2024 info pack
We would like to welcome you to the Chapmans family. We're not just a dance school, Chapmans is a community of students, parents, and teachers who share a passion for performing arts. There's a little bit of magic in the special journey a young performer embarks on when they step foot into the studio. With the inspiration, support and guidance of our talented teaching faculty, the students of Chapmans are nurtured, developed to reach their full potential as performers and directed on a path of creativity, self-confidence, expression, and individualism. The ideal balance of discipline and fun - we love making the Chapmans experience fun and enjoyable for kids as well as simple and stress-free for parents.
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This is our 2024 INFO PACK, otherwise known as your "DANCE PARENT HANDBOOK". Your ultimate guide to how it all works at Chapmans Dance Academy. Take a good read, so that you're feeling confident about our policies and what to expect. You can come back here any time you need an answer. It's your easy-access hub of up-to-date information.
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SELECTING CLASSES
With over 150 classes in our weekly timetable there is literally something for everyone. Chapmans is proud to boast a world class teaching faculty and a huge variety of styles of dance and performing arts.
For preschoolers ages 2 to 5, we offer three awesome programs to choose from. IMAGINATION DANCE and IMAGINATION BALLET. And for even younger preschoolers, we have our brilliant IMAGINATION DANCE (WITH ME) classes for 1 to 2 year olds to dance, learn and explore alongside their mum, dad or carer.
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For kids ages 5 and 21 we have a huge range of fabulous fun dance and performing arts classes in our RECREATIONAL DEPARTMENT or they can choose to audition to join our elite VARSITY PERFORMANCE TEAMS.
What’s the difference?
RECREATIONAL STREAM classes available include Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Lyrical/Contemporary, Acrobatics, Tap, Singing, Acting and more. There are no set levels for recreational classes – they are open to everyone regardless of whether or not the student is experienced or starting out as a beginner, and timetabled by age group. Through dance and performing arts we develop skills, build confidence and most importantly have fun. Recreational classes perform just once per year, at the big Chapmans end of year concert.
PERFORMANCE STREAM is for advanced level dancers and those who show great promise, and who are interested in taking their dance training to the next level, learning a variety of different styles and having multiple performance opportunities throughout the year including various eisteddfods and competitions, local events etc. From 5/under through to Seniors we have six different Varsity teams, with a limited number of positions in each. We hold annual auditions for our Varsity teams, and we also invite students from our recreational classes who we feel would benefit from the next-level training that VARSITY provides.
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Those who are interested in joining our award-winning VARSITY TEAMS should contact the studio to arrange an introductory meeting with our studio director Ashleigh Chapman. We would love to answer your questions, get to know you and your child, and chat through the commitment and expectations of Varsity.
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Students new to Chapmans for 2024 who are transitioning from other dance schools are welcome to apply to go straight into our performance stream if they have prior training and experience. Contact us for an audition. We love to welcome new members to our team, and we have limited spots available.
We really want to help you find the perfect classes for your children to THRIVE and ENJOY. Click HERE to see our schedule of classes for each age group.
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WHAT DO THEY WEAR?
We know how important it is for parents to keep the costs to a minimum and so we have kept it simple. Recreational classes from ages 10 to 21 have no set uniform. For our younger classes we have a set uniform that is affordable, high quality, long-lasting and easily washable.
AGES 2 TO 4
The official Imagination Dance uniform is available for purchase at our Chapmans shop... and it is adorable!! This is worn for Imagination Dance, Imagination Ballet and Imagination Circus. The all-in-one leotard dress is $45, and comes in sizes 2, 4, 6 and 8. The outfit is available in your choice of five colours. A boys uniform is also available including shorts and Imagination t-shirt – the cost is also $45 for the set. Boys are of course welcome to choose the leotard dress if they prefer, and vice versa. Various optional extras are also available for purchase, including stockings, hair bows and a large range of official Imagination Dance merchandise.
For Imagination Dance classes, the students will require black slip-on Jazz shoes and black buckle Tap shoes. Both of these are available for $69 each at our convenient on-site dancewear shop.
For Imagination Ballet, the girls will require pink Ballet shoes, and boys require black Ballet shoes. These are available for $49 at our shop.
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For Imagination Circus we recommend black Jazz shoes for hygiene and safety, however for this specific class bare feet will be allowed if preferred.
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For Imagination Play there is no set compulsory uniform, but we do have optional Imagination Play t-shirts and dresses for students and their parents to wear in class if they would like.
