Frequently
Asked Questions…
1.Are Mobile phones allowed in the studios?
NPDA IS A MOBILE PHONE FREE ZONE:
Absolutely no mobile phones are allowed in the studio unless for videoing purposes. We have noticed a lot of distraction and problems over the years and we aim to eradicate future distractions in class. NPDA holds no responsibility for any lost or stolen phone. If students need to contact their parents they may use the studio phone.
2. How do we receive communication from NPDA staff?
EMAILS/FACEBOOK GROUP:
At Noosa Professional Dance Academy, email is our primary way of communicating important information to families. It is essential that emails are read, especially during busy periods such as competitions, concerts, and exams. We clearly indicate the topic in the email subject line to make it easy for you to know what the message is about.
While we do our best to respond promptly, there may be times when our reception team is busy. We appreciate your patience during these times. All fee statements and payment information will always be emailed directly.
We also encourage families to join our Facebook community page, “NPDA Community,” where we share updates, reminders, and important news.
3. How do I pay my dance fees?
Your term fees will be emailed at the start of each term. Your invoice includes:
Banking details for easy direct bank transfers, and
A direct link to pay your fees via Easy Debit.
You can also pay via EFTPOS at reception or with cash. A receipt will be emailed to you once payment is processed.
4. Does NPDA have a bullying policy?
YES, NPDA IS A BULLY FREE ZONE: We have an active Student Welfare Officer employed to handle any situation if it arises.
What is bullying? Bullying is when people or a person repeatedly and intentionally use words or actions against someone or a group of people to cause distress and risk of wellbeing. These actions are usually done by people who have more influence or power over someone else or who want to make someone self-feel less powerful or helpless.
The following is considered bullying
Leaving someone out of a group
Acting in an unpleasant way near or towards someone
Giving nasty looks, making rude gestures, calling names, being rude and impolite and constantly negative teasing
Spreading rumours or lies or misrepresenting someone (online via Facebook or Instagram)
Harassing someone based on their race, sex, religion, gender etc
We will not tolerate any such behaviour at NPDA. If we have a complaint, we will act on it with a meeting with both parents. The students will also be asked to come to this meeting. Please let your child/ren know we take bullying very seriously. It is not fair or nice to be that child who is being picked on. All teachers are aware of this policy. Parents are reminded that approaching or displaying unruly behaviour towards another student is not acceptable. The principal will require a formal written complaint of any incident before she can approach the parent of any victim of bullying. Students should tell the teacher if there is any incident in class.
5. What is the NPDA Scholarship/Audition Day?
SCHOLARSHIP/ AUDITION DAY:
At NPDA we strongly believe in acknowledging and rewarding the efforts and achievements of our students each year. An independent adjudicator comes into NPDA studios and chooses 10 winners. We also ask the judge to choose our Performance Teams at the same time as well as audition for our prestigious Elite Classical & Commercial Coaching Dance Program and solo selection. The Principal or teachers do not choose the winners or places of the scholarship. The judge’s decision is final. The announcement of the Scholarships is announced at the Gala Performance each year. We are also going to continue acknowledge high achievers and class awards.
6. What do the winners of the scholarship receive?
Please refer to our Prospectus.
7. Can I get more information about ballet exams?
BALLET EXAMS:
Ballet exams are held annually each in the NPDA studios. Examinations are held late August or early September. Exams are considered an important part of a student’s classical ballet training. Reports and feedback from the ACB examiners greatly assist the students training giving the student more confidence, technique and performance training. Exams are for ballet students only. Fully certified and highly experienced external examiners come to Noosa and assess your student to ensure the highest standard of assessment. The examinations are designed for all ages from 6 years onwards. The degree of difficulty gradually increases as the student studies and practices towards the more advance levels of training. Students will receive a detailed report from the examiner 3 to 4 weeks after the exam, as well as a lovely certificate. A medallion is given to those who receive a Distinction. The Russian ‘Vaganova’ Method arranged by Ballet Conservatoire is accredited in Australia. Whether the student decides to pursue a career in dance or not, the value of these accredited certificates for other career endeavours cannot be underestimated. Furthermore, the life skills learnt by undergoing the examination process is invaluable. Students do not have to partake in exams however if they do student must attend two classes per week and increase to three classes per week in term three leading up to the exams. The student will be selected by the Principal if they are ready to be examined at the start of Term 3. Extra examination rehearsal classes are mandatory and there is an extra charge to enter the exams and for rehearsals. Due to the current Pandemic, there is a possibility that ballet exams may be again done via zoom. We do not know which way we will be doing exams this year.
8. Can classes be cancelled and why?
CANCELLED CLASSES:
In the event of a cyclone, or extreme weather conditions, fire hazards, pandemics or if the weather is predicted to reach 37 to 40 degrees or above the principal reserves the right to cancel classes. This is for safety reasons for teachers, students and families. You will be contacted via email or text if we need to cancel classes. You will be able to make up the lesson if the Principal cancels classes due to extreme weather conditions. Please ensure we always have your current email address on your portal. It is your responsibility to make sure you keep your portal up to date for communication purposes
9. Do we need to bring a water bottle?
WATER BOTTLES:
Yes! Water bottles must be bought into the studio and left down by the mirror. Absolutely no glass water bottles please. We have a special water filter so our students have clean water in our kitchen.
10.Do students have access to a microwave and fridge?
NO, WE DO NOT PROVIDE ACCESS TO A FRIDGE OR MICROWAVE:
Only Full Time Students can use the microwave and fridge and are over 13yrs of age. No other student can use the kitchen facilities other than for topping up their water bottles. Absolutely no student can use the microwave or fridge without permission otherwise.
11. Can my child get a locker?
YES, IF WE HAVE ONE AVAILABLE TO HIRE
We have lockers to rent. Please see reception to enquire. Full Time Students receive a free locker. Any additional lockers will be passed onto families with children that do lots of dance classes IF there any available
12. Do students have access to the upstairs studio between classes?
NO.
No student other than Full Time students can use the upstairs studio. Unless for Private Lessons. If using the upstairs studio you must ask first.
13. Where is lost property kept?
LOST PROPERTY IS KEPT IN A CONTAINER IN THE STUDENT ROOM.
All students are to have all their dance items named for easy identification in case you lose something.
Lost Property will be donated at the end of each term. Parents please check on our lost property box. Please do not take other people’s items.
14. Are Students allowed to go to 7/11 or Civic between classes?
NO.
Students are not allowed to go up to the 7/11 or to the Civic without written permission each year from the parent. A form must be filled out by the parents to give permission that the child can walk up to the 7/11. Parents it is your responsibility to ensure that your child knows these rules. NPDA does not allow students to leave unaccompanied for any reason whatsoever unless a signed written permission form has been filed.
15. Are there procedures for using the carpark?
YES
Students are not allowed to run outside in the car park or on the nature strip. This is for safety reasons. Students should not play on the rocks or wear bare feet in the garden. Parents with younger students must collect their child from the foyer. The car park can become dangerous. Students are told continually from the teachers to remain in the foyer until the parents come to the door.
The Car Park is zoned as a drop off, pick up zone. Parents must not block other cars in and we do require families to not park in the car parks for long periods of time. If you wish to wait for your dancer to finish dancing, you will need to wait in the car spaces on the road. No skate boards or alike are to be used in the car park.
We share the car spaces with a neighbour so please do not park in their car spaces especially in front of their doors.