, family member, classes or terms.
Payments can be made using eftpos, credit card, bank transfer or cash.
Where an invoice is 14 days overdue, the student will not be able to participate in classes. Their position in a class will be held for 2 weeks only.

LATENESS POLICY
If a student is a no more than 5 minutes late to class, they expected to apologise to the teacher however still able to participate. The student will be reminded not to be late next time. Should a student be more than 15 minutes late or cause a disturbance to the class with their lateness, they will not be permitted to participate in the class. 
It is appreciated that students/parents advise the PPA office if they are aware that they will be late.
Students who are regularly late to a class, may be advised to withdraw from the class.
Where a student is too late to participate or attend a class, a refund or credit will not be provided.

 
UNIFORM POLICY
The uniform set out by Palms Performing Arts is compulsory for all students, excluding Adult classes. The set uniform must be worn to all classes. This must be purchased within 3 weeks of their enrolment date.
Students, who do not wear the correct uniform to class after this time period, will not be able to patriciate in the class. 
Where the student cannot participate due to not being prepared with the correct uniform, the class will not be refunded or credited.
Parents are to be strongly encouraged to affix name tags to all items of uniform.
All items of uniform are available via the Mystic Soul Dancewear and Embroidery in Forster.
No jewellery may be worn with the exception of small studs.
Hair is to be worn in a bun for Ballet classes, and tied up into a secure pony tail or bun for any other genre. 

PARENT/GUARDIAN-STUDIO COMMUNICATION POLICY
Parents/Guardians must have a valid email address and contact phone number.
Important information, invoices and newsletters will be emailed to the parent, at the provided email address.
It is the responsibility of at least one parent/guardian to read newsletters and emails that are sent from PPA, to keep informed.
The PPA website will include current information, available to parents and guardians.
Communication involving children will be directed to the parent/guardian.
Digital communication should be restricted to studio matters only.
Digital communication must not offend, intimidate, humiliate or bully another person.
Digital communication must not be misleading, false or injure the reputation of another person.

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION POLICY
Communication of concerns or queries must be directed to the PPA office. The appropriate staff member will be contacted, and staff will then respond to the parent.
Teachers are not available during or in-between class time to discuss matters or answer queries.
Parents are encouraged to seek feedback and assessment of their child. The process to do so is to contact our office to request feedback. This can be done by emailing us contact@palmsperformingarts.com. Please do not request feedback more than once every 6 months, unless special circumstances are involved.
Parents and teachers should not seek access to each other’s profiles on social media platforms such as Facebook etc.
Parents and teachers are not to pass out private contact information.
Indecent or inappropriate language or communication by either party must be reported to PPA

STUDENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION POLICY
Students are encouraged to seek feedback and assessment from their teacher. Please understand that the teacher may not be able to dedicate class time to such conversations. Teachers will try their best to accommodate the student’s request or pass information through the PPA office.
Students and teachers should not be communicating privately through social media platforms.
Students and teachers should not communicate via email or phone. All communication should be passed through PPA or take place during class time.
Students and teachers are not to pass out private contact information.
Indecent or inappropriate language or communication by either party must be reported to PPA.

STUDIO LOYALTY, COMMITTMENT & COURTESY POLICY
It is a conflict of interest to attend more than one studio. It is expected that students show 100% loyalty to their studio, teachers and fellow class mates. Students must obtain written permission to participate in external dance classes or events. This excludes those advertised by PPA, where approval is automatic.
Where a student has permission from PPA to participate in an external class, workshop or event, the parent/guardian must ensure that the students can still fulfil their PPA commitments.
Students are permitted to dance at their Primary and Secondary schools, as long as these commitments don't conflict with their PPA commitments or restrict the student from being able to commit 100% to their PPA commitment.

PHOTOGRAPHY/FILMING POLICY
Students/Parents are not permitted to video or photograph classes, students or staff at any time, unless given permission by the staff or individuals involved. Photos of children should not be posted on social media platforms without the permission of the parent/guardian and PPA.
Annual showcase, performance and/or competition videos are not to be posted on public websites such as YouTube or Facebook, without PPA’S permission.
Photography and filming of theatre performances is strictly prohibited.
Backstage may use photographs/videos of the students to promote the academy via flyers, website, social media and advertising. .
Staff are not to film, photograph a student without permission from PPA’s principal. Staff are not permitted to share photographs or videos of students without the permission of PPA and the parent/guardian involved.

Parent/Guardian permission for PPA to post pictures to do with the school is via your child’s registration/enrolment. If you do not agree to this, please send an email to PPA detailing this.