For all of our preschool classes, long hair can be tied back in any style, but should be neat and tidy and worn off the face. We recommend a ponytail, pigtails or bun.
AGES 5 TO 9
We have a range of options for this age group. The funky all-in-one unitard looks cool and is versatile across all styles of dance, plus it is flattering for all shapes, extremely comfortable and durable. This is available for $60 in child sizes 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. We also have Chapmans dancewear tops, t-shirts, leggings, hoodies, trackies, basketball shorts and bike shorts that students can mix and match for their unique style.
Correct shoes must be worn for each class. The Chapmans shop sells affordable high-quality dance shoes, for the convenience of parents.
Jazz/Hip Hop – black Jazz shoes
Ballet/Lyrical – pink Ballet shoes
Tap – black Tap shoes
Acrobatics – bare foot
RAD Classical Ballet – click here for Ballet uniform requirements
Hair must be neat and tidy and worn off the face for all classes.
AGES 10 TO ADULT
Chapmans is all about individuality and self-expression and it is our mission to provide a space where children and teenagers can be free to wear what they are comfortable in. However, at this age we also want to encourage our students to learn the importance of wearing proper dance attire, and we’ve seen the positive impact that “dressing for class” has on the focus and motivation of our students.
Intermediate and Senior Recreational classes at Chapmans don't have a compulsory uniform. It is vital, however, that all students wear appropriate dance attire to ensure that they feel comfortable and are able to move without restrictions. - no jeans, jackets, jumpers, skirts etc. For safety reasons, no jewellery or watches should be worn to class. Hair must be neat and tidy and worn off the face.
We do however, have a huge range of official Chapmans brand dancewear available at the studio for sale. We strongly encourage our students to wear the Chapman brand proudly and set an excellent example for our younger students. We have a great regular range and some unique limited-edition pieces and trend items. We love it when our students show their Chapmans pride! (And students can always pair our official Chapmans gear with their own red, black, white and grey to mix it up, and create their own unique style.)
Varsity Ballet classes require a strict uniform. A black leotard must be worn and black chiffon Ballet skirt is optional. Also available to order through our shop. Hair must be in a very neat bun. Ballet shoes and pink Ballet stockings worn for every lesson. Boys uniform is black tights, or black above-the-knee shorts and white fitted singlet, t-shirt or white boys/mens’ leotard.
They say that “feet are the tools of a dancer!” and correct footwear is essential to the learning process and the overall dancing experience. Here’s a clear run-down of exactly what’s needed for each style for our 10 to 21 year olds:
Jazz – black soft Jazz shoes (with no laces)
Tap – black lace-up Tap shoes (preferably SLICK brand)
Ballet – pink leather full sole Ballet shoes
Hip Hop – any sneakers
Contemporary/Lyrical – Jazz shoes, foot-thongs or bare feet
Drama/Singing – any comfortable footwear (but not thongs or slides)
Acrobatics – bare feet
For our customers convenience, we have our own dance shop on site, and we sell great quality preferred-brand shoes for an affordable price. We have a full range of dance shoes. Our dance shop is also open to the public.
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REGISTRATION FEE
There is a $25 (incl. GST) annual registration fee payable per student upon enrolment. This small fee secures your child's spot in their chosen classes, and covers administration costs of enrolment. This is paid online as part of the enrolment process, or by cash or EFTPOS if enrolling in person at Chapmans or at one of our enrolment stands at the local shopping centres.
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This fee is refundable upon request, if the student is new to Chapmans and does not enjoy their first two weeks of classes and decides to take up our TWO-WEEK SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. To be eligible for a refund of this registration fee, the student must attend all of their enrolled classes for two full weeks (even if not physically participating). Chapmans must be notified by email or in person at reception prior to the class commencing on the third week.
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As a big thank you to our loyal Chapmans families, we will be WAIVING the $25 registration fee for currently enrolled students re-enrolling for 2024 as part of our VIP re-enrolment promotion for the month of December. After the 31st of December 2023, this special offer will end, and currently enrolled students will have to pay the $25 registration fee when re-enrolling for 2024.
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OUR PRICING
We understand that dancing can be an expensive activity and we aim to do everything we can to minimise the costs involved. Affordability is important to us. Chapmans is committed to providing great value world-class dance education and delivering an outstanding experience for students and families.
