POLICIES ANDÂ PROCEDURES
1. FREE TRIAL LESSON POLICY
• Any individual wishing to attend a free trial lesson at Fusion Academy must complete the ‘free trial’ registration prior to trying the class.
• Any individual will only be permitted to try a free class if the class is deemed suitable for them by Fusion Academy staff. This will be in accordance with the students age or experience.
2. ENROLMENT POLICY
• Any student wishing to enroll at Fusion Academy must first complete an online registration form. This is available on our website, or by email or in paper form at our reception.
• Participation in class is not available until a registration form has been completed, received and processed by our office.
• Enrolment is valid for one calendar year only.
• A new registration form must be completed for each calendar year.
• Students will be placed into classes according to suitability, level, and age at the discretion of Fusion Academy.
• To enroll, an insurance and music license fee must be paid of $20 per student. This is non-refundable and non-transferable. This fee is due prior to commencement of the first class.
• It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to update Fusion Academy of any changes to personal information.
3. ATTENDANCE POLICY
• Parent/Guardians are responsible for communicating absences with the Fusion Academy Receptionists.
• Fusion Academy must be notified no less than one hour in advance of any absences.
• If a student is going to be absent from class, this can be communicated via email, text message or phoning reception.
• Students are expected to attend all classes.
• Students who do not attend regularly may be removed from classes, sections of routines or routines entirely.
• Where a student is injured, they are expected to attend the class to observe.
• Students should not engage in external activities that may affect their ability to attend Fusion Academy classes.
• Attendance at STDE, ISAS, DCE, HCDC competitions, advertised rehearsals, Myer Christmas Pageant and Fusion Academy solo and end of year showcase is compulsory. In the instance a student does not attend, they will be removed from the group, class, or routine immediately.
• Attendance for group performances and competitions is mandatory for all competitive students. In the instance a student does not attend, they will be removed from the group, class or routine immediately.
4. FEE POLICY
• Fees are advertised in the Fusion Academy information packs.
• All fees are inclusive of GST.
• Class fees are invoiced by the term.
• Class fees are due in full by the first Saturday of each term and or may be paid on a weekly basis upon application.
• Competition and costume fees are due within 21 days of invoice.
• Staffing fees will be charged when a studio representative is required to be with students at competitions that are not written as compulsory events.
• Students will not be permitted to compete in competitions if accounts are in arrears. No refunds will be given in any instance where Fusion Academy is required to remove a student form a competition due to no payment of fees
• Fees are not refundable nor transferable between students, family members, classes or terms. Family discount and multiple student discounts are available upon application.
• Payment can be made using eftpos, credit card, bank transfer or cash. (2% surcharge applies to EFTPOS and Credit Cards. AMEX and Dinners are not accepted).
• Any fees outstanding 14 days after the invoice date will attract a $50 late payment charge.
• Where an invoice is 7 days overdue, the student will not be able to participate in classes. Their position in class will held for 2 weeks only.
• Where a student is too late to participate or attend a class or is sat out due to non-payment, a refund or credit will not be provided.
• All fees are not refundable. This includes classes, workshops, costumes, competitions and events.
5. LATENESS POLICY
• Should a student be more than 5 minutes late, they are expected to apologist to the teacher. They may be asked to observe and take notes without physical participation (due to missing out on the class introduction and/or warm-up).
• Should a student be more than 10 minutes late or cause a disturbance to the class with their lateness, they will not be permitted to participate in the class.
• It is appreciated that students and parents advise Fusion Academy Reception if they know they will be late to a class.
• Where a student is too late to participate or attend a class or sat out due to non-payment, a refund or credit will not be provided.
6. ANNUAL CONCERT COSTUME POLICY
• Costumes for the Fusion Academy End of Year Showcase will be measured, fitted and ordered by Fusion Academy.
• Costumes are stylized and decided by Fusion Academy.
• For some routines, some students may be asked to provide their own costume.
• Each class requires one costume.
• Classes that do not perform in the Fusion Academy End of Year Showcase do not require a costume.
• To the extent permitted by law, costume costs are not refundable.
• Costume fees will be payable within 21 days of invoice.
• Costumes will be ordered by Fusion Academy after payment has been received and will arrive after they have been shipped and received by Fusion Academy.
