From the principal Dear parents & students,

Newsletter: 2018 TERM 1 From the principal Dear parents & students, Welcome back to past families and a warm welcome to all of the new families beginning at the school. I hope that you had a lovely time over the holiday period. Christmas and New Year s seem so long ago as we prepare to return to the chaos of managing our family s commitments and work!!! Directly after the concert the clean-up began and we were busy with costume cataloguing and organising the three storage facilities. After this, I managed to take two complete weeks off over the Christmas period which was very enjoyable. We enjoyed staying home in Mt Martha, and we celebrated our children s birthdays Lissy s 25th, James 22 and my baby Oliver turning 18. Christmas time is an opportunity for us as a family to catch up, which I absolutely treasure. Over the past four weeks, it has been busy in the office. All administration for the beginning of 2018 has been completed. This includes enrolments, class lists, invoices, all other data-based administration, uniform shop sales, and all class planning for term 1 has been completed. I returned to teaching last week for the RAD Holiday Program. I look forward to working with my wonderful staff in 2018. Paige has had an extensive break and last week returned to teaching at the R.A.D Classical holiday program. She has prepared all of her classes and is enthusiastic for the year ahead. Elyssia has been busy preparing the VCE Coursework, as we are studying two new works. The research and resourcing will be completed ready for the girls first lesson. Elyssia and I look forward to teaching the VCE Dance Students this year. Matilda has had a break from teaching but has been working hard in her part time job. She attended an advanced acrobatic training session with the Acrobatic Dance Association last week. Matilda will be studying full time Dance and is studying a Diploma Cert IV in Dance/Dance Teaching at the Ministry of Dance. She will also continue teacher training under my guidance addressing teaching strategies, class content, class planning, student management and welfare. I would also like to thank you all for the wonderful gift I received at the concert! From the whole school I received tickets to Aladdin the musical. It was fabulous and I was able to enjoy it with Elyssia. I also received a pamper package at a day spa which I will enjoy this term. The staff and I truly appreciate all of the generous gifts and cards we receive at Christmas time, and treasure them all. We hope that everyone settles in well and enjoys Term 1. We encourage past families to make new families welcome by introducing yourselves. Please contact the office if you have any queries regarding your child s tuition. Happy Dancing! Yours Sincerely - Vicki Bugg 1

2018 Term Dates 2018 Concert Dates Term 1 Newsletter The Term 1 Newsletter contains whole school information. It communicates all school activities and relates to all families so please record all dates in your family diaries. Term Dates 2018 Term 1 Monday 29 th Jan Thursday 29 th March Friday/Saturday classes will have a re-scheduled class due to Easter weekend. Term 2 Monday 16 th April Saturday 23 rd June Classes do apply on these dates Term 3 Monday 16 th July Saturday 22 nd Sept Classes do apply on these dates Term 4 Monday 8 th Oct Sunday 9 th Dec Concert 8 th and 9 th Dec Public Holidays If this schedule changes you will be notified via email closer to the dates. Anzac Day: Wednesday 25 th April Classes as normal as they are after 4pm Queens Birthday: Monday 11 th June Classes as normal Cup Day Holidays Monday 5 th and Tuesday 6 th November Cancelled These classes will be re scheduled during Term 4 All Scheduled at The Frankston Arts Centre. Please note these dates in your diary now to avoid any clashes with end of year commitments. Monday 26 th November Dress Rehearsal Sub Junior 2pm, Junior 3.45pm Seniors 6pm Note: These times will be confirmed Term 2 Saturday 8 th December Evening Performance Sunday 9 th December Matinee Performance Levels: Kinder Dance: To be confirmed Pre Primary & Primary Dance Tue: Saturday Concert Pre Primary & Primary Dance Mon: Sunday Concert All Jazz and Classical Classes from Grade 1 B Senior will perform in both concerts. Creative students are not in the concert. Concert 2017 Congratulations to All Students! Once again, the Annual Concert at the Frankston Arts Centre was a huge success. We would like to thank all of the families for supporting the Concert. We sincerely thank you all for encouraging your children in the field of dance. The students performance was AMAZING!! and so impressive. Their behaviour backstage was absolutely fantastic and the staff were so proud of them all. Thank you to all volunteers who assisted in Term 4. I truly appreciate your support. Special mention to Karen Doolan, Greer Hunter, Kaya Cook, Sally Lloyd. Michelle Thompson for managing the function Centre Thank you all for your incredible support. Thank you also for the number of lovely emails I received in regards to the concert, many of which commented on the professionalism and the opportunities the students receive at MMSOD. Concert 2018 preparations are already underway! Mid Year Display 2018 : FREE COMPLIMENTRY EVENT The Mid Year Display is for all Intermediate and Senior Classical, Jazz and VCE Classes. Grade 3 Senior/VCE Date: Monday 18 th June Time: 6pm, Students will have to arrive 1 1.5 hours before starting time. Venue: Peninsula Community Theatre, Corner of Wilsons Rd and Nepean Hwy Mornington. The Mid Year Display has been developed to give students more opportunities to perform and to present some of their class work to their family and friends. It is also an opportunity for VCE students to display their work. Many Pre School and Junior students attend this performance to witness the Intermediate and Senior standards of the school. 2 We have had nine displays to date and all have been a great success. The performance is free of charge. Voluntary donations can be made to support a charity of our choice.