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We have a veritable buffet of classes and parents are able to choose how many classes per week that they would like their child to participate in, giving you complete control over the costs. For our recreational classes our fee structure offers generous discounts for those doing multiple classes. The more classes that your child is enrolled in, the larger the discount. We also offer a family "unlimited" cap of $230 per week. Please see our full pricing list below:
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(All prices listed include GST)
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Our VARSITY MEMBERSHIP pricing represents extreme value for money!
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We have a new ALL INCLUSIVE pricing structure for Varsity members, which includes costume hire for the entire year for all Varsity routines. AND all of our Varsity members get a bunch of PERKS including:
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10% off all uniforms, dancewear and dance shoes
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10% off all holiday workshops
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Eisteddfod entry contributions
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Any additional rehearsals
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Eisteddfod support staff and teachers
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Performer entry to Camden Show
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The all-inclusive pricing model for Varsity to help simplify costs for parents and make it easier to budget. Parents can feel certainty about costs with no hidden surprises. When looking at the number of classes, and the cost-per-class, our Varsity pricing is significantly lower than any comparable training program.
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5/u Varsity have three exclusive training classes per week PLUS access to UNLIMITED additional recreational classes and all the Varsity perks and bonuses, including ALL costume hire throughout the year for Varsity routines.
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6/u Varsity have seven exclusive training classes per week PLUS access to UNLIMITED additional recreational classes and all the Varsity perks and bonuses, including ALL costume hire throughout the year for Varsity routines.
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8/u Varsity have eight exclusive training classes per week PLUS access to UNLIMITED additional recreational classes and all the Varsity perks and bonuses, including ALL costume hire throughout the year for Varsity routines.
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10/u, 12/u and Senior Varsity have eight exclusive training classes per week (including a weekly guest teacher class) PLUS access to UNLIMITED additional recreational classes and all the Varsity perks and bonuses, including ALL costume hire throughout the year for Varsity routines.
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HOW TO PAY
From 2024 Chapmans will be exclusively using DIRECT DEBIT as our primary payment method. Our reception staff will help you set it up at the beginning of the year. The DIRECT DEBIT payment plan form is available at reception to set up direct debit from your credit or debit card. You have the choice of selecting fortnightly or monthly. Parents can use the online portal any time to check their balance. Please be aware that there is a small 1.99% payment processing fee that is charged by the merchant facility.
The full year of costs will be calculated and spread evenly over the year, including costume fees and end-of-year concert performer levy. Cancellation can be made with 2 weeks notice. Please note that credit is not transferrable or refundable.
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If you really don't like direct debit plans and would prefer to pay up front per term, you can request special permission to be an "EARLYBIRD PAYER". This is done by filling out a payment contract at reception. There will be four term payments due prior to the first week of each term. Payments can be made at reception with cash (preferred) or EFTPOS, or by bank transfer. Or alternatively with credit or debit card through the online portal.
If a parent has requested to become an "EARLYBIRD PAYER" and misses the strict pre-term deadline for payment, then that option is no longer available to them, and they must go on a direct debit plan.
Please note that on this "EARLYBIRD PAYER" option, the only cancellation or "package reduction" windows are at the end of each term. Each term is billed up front, and is payable whether the full term is attended or not. Anyone adding to their package can simply pay the difference up-front, calculated prorate.
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ACTIVE & CREATIVE VOUCHERS
We proudly accept NSW government vouchers which can help reduce your fees. To apply them to your account with us, simply click here to fill out the online form. The vouchers take 1-4 weeks to process through the government, and once successful the amount is applied to your child's account.
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CHANGES TO ENROLMENT
Students may choose to change or “swap” classes. When SWAPPING classes but staying on the same “pricing package” (ie. number of classes attending), the billing stays the same.
If adding a class and moving to a higher pricing package, a new direct debit form will need to be filled out, and the total for the year will be adjusted prorate (only being charged for the weeks remaining).
If reducing your child's enrolment and moving to a lower pricing package, a new direct debit form will need to be filled out so that the remaining payments reflect the reduced enrolment. Please be aware that costume fees and performance levies are not refundable. If your child is not participating in the concert, please notify reception at the beginning of the year so that your child's billing can be adjusted in the system.
If cancelling your enrolment completely, and withdrawing as a student at Chapmans Dance Academy, the parent MUST complete a cancellation form found here. Unless we are notified, billing will continue automatically even if the student is not attending, and refunds for missed classes are not available under any circumstances.
Two weeks notice is required for all cancellations. Students are encouraged to continue in their classes for the two weeks, alternatively the fees for the two weeks are forfeited.