7. GROUP COSTUME POLICY
• Costumes for the Fusion Academy End of Year Showcase will be measured, fitted and ordered by Fusion Academy.
• Costumes are stylized and decided by Fusion Academy.
• Hired costumes will attract a $40-$60 hire payment per costume per calendar year. These will remain property of Fusion Academy. Any damage or failure to return or loss of hired costumes will be charged accordingly.
• Brand new group costumes may cost up to $400 per outfit. These will remain the property of the purchaser.
• For some routines, some students may be asked to provide their own costume.
• Each class requires one costume. Costumes will not be excessive in size. In the instance that a child outgrows their costume. It is the parent’s responsibility to purchase a new one.
• To the extent permitted by law, costume costs are not refundable.
• Costume fees will be payable within 21 days of invoice.
• Costumes will be ordered by Fusion Academy after payment has been received and will arrive after they have been shipped and received by Fusion Academy.
8. SOLO COSTUME POLICY
• Costumes for the Fusion Academy End of Year Showcase will be measured, fitted and ordered by Fusion Academy.
• Costumes are stylized and decided by Fusion Academy. Parents are permitted request to source their own costume. This must be approved Fusion Academy staff to be worn at performances or competitions.
• Hired costumes will attract a $40-$60 hire payment per costume per calendar year. These will remain property of Fusion Academy. Any damage, failure to return or loss of hired costumes will be charged accordingly.
• Brand new solo costumes may cost up to $400. For custom costumes this cost may be more.
• Each routine requires one costume. Costumes will not be excessive in size. In the instance that a child outgrows their costume. It is the parent’s responsibility to purchase a new one.
• To the extent permitted by law, costume costs are not refundable.
• Costume fees will be payable within 21 days of invoice.
• Costumes will be ordered by Fusion Academy after payment has been received and will arrive after they have been shipped and received by Fusion Academy.
9. SOLO/DUO/TRIO/STUNT GROUP COMPETITION POLICY
• Lesson duration is 15 minutes per week.
• Students who arrive more than 5 minutes late or who are absent will not be able to participate in their class. No refunds will be issued or make up lessons will be given.
• Students may represent Fusion Academy in solos, duos, trios or stunt groups as selected by Fusion Academy.
• Students will not be permitted to perform any routine owned by Fusion Academy in the event of termination/cancellation of contracts.
• Choreography is to be taught by Fusion Academy Staff only, at the Fusion Academy premises.
• All choreography, music, costume design and concept belong to Fusion Academy and cannot be used without written permission.
• Students must enroll in the Fusion Academy group class of the solo/duo/trio/stunt group style to be eligible for that routine. For example, a student must be enrolled in a jazz group at Fusion Academy to undertake a jazz solo.
• Students are permitted to undertake a maximus of 3 solos in one session of a 15minute lesson throughout the year, under the provision that they have completed and remember their previous solo. This is by application only and is at the discretion of Fusion Academy.
• Students are expected to practice at least 3 times per week for a 10minute duration at home. If is a child is unable to recall or retain the choreography, they will not be permitted to compete.
• Solo students agree to take personal responsibility and be involved with their solos.
• Students are permitted to enter competitions throughout the year at the discretion of Fusion Academy and must gain approval for before entering.
• Students/parents are responsible for providing/uploading music at competitions that are not advertised as compulsory. Please request music from our office via email or by providing a USB memory stick.
• A staffing fee will be charged when a studio representative is required to be with a student at non advertised, compulsory competitions.
10. ANNUAL SHOWCASE CONCERT POLICY
• The Fusion Academy End of Year Showcase is compulsory for all competitive students.
• All Students will be charged a $30 fee for our end of year concert. This fee will allow students access to watch during the performance if possible
• Recreational classes do not perform at this event. ( they may be invited in special circumstances)
• All students must attend a compulsory dress rehearsal as stipulated.
• Tickets to the End of Year Showcase are available from the reception. Each audience member requires a ticket of their own. Small children (under the age of 1) are permitted to sit on laps. No prams will be permitted in the theatre.
• Any behavior that may be disruptive to the viewing pleasure of others or the performers may result in said audience members being asked to leave the auditorium.
• Parents, Guardians, families and other audience members are not permitted in the dressing rooms.