Teaching Staff 2018 I am delighted to welcome back my loyal and valued staff- Paige Arnott, Elyssia Bugg & Matilda Jacoby. A special warm welcome to Sophie Peasley. Assistant teachers in all Sub Junior classes are Grace Waters and Charlotte Lawyer. Paige Arnott: will be continuing her extensive involvement in the school curriculum. She will be teaching the sub junior classes and the classical RAD classes preparing them for the exams in August. She will continue teaching the majority of jazz/acrobatic levels. Elyssia Bugg: will continue to teach the VCE students in all areas of the theory coursework and give guidance in their practical outcomes. Matilda Jacoby: will be taking Grade 1B Dance on Saturdays, Grade 4 and 5 jazz and extension and will teach the hip hop for advanced Jazz. She will teach the VCE students their contemporary dances and teach Hip Hop to other Senior jazz classes. Sophie Peasley: will be taking Grade 4/5 Jazz/acro classes on Saturday mornings. I will be: managing all office administration, managing social media, continuing to oversee the entire school curriculum in classical and jazz and will be teaching Sub Junior classes as well as all of the R.A.D graded classes and Inter Foundation/Advanced Foundation classes. I will also be teaching all of the VCE students as well as supporting Matilda and Sophie on Saturday mornings with Grade 4 and 5 jazz/acro. Teacher Personal Development Term 1 The wide choice of dance styles and the high levels we offer, reflects the talents and commitment of our teachers, to provide the best opportunities for all of our students. In order to maintain our memberships and registration, teachers must attend a series of courses every year. MMSOD is a member of R.A.D Royal Academy of Dancing, A.T.O.D Australian Teachers of Dance, Acrobatics Dance Association and the Melbourne Dance Network for VCE. Paige and I will be attending R.A.D seminars during the year which will focus on syllabus strategies for all Grades and Major Levels. Lissy and I will be attending a Melbourne Dance Network meeting to discuss the VCE Dance coursework. All jazz staff will be attending Acrobatic workshops. Curriculum: Creative and Kinder Dance: This year we will continue to use the obstacle and balance teaching aids to complement our current curriculum. Our main aim is to continue to develop the students motor skills and we use dramatic themes and dress ups during classes to engage the children and make the classes educational, progressive and fun! Sub Junior Dance: Includes Pre Primary Primary and Grade 1B Dance. Last year we changed these classes to incorporate both Classical and Jazz styles and Acrobatics. Students learnt classical technique in various exercises and then extended the focus on coordination through the jazz locomotive and dance steps. It was very successful!! This will enable students to make a decision regarding which style they would like to pursue beyond this age. Jazz: The jazz classes will continue to incorporate technical elements and include jazz, hip hop and contemporary from Grade 3 level.. The jazz students will enjoy a syllabus that focuses on technical exercises, dance routines, travelling steps, stretching and flexibility. We have introduced hip hop and acrobatics in all levels from Grade 1A. Jazz Exams: Last year students were given the opportunity to participate in Internal Jazz exams Grade 1-4. This was very popular amongst the students. We will once again offer Internal Jazz exams for students in June. RAD Classical Exams: Students will be learning the RAD International Classical Ballet Syllabus and can participate in Graded Exams from Grade 1A 8 and Major Exams from Intermediate Foundation - Advanced 2 Levels Sub Junior Exams: Primary and Grade 1B levels can participate in Internal Exams in June. 3

