SDS GRIFFITH

FEES & PAYMENTS POLICY 2025

PAYMENT POLICY

1. At SDS Griffith we endeavour to provide ample time for our valued clients to settle their term fees by dispatching invoices approximately two weeks before classes commence.

2. Payment is obligatory, requiring half of the total fees to be settled by week one of the term, with the remaining balance expected by week five, unless a mutually agreed-upon payment plan is established during week one (see payment plan policy below). Failure to meet the payments will result in Late fees and administration fees being applied (please see Late Fee policy below).

3. At SDS Griffith payments can be made via Eftpos, direct deposit, cheque and cash. When paying via Direct Deposit the account details are listed on your invoice.

4. SDS Griffith also accepts the Service NSW Active and Creative Vouchers

PAYMENT PLANS

· It is imperative to initiate a partial payment towards term fees by week one if required.

· Payment plans must be meticulously arranged during week one and adhered to as agreed upon to mitigate the risk of incurring late fees after week five.

SETTLEMENT OF OUTSTANDING FEES

To maintain financial integrity and uphold our commitment to excellence, all outstanding fees must be settled by the final week of the term. Failure to comply may result in escalation to debt recovery agencies, with any additional costs incurred passed on to the customer.

LATE FEE POLICY

Late fees will be imposed under the following circumstances:

A. Failure to settle fees after week five of the term without a pre-established payment plan initiated during week one.

B. Non-compliance with the agreed-upon payment schedule under a payment plan.

LATE FEES CHARGES

Late fees will be levied at a rate of $20 per week, accompanied by an additional $10 per week administration fee, reflecting the time and resources expended on late invoice follow-ups.

AFTERPAY OPTION

We are pleased to offer Afterpay services at the office to facilitate fee payments for our clients' convenience.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLANCE

As a small business with significant overheads, we prioritise delivering quality classes in a premium facility while ensuring fair compensation for our staff. This includes meeting the many various financial obligations such as insurances, licenses, subscriptions, and superannuation to name a few to continue to operate.

Your cooperation with the payment of term fees and/or payment schedule’s is paramount for us to sustain our operations and continue serving our valued students effectively.

2025 CODE OF CONDUCT

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

· All students should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to class to avoid disrupting the teacher and other students.

· Students are required to wear the appropriate clothing and shoes to each class in accordance to the uniform requirements.

· Hair must be in a neat and tidy bun using French pins and hairnets to all classes at SDS Griffith.

· Students must understand that dance is fun but is also a DISCIPLINE. You may receive corrections, the teacher my yell over the music directions/corrections, you may be asked to repeat things numerous times and sometimes the teacher may take a firm stance is class to achieve results. This is not your teacher picking on you, disrespecting you or having an attitude problem but your teacher striving for result, maximising your potential and sometimes working towards deadlines. Corrections mean you are being watched and your teacher wants to best for you.

· Students are asked to be considerate if contacting Ms Shannon via text or via social media. Please be mindful of the days and times as we do have office hours.

· Students will not use their mobile phones during class times. All phones must be in the student’s bag on silent. NO EXCEPTIONS

· Bullying will not be tolerated at SDS. This also extends to outside the studio. Students who engage in this behaviour may face disciplinary action or even be asked to leave the studio,

· When attending workshops outside the studio students are to be wearing at least one visible item of the SDS uniform and ensure their hair is tied back off their face. Students must remember that they are representing the studio and conduct themselves in a manner to reflect the studio in a positive light.

· Students are NOT to attend classes at other local studio as this creates a conflict of interest. NO EXCEPTIONS (In the case that there is an outside teacher taking workshops permission must be given by Ms. Shannon).

· All solos and groups are property of SDS. IF a student leaves the studio these routines remain the property of SDS Griffith.

· All students are asked to be polite and courteous to all teachers, parents and fellow students. Disrespectful behaviour will be addressed with parents and if not rectified you will be asked to leave the studio. NO EXCEPTIONS

· Students will not teach any choreography that has been learnt at SDS to any students who attend other dance studios.

· All students are encouraged to attend workshops during the holidays and if you require any help selecting where to attend, please contact Ms Shannon.

PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

· Parents agree to pay the NON-REFUNDABLE registration fee of $20.00 per child. This fee covers administrations costs as well as insurance while your chid is attending classes at SDS Griffith.