• Students are not permitted to eat or drink (with an exception of water) in the dressing rooms. Students are responsible for cleaning their dressing room areas and placing rubbish in bins.
• A cleaning fee of $10.00 per student will be added if dressing room areas are not left in a reasonable clean state.
• Students are not permitted to change in toilet areas or communal audience areas.
• Students must eat in designated areas, and they are not permitted to loiter in communal audience spaces.
• Fusion Academy are not responsible for families who miss out on purchasing tickets due to delay or ticket exhaustion.
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11. COMPETITION AND PUBLIC EVENTS POLICY
• Advertised competitions and public events are compulsory for all competitive students.
• All students must attend compulsory rehearsals as stipulated.
• Students are permitted one accompanying adult at these events in the dressing room areas. This may not always be possible.
• All accompanying guests aged over 16 years must have a valid WWVP card. This card and number must be proved to Fusion Academy Reception prior to the event. Siblings and children in prams are not permitted in these areas.
• Students are only permitted to wear approved Fusion Academy uniform and costumes at these events.
• Parents, guardians and extended families are invited to purchase Fusion Academy Supporter garments. No smoking is permitted on any venue premises if Fusion Academy Supporter garments are worn, these must be covered up.
• Any parents, guardians, students and extended families who demonstrate un-sportsman like behavior during and event will be asked to leave.
12. UNIFORM POLICY
• The uniform set out by Fusion Academy is compulsory for all students excluding adult classes.
• The set uniform must be worn to all classes. Uniform must be clean and laundered
• Students who do not wear the correct uniform to class will not be able to participate in or observe the class. No refunds will apply.
• Uniforms that are damaged are not permitted in class.
• It is a Parent/Guardians responsibility that students are in a correctly fitting uniform.
• Uniforms that are revealing or too small are not permitted to be worn.
• Parents are strongly encouraged to affix name tags to all items of uniform.
• Fusion Academy is not responsible to replace lost or damaged uniform.
• No one is permitted to copy Fusion Academy logos.
• The Fusion Academy logo is not to be printed or affixed to any other item of clothing without the prior written approval from Fusion Academy.
• Hair is to be worn in a bun for classical classes and tied up into a secure style without any loose pieces for all other genres.
• It is advised that makeup is kept to a minimum in classes.
• Personal hygiene must be attended to.
• No aerosol sprays are permitted at the studio for health reasons. Deodorant must be roll on.
• Jewelry is not permitted in any cheerleading class.
• Dance students may wear one pair of sleepers or studs. Medi-alert jewelry items are permitted.
13. COMMUNICATION POLICY
• Parents/Guardians must have a valid email address and phone number.
• Fusion Academy’s hours of contact are Monday – Friday between the hours of 9am and 6pm. Any communication received outside these hours will be answered on the next available business day.
• Fusion Academy will be closed during public holidays and in line with school term breaks. of contact are Monday – Friday between the hours of 9am and 6pm. Any communication received during this period will be answered on the next available business day.
• Important information, invoices and newsletters will be emailed to the parent/guardian at the provided email address.
• It is the responsibility of at least one parent/guardian to read newsletters, invoices and important information that are sent from Fusion Academy to keep informed.
• Fusion Academy calendars contain important information, competitions and other relevant dates are available to purchase from reception for $10.00.
• The Fusion Academy website will include current information available to parents and guardians and will be update accordingly.
• Communication involving students will be directed to the parent/guardians.
• Digital communication should be restricted to studio matters only.
• Digital communication must not offend, intimidate, humiliate, or bully another person.
• Digital communication must not be misleading, false or injure the reputation of another person or Fusion Academy.
• Parent – Teacher communication of concerns or queries must be directed to Fusion Academy reception. The appropriate staff member will be contacted, and staff will then respond to the parent. Notes for the Director can be left at the reception desk, and these are kept confidential.
• Teachers are not available during class time to discuss matters or answer queries.
• Parents are encouraged to seek feedback and assessment of their children. This can be done by emailing Fusion Academy or leaving a note with reception. Please do not request feedback more than once a term unless special circumstances are involved.
• Parents and students should not access social media profiles of Fusion Academy Faculty. • Parents and students will be invited to a Fusion Academy private group on social media.