V.C.E Dance 2017 Congratulations to all of our 2017 students. We congratulate all of the students who all received A and or A+ in 2 out of the 3 outcomes. Special mention to Bridget Lee and Georgia Peasley who received an overall A+ result placing them in the top 5 8% of the State. They were also invited to audition for Top Class the most outstanding performers in the State. Throughout the course, the students improved in their academic and practical skills and learnt about commitment, meeting deadlines and the importance of organisation. Some students managed to manifest their efforts in scores of 9 out of 10 for a number of sections in their solos. These results are wonderful, as these scores are described in the criteria as Outstanding. and Exceptional. We are very proud of all our VCE students and we wish them all the best for 2018. We also welcome our 2018 students and look forward to broadening their understanding of dance history and their own choreographic practice. V.C.E Dance: How does it work? Students can study dance as a Year 12 subject. We offer Unit ½ (Year 11) for year 10 or 11 students, and Unit ¾ (Yr 12) for year 11 or 12 students. Students study all aspects of the course with Mt Martha School of Dance, not their secondary school. Students study dance theory, completing detailed coursework that covers topics such as dance vocabulary, anatomy, safe dance practice, modern dance history and choreographic analysis. The practical section sees students learning to choreograph and focus on articulating technical skills in their own dance works. They explore this through workshops involving improvisation, exploration of choreographic principles, elements of movement and much more. Students come from Secondary Schools all over the Peninsula. For instance we have students from Balcombe Grammar, Padua, Toorak College, The Peninsula School, Dromana, Flinders, Mt Eliza, Mornington and Woodleigh School. Students final scores in Dance contribute to their overall Year 12 Study Score. Our results over the past 15 years include: 2 students achieving 50/50 perfect scores 4 Premiers Awards A number of students receiving scores in the top 5-8% of the State. Many students having their solos selected for the Top Class showcase. Correspondence & communication Please ensure that your email address is up to date and inform me of any changes. Please check your emails regularly. They will always be MMSOD. I will also make sure that they state the class it is referring to or the whole school. Tip: Make a MMSOD file. Website/Instagram/Facebook Follow the school on Instagram or facebook All important dates can be found on our website www.mountmarthaschoolofdance.com.au Term Fees Term Fees are due the first week of each Term. Invoices will be sent 3 weeks before due date. Please contact the office if you require a payment plan or alternative date for payment. Fees can be paid by cheque payable to Mt Martha School of Dance, Cash or Internet banking. GST: Please note that all Fees incur the GST. Please make sure you view and pay the total amount the invoice which includes the GST. Example: Term Fees $630 includes GST: $63 Internet Banking: Please make sure you fill in description as: Name/Surname of student: eg. Jane Smith or J Smith Invoice Number: stating the invoice number is very helpful. MMSOD Banking Details: NAB Mornington BSB: 083781 Account: 54688463795 I often receive description as dance fees no name!!! or Andrea and I may have 3 Andreas in the school! So please state students name and surname. All fees paid will receive a PAID receipt. 4

Communication & Office Hours Please contact the office if you wish to discuss any matters regarding your child s tuition or have any questions relating to the school. I will always respond to your concerns or enquiries and openly discuss matters with all staff, so please inform me. Office Details Office hours can be 7 days a week as I always return emails daily, so if you do not receive a reply within two days please call the office. Email: vicki@mountmarthaschoolofdance.com.au Office: 03 59 74 1498 Office Address: 40 Helena Street Mount Martha Please make appointments when visiting the office. Uniform Shop The Uniform Shop is located at 40 Helena St. Mt Martha. We stock all uniform items. Ballet, Character and Jazz Shoes are available to purchase. All students are required to be dressed in correct school uniform. Please visit the website www.mountmarthaschoolofdance.com.au for the uniform requirements. Payment: You will be invoiced and can pay cash/cheque or internet banking. Grooming Correct grooming is a part of the dance experience. All students must attend in the correct uniform. Please send children to class looking like they are ready to participate in a dance class. They will feel better and more prepared and this is reflected in their dancing. Classical Students All classical students from Primary to higher grades must attend class with their hair pulled back neatly into a bun. All hair is to be kept off the face. Headbands are a great idea for fringes and short hair. Staff are happy to show you how to style a correct bun if you are unsure. Please arrive early with the appropriate hair net and fork pins if you require assistance. Jazz: Hair needs to be off the face and in a ponytail. 5

Open Days In order for the students to learn in a productive environment without distractions, parents/siblings are to remain outside of the studios. There are glass windows in all studios for parents to view from outside if needed. Open days allow parents, families and friends to view their child s class and dancing achievements. Open days are for the junior levels of the school from Creative up to Grade 2 Ballet and Jazz. From this age onwards they will perform in the Mid Year Display. Open days are held at different stages of the year. Creative age children have three open days (as they are not a part of the end of year concert), whereas most other classes hold one open day Mid Year. We feel this is the most appropriate time as students can demonstrate a large body of work which students are confident with. All students, except creative students, perform in the end of year concert. Creative Dance: Open Days in Term 2,3 and 4. Kinder Dance: Open Days in Term 2 and 3. Sub Junior Classes: Open Day in Term 2. RAD Classical Students: Open Day Term 2 and one in August prior to Exams. Jazz Students: Open Day in Term 2. Classical & Jazz Students Grades 3 Senior Levels: Perform in Mid Year Display in June. Kinder Dance, Sub Junior and Grades 1A Senior Levels: Perform in End of year Concert at Frankston Arts Centre Holiday Classes Holiday Classes R.A.D Grade/Major Classical: RAD Classical Ballet students from Grades 1A Senior Levels attended intensive holiday classes last week. The students worked extremely hard (most had 2.5-3 hour sessions) and made excellent progress in all levels. Paige and I enjoyed the week teaching and were impressed with how much the students progressed in the week. Thank you to all of the parents for supporting your childs learning. Well done to all of these dedicated students. www 6