· All dance fees are the parents/carers responsibility until the student turns 18. All fees must be paid by the end of term unless a payment arrangement has been entered into. Failure to comply may result in a third-party collection agency being employed by the studio. Any additional costs involved in this process plus interest will be added to the outstanding account. Upon initialling the enrolment form online and checking the box you have read the code of conduct you have entered into this agreement.

· Parents are to re-read the code of conduct each year in case of any updates before paying the $20 enrolment fee. Once you pay the $20 enrolment fee you have entered into the terms and conditions for that year and agree to any changes since signing your original enrolment form.

· Term fees are to be paid in full at the start of the term or if doing more than one class, half week one and the balance week five. Failure to make payments will result in a $20 late fee being added to your total amount outstanding each week payment is late. Payment plans can be organised also by speaking to the front reception.

· All lessons are to be paid for whether they are attended or not. We do not offer credit of missed classes or refunds on any money exchanged.

· If your child quits mid term between week one and week five then half of the term amount is payable. If your child quits from week six onwards a full-term payment is due.

· Parents are asked when contacting Ms Shannon via text or social media to be considerate of the time. The studio does have business hours (Mon-Fri 9.00-3.30) and the office is closed Saturdays and Sundays. If contacting outside these hours please use email or most questions can be answered by looking at the website www.sdsgriffith.com

· Parents must understand that dance is fun but is also a DISCIPLINE. Your child may receive corrections, the teacher my yell over the music directions/corrections, your child may be asked to repeat things numerous times and sometimes the teacher may take a firm stance in class to achieve results. This is not the teacher picking on your child, disrespecting your child or having an attitude problem but the teacher striving for results, maximising your child’s potential and sometimes working towards deadlines.

· Parents are asked to have their child/children at class at least 10 minutes early and to collect their child/children on

time after their lessons. Please note that late fee policy if your child isn’t collected on time and the class is the last of the day.

· Parents are asked to NOT speak to the teacher in between classes, enter classrooms in between lessons or interrupt a lesson. All classes run back-to-back and it interferes with other children’s paid lesson times. If you need to speak to the teacher, please email to arrange a time that suits both parties dance@sdsgriffith.com

· Parents are asked to notify of any absences via text or email where possible.

· Parents are asked to help promote SDS Griffith in a positive way. If you feel there are issues you would like addressed, please discuss with Ms Shannon rather than between other dance parents. Most issues can be resolved quickly avoiding any animosity or negative gossip that holds no truth.

· Parents are asked to please indicate on the medical form online any existing injuries or medical conditions prior to starting classes at SDS. In some cases, you may be asked to obtain medical clearance from your GP depending on the injury/condition. If your child requires any asthma sprays or specific medications, please indicate this on the medical form.

· Parents are asked to check emails regularly. All correspondence for the studio is done via email so please ensure you provide your current email and advise if you change your address.

UNIFORM

SDS GRIFFITH HAS ITS OWN DANCE UNIFORM AND PLACES ORDERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT STUDENTS SHOULD WEAR ALL BLACK UNTIL YOU PURCHASE THE UNIFORM AVAILABLE AT THE STUDIO. ALL STUDENTS MUST ALWAYS WEAR TIGHTS AND/OR BOOTY SHORTS AND AT NO TIME ATTEND CLASS IN A LEOTARD ONLY.

FOOTWEAR IS AVAILABLE FROM BUZZI ‘N’MOO IN BANNA AVE, GRIFFITH.

CLASS

CLOTHING

TIGHTS

SHOES

HAIR

JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY

SDS CROP TOP, SINGLET, BASEBALL TEE OR LEOTARD

SDS TIGHTS, BOOTY SHORTS OR PLAIN BLACK TIGHTS

JAZZ

TAN JAZZ SHOES

CONTEMPORARY

BARE FEET OR FOOT THONGS

BUN WITH FRINGE BACK OFF FACE

TAP

SDS CROP TOP, SINGLET, BASEBALL TEE OR LEOTARD

SDS TIGHTS, BOOTY SHORTS OR PLAIN BLACK TIGHTS

TAN TAP SHOES

BLACK TAP SHOES

BUN WITH FRINGE BACK OFF FACE

BALLET

BLACK LEOTARD ONLY

SDS TIGHTS OR THE PINK OR BLACK BALLET TIGHTS

PINK BALLET SHOES (JIFFIES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR BALLET CLASS)