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY
PPA have set up and will maintain safe dance environments for their students. The studio flooring and equipment used enable and ensure safe dance practices.
Appropriate emergency procedures exist, and staff understand the procedures relevant to their location.
PPA staff have the responsibility and authority to ensure that health and safety objectives are achieved. They will identify and eliminate unsafe acts, procedures, conditions, equipment, and hazards of all kinds.
Behaviour from students, parents or visitors that may cause an unsafe environment, will not be tolerated.
It is the responsibility of the student or parent/guardian to inform PPA of any prior or current illnesses or injuries prior to enrolment or prior to class.
In the event of an injury, PPA will administer First Aid treatment by a qualified first aider. If medical services are necessary and an ambulance required, the student/parent will incur the costs. Physical contact may be required.
Parents/Guardians must be responsible for minors before and after class times. PPA will not provide supervision to minors outside of class time.
Students are not to wait outside the premises. No student (under 18 years) is to wait outside or leave the premises unaccompanied by a parent or guardian unless discussed with staff prior.
PPA MUST be notified of any allergies that a student may have. PPA will not be held responsible for allergic reactions outside of class time, however first aid will be provided.
Emergency evacuation maps are located around the premise.
Fire extinguishers, fire hose reels and fire blankets are located within the premises. 
Any student who has been diagnosed by a Medical Practitioner as being at risk of anaphylaxis should bring an EpiPen to class and leave it at reception, labelled with their name. This EpiPen will be administered by a first aider if required, under the instruction of 000 staff if an emergency arises. 

All students under the age of 12 must be in twos when going to the bathroom. 

FOOD, DRINK, ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
Food and/or drink is not permitted in the classrooms, with the exception of a water bottle. 
Food and/or drink must only be consumed in the allocated waiting areas, outside the studio or break rooms.
PPA request that nuts are not brought on the premises, however cannot ensure that the premises is 'nut free'.
The possession or consumption of illicit or non-prescribed drugs or alcohol is not acceptable at any time.
Parents, students, volunteers and/or employees must not arrive at PPA or any event representing PPA, impaired by the effects of illicit drugs or alcohol.

INJURY / FIRST AID POLICY
Where an injury occurs, the student will receive treatment from a qualified first aider. Physical contact may be required.
In the situation where an ambulance is required, an ambulance will be called by PPA. The parent will incur these costs.
Where an injury occurs, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted by PPA using the contact information given on the students registration form.
It is the responsibility of the student/parents to notify PPA of any previous or current injuries.
Any injury sustained whilst training or performing in a competition or promotion will be the responsibility of the student/parent. No costs will be incurred by PPA.
Injuries that occur on the premises will be recorded on the Incident report form.

BEHAVIOUR / CONDUCT POLICY
PPA does not tolerate swearing, indecent or disrespectful language, defamatory comments, or indecent or disrespectful conduct from students, parents/guardians, family members, or visitors. 
Any individual who demonstrates any of the above will be asks to withdraw from PPA immediately. This behaviour includes at the Premises or outside of the Premises, social media or on the internet.
Negative communications between parents and/or students will not be tolerated by PPA. Where negative communications take place, the parents and students involved will be asked to withdraw from PPA immediately. This includes at the Premises or outside of the Premises, social media, or on the internet.
Any person who does not comply with PPA Terms and Conditions will forfeit their position at PPA and, to the extent permitted by law, will not be entitled to refund.

BULLYING POLICY
The following will not be tolerated in person, via email, via text messaging or via the internet; Verbal abuse or shouting, physical abuse, excluding or isolating a person, psychological harassment, humiliating a person through sarcasm, criticism or insults, ignoring or belittling a person’s contribution or opinion.
Where any persons feel that they are the victim of bullying, they should discuss the matter directly with the person/people concerned and request an end to the behaviour. Should this approach fail or be inappropriate, the victim can contact the PPA office for assistance is resolving the matter.

PHYSICAL CONTACT POLICY
Physical contact between a teacher and student may be required to demonstrate, correct or assist with dance class.
In the event of an injury, physical contact may be required between a first aider and injured student or visitor.
Any inappropriate or indecent physical contact between staff, students or visitors of PPA must be reported immediately.

CANCELLATION POLICY
If WE (Palms Performing Arts) have to cancel a class, registrants will be notified in advance and fees paid will be refunded or credited.
If a student/parent cancels a class, there will be no refund or credit given.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Where a student wished to withdraw from a class or from PPA entirely, written notice is required.
There will be no refunds or credits for withdrawal from classes. Classes are invoiced by the term.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE
In case of an emergency staff will alert all persons with the sound of a whistle.
Staff will direct and advise all persons to move safely to the nearest exit
Staff will then direct all persons to the muster point at the front of the studio, or an alternative safe area.

 
GRIEVANCE POLICY
A grievance is a real or perceived cause for complaint. 
Palms Performing Arts recognises that open communication and feedback are essential elements of a satisfying and productive environment. Every effort will be made to solve problems cooperatively and informally before presenting them in writing as a formal grievance. Students can be assured that they will not be disadvantaged by the use of such procedures whether decisions are found for or against their grievance. The first step to raising a complaint should be with the staff. Should you not be satisfied, a formal avenue can be taken. To raise a formal complaint, your complaint must be put in writing and dated.
All formal avenues for handling of grievances will be fully documented. All complaints and questions will receive thoughtful consideration and will be discussed with the individual who raises them. Discussions held are confidential.
At any time, the student or parent have the right to withdraw their grievance. It is requested this is dated and put in writing.

PARKING POLICY
For the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, we kindly ask that all those attending PPA adhere to the following:
Be mindful of the nature of PPA and that it involves a sizeable number of children. Please allow extra care when in the car park.
Please only park in marked car park spaces.
Please DO NOT block driveways at any time.