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ILLNESS / INJURY POLICY
If a student has to miss a class because they are sick, the parent can request a make up lesson. This is scheduled the following week for a different session in the timetable - and is subject to availability.
In the case of significant injury where a student is unable to dance for longer than 4 weeks, we can issue a credit for those weeks’ fees. (On direct debit this will mean that automatic payments stop early at the end of the year). This applies ONLY if we are notified in advance by writing, and with a medical certificate, with details of the number of weeks the student will miss.
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We cannot provide credit or discount for classes missed due to extended family holidays. The high costs of keeping our doors open and our classes running, including rent and the salaries of our hard working staff are ongoing, regardless of your child's attendance.
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COMMUNICATION
The majority of the information parents will need to know for the whole year is here on this website on this page, including concert dates, term dates etc. We keep this page up all year so that it can be a reliable source of information for parents to check easily. Occasionally we send email newsletters with important information about upcoming events and performances.
The Chapmans Community Facebook group is a hub of information and connectivity between all of our teachers, students and parents. We thoroughly recommend that all parents join this group. The link is here.
There is also a group for just the Chapmans Varsity members and their parents, which is for information related to upcoming performances, rehearsals, costumes etc. The link to this group is here.
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The Chapmans Facebook page is for promotional photos, workshops, news and success stories. Please click here and LIKE US.... and SHARE :)
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There is also a Chapmans Instagram account, that you DEFINITELY should follow if you want to see more photos. Please follow our Instagram here.
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THE STUDIO CALENDAR
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TERM ONE
Monday 5th February to Monday 15th April
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TERM TWO
Friday 25th April to Monday 8th July
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TERM THREE
Monday 22nd July to Saturday 28th September
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TERM FOUR
Saturday 12th October to Saturday 21st December
Sunday 10th November - Preschool Concert (Bankstown Sports Club)
Sunday 10th November - Recreational Concert (Bankstown Sports Club)
Saturday 30th November - Varsity Concert (The Pavilion, Sutherland)
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Classes at Chapmans Dance Academy run during school terms only. See the term dates above. We do run several special event themed classes, workshops and experiences during the holidays. We get a lot of feedback from students saying that they miss dancing when it’s holidays. We have some exciting holiday events planned for 2024. Varsity members get 10% off all Chapmans workshops.
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END-OF-YEAR CONCERTS
The highlight of every student’s dancing year is their dancing concert. For those who are new to our studio, our concert is a massive showcase that all students get the opportunity to perform in.
Why is it so important? This your child’s chance to shine on stage. To perform for their friends and family, and show how much they have improved over the year. Every dancer needs an audience. Concerts provide a truly memorable and special stage experience that celebrates the dedication, talent and achievements of every single student.
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TICKETS TO THE CONCERT
Tickets to our shows go on sale [online through our website] a few weeks before each event. Ticket prices range from $49 to $69, depending on seating section, from Economy to A-Reserve.
We do our best to keep the price of the concert tickets as low as possible but we need to cover the high costs of the venues and production. Our concerts are large scale productions with state-of-the-art lighting, held in premium venues that provide a truly magical and memorable performance experience for our students, and a spectacular entertaining show for families. Performers do not require a ticket, as they will be supervised backstage throughout the concert
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CONCERT PERFORMERS LEVY
Every performer in any of our end of year concerts will need a Concert Performers Levy. This is $79 and includes streaming access and download of the Chapmans Concert Video, a medal, a certificate, a digital photo from the photo shoot and our limited edition 2024 Chapmans concert t-shirt which the students also wear on stage for the Finale.
Siblings get a $25 discount off their performer pack. And preschool students get a $24 discount off their performer pack if they choose not to get the Chapmans limited edition 2024 t-shirt (because they wear their Imagination Dance uniform on stage for the finale).
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COSTUME PHOTO SHOOT
We hold photo shoots at the studio so that our students can have professional photos taken in class groups and individually in their awesome costumes. We'll be doing photo shoots for both concert series in 2024. The photos will be available for purchase online a few weeks after the concerts and will be $15 each, with discounts if you purchase multiple.
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COSTUME HIRE
At Chapmans the students hire costumes from our in-house costume department. This helps keep costs down and saves parents from spending hundreds of dollars on buying costumes that will end up sitting in a cupboard after being worn once. The costumes are distributed to the students approximately one week before concert. The costume levy is an "all inclusive" contribution to the costume department and goes towards sourcing new costumes, alterations, mending, wear and tear, cleaning, storing and staff costs.