BUN WITH FRINGE BACK OFF FACE

ACROBATICS

SDS CROP TOP, SINGLET, BASEBALL TEE OR LEOTARD

SDS TIGHTS, BOOTY SHORTS OR PLAIN BLACK TIGHTS

BARE FEET OR FOOT THONGS

BUN WITH FRINGE BACK OFF FACE

BOYS ONLY HIP HOP

BLACK TOP & BLK PANTS

NA

RUNNERS

(BLACK HIGH-TOP RUNNERS FOR CONCERT)

NA

GIRLS HIP HOP

SDS CROP TOP, SINGLET, BASEBALL TEE OR LEOTARD

SDS TIGHTS, BOOTY SHORTS OR PLAIN BLACK TIGHTS

RUNNERS

(BLACK HIGH-TOP RUNNER FOR CONCERT)

BUN WITH FRINGE BACK OFF FACE

PRICING OF LESSONS

Classes are invoiced per term. All classes are to be paid for whether attended or not. We do not offer refunds, make up classes or credits for missed classes.

If you are only doing one style/class a term payment must be made in full at the start of term. If doing multiple classes payments can be made half week one of term and the balance at week 5 of the term. Payments can be made fortnightly if prior arrangements are made with our front desk.

If your child quits midterm between week one and week five then payment of half of the term is payable. If your child quits from week six onwards a full-term payment will be required.

LATE FEES OF $20.00 PER WEEK WILL APPLY FOR PAYMENTS MADE AFTER THE DUE DATE IN WEEK 5 OF TERM.

As our classes are already priced at a competitive rate, we do not offer discount for multiple classes or multiple family member rates.

PRICES OF CLASSES WHEN PAID FOR BY THE TERM BASED ON A 10 WEEK TERM

· TINY 30 MINUTE CLASS $17.00 P/W (10 WEEK TERM $170.00)

· JUNIOR 45 MINUTE CLASS $18.00 P/W (10 WEEK TERM $180.00)

· INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR 1 HOUR CLASS $19.00 P/W (10 WEEK TERM $190.00)

· 10 YEARS AND UNDER TROUPE TRAINING 1 HOUR CLASS $18.00 P/W (10 WEEK TERM $190.00)

· 12 YEARS AND UNDER TROUPE TRAINING 1 HOUR CLASS $18.00 P/W (10 WEEK TERM $190.00)

· 14 YEARS & SNR TROUPE TRAINING 2 HOUR CLASS $24.00 P/W (10 WEEK TERM $240.00)

We accept EFTPOS, cash, AFTERPAY (instore), DIRECT deposit and cheque payments for fees, costumes and studio uniforms. All guest teacher workshops are cash only payments. Fees cannot be transferred from one term to the next. If a class is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances by the studio you will be refunded by way of a credit towards next terms fees. If you need to discuss a payment plan for you family due to personal issues, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Shannon or the ladies on the front desk.

THE END OF THE YEAR DRESS REHEARSAL WILL HAVE A CHARGE OF A ONE-OFF $20.00 FEE PER STUDENT

PRIVATES LESSON FEES (MUST BE PAID AT TIME OF LESSON)

DURATION

PRICE

15 MINUTES

$25.00

30 MINUTES

$30.00

1 HOUR

$60.00

REGISTRATION FEE

An annual non-refundable fee of $20.00 per student is required before commencing classes at SDS. This fee covers administrations fees and the student’s personal insurance (separate cover to the studios public liability).

DROP OFF AND PICK POLICY INCLUDING LATE PICK-UP FEE

Drop Off and Pickup of Students must be via the SDS Griffith entrance via the back of the Indoor Sports Centre. Parking is available on site with the entry between the Brickworks and The Indoor Sports Centre on Altin Street, Griffith. Please do not drive the back. This is staff only parking.

Unless temporary arrangements are made, children may be dropped off no earlier than 10-15 minutes prior to the class start time. We are there from 3.30pm most days conducting private lessons but the studio does not officially open till 3.45pm. We cannot be responsible for children dropped off earlier then this time.

If the class is the last of the day, and if a teacher should have to stay overtime to care for a child whose parent is late collecting them, an additional $30 per half hour or fraction thereof will be charged after the first 10mins.

We understand that things may arise from time to time but also need our parents to understand that we the staff also have outside responsibilities. Late pick up fees will be payable at time of collecting child or within 7 days.

