Frequently

Asked Questions…

  1. Are Mobile phones allowed in the studios?

  2. How do we receive communication from the NPDA?

  3. How do we pay our fees?

  4. Does NPDA have an anti-bullying policy?

  5. What is the NPDA Scholarship Audition?

  6. What do the winners of the scholarship receive?

  7. Can I get more information about ballet exams?

  8. Can classes be cancelled and why?

  9. Do we need to bring a water bottle?

  10. Do students have access to a microwave and fridge?

  11. Can my child get a locker?

  12. Do students have access to the upstairs studio between classes?

  13. What are the 2022 term dates?

  14. Where is lost property kept?

  15. Are Students allowed to go to 7/11 or Civic between classes?

  16. Are there procedures for using the carpark?

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. Phone’s have gone missing in the past from students leaving phones in bags. 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 the NPDA?

EMAILS/FACEBOOK GROUP:

Emails is our main way of communicating with all our families. Emails should be read. Especially around competition time, concert time, exam time etc. It is important you find the time to read right through our emails. We do try to title the subject so you know what the email is about. We will do our best to answer any emails as quickly as we can however sometimes the receptionist is busy. We thank you for your patience. Your fees will always be emailed to you via our new Dance Biz program.

Our Facebook Community Page ‘NPDA Community’ is where we also communicate to our families. Make sure to join this group!

3. How do I pay my dance fees?

Your term fees will be emailed to you via dance biz. On your invoice it has our banking details for easy direct bank transfers. Alternatively you can pay via eftpos at reception or cash. A receipt will be sent to you via dance biz.

4. Does NPDA have a bullying policy?

YES, NPDA IS A BULLY FREE ZONE: 

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

  • Keeping 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 (on line 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 are cracking down on bullying. It is not fair or nice to be that child who is being picked on. All teachers are being made aware of this policy and our camera’s will be on. 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 ?

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 Artist Dance Program, Supreme Team Dance Company and solo selection. The Principal or Artist Director 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 encouragement awards, 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 5 to 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 4 to 6 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 by the end of Term Two. 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 38 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.

We have lockers to rent. Please see reception to enquire. Full Time Students receive a free locker for 2023. Any left over lockers will be passed onto families with children that do lots of dance classes.

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 – This includes Pre Elite and all other students. If using the upstairs studio you must ask first.

13. What are the 2024 term dates?

Term 1 – Monday 29th January to Thursday 28th March
Term 2 – Monday 15th April to Saturday 22nd June
Term 3 - Monday 8th July to Saturday 14th September
Term 4 - Tuesday 30th September to Saturday 30th November

NPDA’S 2024 ANNUAL CONCERT/GALA PERFORMANCE IS ON DECEMBER 1st 2024.

Please note that NPDA closes on all National Public Holidays

  • Friday 26th January

  • Friday 29th March

  • Saturday 30th March

  • Sunday 31st March

  • Monday April 1st

  • Thursday 25th April

  • Monday 6th May

  • Monday 7th October

If your classes fall on a Public Holiday. You may use make up lessons in the current term. Please see the timetable for lessons. Permission must be sort from the Receptionist or Principal.

Classes are still on when there is a student free day.

14. Where is lost property kept?


LOST PROPERTY IS KEPT IN A CONTAINER IN THE WAITING AREA.

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.


15. 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.


16. 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.