School Policies

Pickup and Dropoff

• Safety is our #1 priority. To this end, students waiting to be picked up are required to wait INSIDE the QDC facilities until collected by a known guardian.
• Under busy conditions, we require that guardians and family members wait for their students outside the QDC premises. This policy ensures a safe environment for all students, but is especially important to ensure that younger children are not hurt in a busy crowd.
• Students must arrive and be picked up promptly.
• QDC is responsible for students during class time only; QDC will not take responsibility for looking after students outside the class time.
• Please be considerate to our neighbouring businesses and other members of the wider Sunnybank Hills community when picking up and dropping off students.

Lateness

• Students are expected to arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of class and be prepared (fully dressed and warmed up) before the commencement of classes.
• Students will not be admitted to class if they are more than 15 minutes late. This policy exists to ensure that classes are not overly disrupted by latecomers. This policy is especially important for classes consisting of younger students.

Attendance

• Students/guardians should advise QDC if they are aware that they will be late.
• Guardians are responsible for communicating absences with the QDC office.
• QDC should be notified in advance if a student is going to be absent from class. This can be done by emailing or calling us.
• Where a student is injured, they may still attend the class to observe, unless their attendance would be disruptive.
• A refund or credit will not be provided for students who are regularly late to a class or absent classes.
• Students who are regularly late to a class or absent classes may not be permitted to take part in examinations and school performances.

Observation

We desire to receive students undivided attention so that we can offer the best possible class and so that the students will get the most out of their time. To this end:

• Classrooms sessions are closed.
• Guardian observation will be held once each term. We ask that guardians observe their child's class during these designated times only.
• Classrooms are monitored by CCTV at all times.

Cleanliness and Tidiness

• A neat and tidy appearance sets an attitude of attentiveness and respect for students, teachers and the art of dance. Teachers must be able to see the dancer's body outline clearly in order to make proper corrections on posture, alignment, etc. Hair must be properly secured and tied up off of the face and neck for all styles of dance. Jewelry must not be loose or dangling. Gum chewing is not allowed due to danger of choking and appearance. No loose fitting pants, blue jeans or t-shirts (they are not dance attire). No costumes are allowed in class unless a dress up day is announced by the individual teacher.
• Part of ballet training is simple discipline, teaching children that details matter and respect is important. That includes having your hair up in a bun for ballet class, following dress code and arriving on time with what you need for class. At QDC, we take this seriously--it's one of the beautiful things that sets our art apart from other activities.
• For jazz, tap or musical theatre, students should wear their hair in a ponytail or similar style.
• Parents and students must pick up after themselves. Please keep showers/toilets, and all external areas free of trash.
• Students may bring their dance bags into the classroom and may have a drink with them.

Health and Safety

• QDC 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 have been briefed regarding the procedures relevant to their location.
• QDC 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, guardians or visitors that may cause an unsafe environment, will not be tolerated.
• It is the responsibility of the student or guardian to inform QDC of any prior or current illnesses or injuries prior to enrollment or prior to class.
• In the event of an injury, QDC staff may decide to administer First Aid treatment by a qualified first aider. If medical services are necessary and an ambulance required, the student/guardian will incur the costs. Physical contact may be required.
• QDC MUST be notified of any allergies that a student may have. QDC will not be held responsible for allergic reactions outside of class time, however first aid will be provided.
• 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.
• Guardians should ensure that QDC is informed of other relevant conditions and illnesses such as asthma or allergies.

Unexpected Events/Adverse Weather/Traffic/etc.

• If the school is operational then we are not responsible if you are unable to reach classes. No refund or reschedule of lessons is possible in this regard.
• No refunds or make-up classes are offered in the event there is an evacuation due to an unexpected event such as fire alarm, bomb threat, etc.

Lockdowns and Other Major Events

There are many things outside QDC's ability to control that may affect QDC's ability to operate 'normally.' The COVID-19 outbreak (and associated lockdowns) of 2020-2021 is one example.

• All classes will continue to be run according to the usual schedule except that (where possible) they will be online.
• Fees will remain unchanged.

Toilet/Shower/Changing Rooms

• No male guardians are allowed in female student dressing rooms whenever there are students under 18 and no female guardians are allowed in male dressing rooms whenever there are students under 18.

Touching

• Teachers will often need to touch a student to make proper corrections on posture, alignment, etc. Guardians should ensure that QDC is informed prior to classes commencing if this is not considered desirable or appropriate.
• All physical contact between teacher and student or between students should be light, appropriate and in full view at all times.
• Physical discipline is never used at QDC.
• Any inappropriate or indecent physical contact between staff, students or visitors must be reported immediately.
• In the event of an injury, physical contact may be required between a First Aider and injured student or visitor.

Behaviour

• Phones must be turned to silent or off and put away so that they cannot be a distraction during class time. To maintain the safety and privacy of all at QDC, cameras should not be used while in class.
• Gossiping and physical/emotional bullying is not permitted and may result in temporary removal from the centre or even permanent dismissal.
• If you have a question or need to discuss something, please contact us directly.

Grievances

• A grievance is a real or perceived cause for complaint.
• QDC 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 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 reception 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 guardian has the right to withdraw their grievance. It is required this withdrawal request is dated and put in writing.