END OF YEAR CONCERT AND COSTUMES

· Deposits for costumes for the end of year concert are payable toward the end of term 2. If you chose to not participate in the performance, please notify us as soon as possible.

· Costumes will be ordered for you child once you have handed in the required size sheet. If you do not wish to participate in the end of year concert, please notify us by either text or writing.

· Once costumes are ordered balances MUST be paid for even if your child is no longer participating in the end of year concert. Failure to pay balances may result in a third-party collection agency being employed by the studio. Any additional costs involved in this process plus interest will be added to the outstanding account. Upon initialling the enrolment form online and checking the box you have read the code of conduct you have entered into this agreement.

· Payment for costumes will be in two parts: 1. end of Term 2 Deposit 2. Balance during term 3.

· The deposit is non-refundable.

· The deposit payment is $70.00 per costume per dance class your child is doing.

· As costume vary in price, we will advise you once the order has been placed. SDS will endeavour to keep the cost of all costumes to a reasonable price.

· A measure sheet will be handed out at the studio towards the end of term 2 was ask you assist us by returning the sheet ASAP before end of term 2.

· DRESS REHEARSAL IS COMPULSORY TO ALL STUDENTS. NON-COMPLIANCE OF THIS RULE MAY SEE YOUR CHILD NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE CONCERTS. DRESS REHEARSAL IS THE FIRST SATURDAY OF DECEMBER EACH YEAR. TIMES WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN REQUIRED

· Students are required to perform In BOTH concerts.

· Dates of the concerts are given out at the start of the year via our website www.sdsgriffith.com to avoid issues around this time. Please make sure you reserve these dates in your calendar.

· The dress rehearsal will incur a one-off class fee price.

· Please be advised that if there are any outstanding fees at the end of the year SDS Griffith reserves the right to withhold supplying any costumes until outstanding monies are finalised.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

· SDS Treat all social media postings, blogs, status updates and tweets as public comment.

· All postings (written, photos or videos) will be family friendly and feature positive news, updates and photos from SDS.

· No personal information about our students or their parents will be disclosed.

· Abusive, discriminatory, intimidating or offensive statements will not be tolerated. Offending posts will be removed and those responsible blocked from our site.

· SDS Griffith reserves the right to block any students and family from social media that leave the studio under negative circumstances. If said person/person’s choses to post negative comments about SDS Griffith on any social media legal action regarding defamation and or slander may be taken.

· Photos maybe taken in class or at performances to be used for the advertising of the studio. If you object to your child/children being part of these photos/videos please notify on the enrolment form.

NON-COMPLIANCE

Members may face disciplinary action for sending inappropriate electronic communication of posting online content or comments that harass, intimidate or humiliate another member as outlined in our social media policy. Under certain circumstances cyber bullying is a criminal offence that can be reported to the police. Legal action may also be taken.

SOLOS & TROUPE TEAMS

If your child/children are doing solos or have been asked to be part of our Troupe team training program you agree to committing to the Troupe team for ONE YEAR, to attend extra lessons and rehearsals as required. If your child quits troupe mid-year after the dance year has commenced an exit fee of $250 will be payable to re-block routines. Troupe team students MUST participate in two technical classes a week (BALLET X 2 or BALLET X 1 & STRETCH X 1), one acro class and one Jazz to be part of the team. Troupe Team members must also be able to commit to going away schedule for competitions and performances when asked. Troupe Team members will be asked to wear full SDS uniform when attending events/competitions. Troupe team members are also required to sign a separate contact yearly. This Contract can be cancelled at any time from the Director of SDS Griffith if the code of conduct is not being followed or the Director feels that the dancer or parent is not a team player and/or is causing conflict.

Troupe members must commit to ALL away competitions. The troupe competition schedule will be notified to all troupe member parents at the end of the current year or at the beginning of the year to give ample notice to lock in dates. If a member cannot participate in a competition a re-blocking fee of $250 will be charged for that competition effected. If a team member cannot attend 2 competitions in a calendar year, they may be asked to leave the team. For a full copy of the SDS Griffith Troupe contract please request from Ms Shannon.

ACCEPTANCE

By Signing the enrolment form you agree to the conditions of the SDS Griffith CODE OF CONDUCT. Please be advised that the SDS Griffith Code of Conduct is updated yearly so we advise you to check each year for any changes. Unless notified in writing by the parent, guardian or career of the student SDS Griffith assumes that you agree to these conditions in the code of conduct yearly.

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