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We spread the costume hire levy over 40 weeks, which works out to $2 per week ($20 per term). Those who enrol into a class after the beginning of the year, will be billed for the costume levy of previous terms to "catch up" on any missed quarterly costume fee payments - so that all students are paying the same for their costumes.
If your child will not be participating in the concert, please let reception know as early as possible so that you won't be charged for any future costume hire fees throughout the year.
No refunds (or exchanges between siblings) can be issued for any costume levies - even if your child cancels their enrolment throughout the year, or is unable to participate in the concert. This is because our costume department works year-round collecting, sorting, sewing, designing etc. Some costumes are purchased or made for the end of year concert as early as February. All of the costume levies go towards the ongoing operating costs of our costume department.
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OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
Just a few sensible guidelines in the interest of safety, to help keep things calm and orderly at the studio and make sure that students are able to get the most out of their classes without any disruption:
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No smoking or vaping anywhere on the premises, including in our car park.
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Younger siblings must be supervised (and stay quiet) at all times so as not to disrupt the lessons or the other parents waiting.
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No running through the hallway.
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Students should not enter a classroom without the teacher.
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Disruptive behaviour is unacceptable, and students will be removed from class after two warnings. This includes talking out of turn in class.
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Bags should remain in the hallway on the shelves provided. All personal items are left at your own risk. Chapmans is not liable for loss, theft or damaged items.
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All students are expected to be kind, friendly and respectful of one another both in and out of the studio. We’re here to support each other and work as a team. Bullying, nastiness and rude behaviour is not welcome.
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We reserve the right to suspend or cancel an enrolment if a student’s behaviour is continually disruptive to the learning environment and/or distracting to fellow students. It is important for us to be able to do this, not as punishment but simply to ensure that the students at Chapmans can have the best possible experience.
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OUR PARENTS WAITING ROOM
Our beautiful but busy premises are cleaned daily. Please respect our studios and help us to keep them looking nice. Keep your feet off the furniture and hands off the walls and mirrors. Take all rubbish with you or place it in one of the many bins provided. Drink spillages and “accidents” are parents’ responsibility to clean up immediately, please ask at reception for a mop or sponge if required.
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Parents and students and siblings are asked to keep all noise to a minimum when in the foyer or waiting in between classes. Our studios are soundproofed, but some noise still leaks through and can distract the classes still in progress.
Parents should not go into the students’ hallway. This space is just for dancers. Please do not congregate around the studio doors or sit on the ottomans near the bag shelves. It can be distracting to the children in class.
Parents should not enter the studio unless specifically invited in by a member of staff. If you need to give an urgent message to your child, please ask the receptionist at the desk to go and retrieve your child – rather than going into the dance room and interrupting the class.
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PARKING
In addition to our own private car park on site, there’s also ample street parking on Sedgwick Street. Sometimes during peak drop-off/pick- up time parents may need to park a bit further down the street, but it’s rarely more than about a minute walk from the studio.
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We ask parents to please be extremely cautious when reversing in our car park. Also if you are dropping your child off near the door, do not stop from more than a few moments, or it will block the other cars and cause congestion in our car park.
Please make sure that you don't park on the grass "nature strip" in front of our studios. The council and landlords are very strict about this and have issued warnings to us. We don't want any of our customers to receive a fine from the council.
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STUDENT WELLBEING
The safety and welfare of all our students is extremely important to us. All of the staff at Chapmans have a current WWCC (working with children check). The majority of our staff are also trained in First Aid. We have CCTV in all of the classrooms streaming to our foyer, and viewing windows on the classroom doors. We have fully sprung floors and always teach safe dance practices.
We want Chapmans to be a place where children and teenagers can feel free to express themselves and their individuality without fear of judgement. Same for the parents and families of our students. Incident report forms are available at reception, should they ever be needed and, when necessary, all serious matters are discussed by management and department heads to find an appropriate solution and/or course of action.
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CONTACT US
Our studio address is:
2/12 Sedgwick Street
Smeaton Grange
NSW 2567 Australia
PHONE
You can call our reception directly on 0492 128 244
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*Please refrain from contacting any of the Chapmans staff and management via Facebook messenger on their personal accounts. Due to the high volume of messages received daily, it’s not feasible to manage and keep track of efficiently. Facebook messages can be sent to the Chapmans Dance Academy Facebook page, but email is the preferred method of contact.
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