• Teachers are not permitted to give out any personal information about themselves or other Fusion Academy Faculty or Students. Please do not ask.
14. STUDIO LOYALTY, COMMITMENT AND COURTESY POLICY
• It is a conflict of interest to attend more than one studio. Students are not permitted to attend another Performing Arts School in addition to Fusion Academy without written permission from the director.
. Disloyalty to Fusion Academy will result in removal from the studio. (no refunds will apply)
• Students must obtain written permission to attend external performing arts classes or events within Australia.
• Where a student has permission from Fusion Academy to participate in an external class, workshop or event, the parent/guardian must ensure the student can still fulfil their Fusion Academy commitments.
• Students are permitted to undertake performing arts activities at their primary and secondary schools as long as these commitments do not conflict with their Fusion Academy commitments or restrict the student from being able to commit 100% to their Fusion Academy classes.
• Students may forfeit their enrolment at Fusion Academy if they participate in external events without Fusion Academy permission. No refunds will apply.
• Fusion Academy reserves the right to cancel enrolment if they deem it necessary. No refunds will apply.
15. PHOTOGRAPH AND FILMING
• Students/Parents/Guardians are not permitted to video or photograph classes, students, or staff at any time, unless given permission by the individuals involved.
• Photographs/Films contain students/staff or other should not be posted on social media platforms without permission from all parties.
• Fusion Academy End of Year Showcase, Performances and Competition videos are not to be posted on social media platforms, copied, or distributed to a third party/s, without permission from Fusion Academy.
• Photography and filming of theatre performance is strictly prohibited
• Fusion Academy may use photographs or videos of the students to promote the academy via flyers, website, social media and advertising. All students are required to sign a photograph release form. This signed agreement is valid for 2 years.
• Staff are not to film or photograph a student without permission from Fusion Academy. Staff are not permitted to share films or photographs of a student without permission from Fusion Academy and the parent/guardian involved.
16. HEALTH & SAFETY
• Fusion Academy have set up and will maintain a safe performing arts environment for their students. The studio flooring and equipment used enable and ensure safe dance practices.
• Appropriate emergency procedures are in place and staff understand the procedures relevant to their location.
• Fusion Academy staff have the responsibility and authority to ensure that health.
• Fusion’s 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.
• Behaviour from student’s parents or visitors that may cause an unsafe environment will not be tolerated
• It is the responsibility of the student’s parents, guardians to inform Fusion Academy of any prior or current illness or injuries, prior to enrolment or prior to class
• In the event of an injury Fusion Academy will administer first aid treatment by a qualified first aider. If medical services are necessary and an ambulance required, the student/parent will incur the costs expenses. Physical contact may be required.
• Parents/guardians must be responsible for miners before and after class times. Fusion Academy will not provide sick supervision to minors outside of class time.
• Students are not to wait outside the premises.
• No student (under 18 years) is to wait outside or leave the premises unaccompanied at any time.
• Fusion Academy must be notified of any allergies that a student may have. Fusion Academy will not be held responsible for allergic reactions outside of class time however, first aid will be provided.
• Emergency evacuation maps are located around the premises.
• Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and fire blankets are located within the premises.
• Any student who has been diagnosed by a medical practitioner as being at risk of anaphylaxis should bring an Eppie pen to class and leave it at reception, labelled with your name. This Eppie pen will be administered by a first aider if required, and the instruction of 000 staff if an emergency arises.
17. FOOD, DRINK, ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
• Food and or drink is not permitted in the classrooms, with exceptions of a water bottle.
• Food and or drink must only be consumed in the allocated waiting areas.
• Fusion Academy request that nuts are nut to be bought on the premises. We are unable to ensure/guarantee that the premises is “nut free”
• The possession or consumption of illicit or non-prescribed drugs or alcohol is not acceptable at any time.
• Parents, students, volunteers and all employees, must not arrive at Fusion Academy or any event representing Fusion Academy under effects of illicit drugs or alcohol.
18. INJURY/FIRST-AID POLICY
• Where an injury occurs, the student will receive treatment from a qualified first aider. Physical contact may be required.
• In the situation where an ambulance is required, and ambulance will be called Fusion Academy. The parent/guardian will incur these costs.
• Where an injury occurs, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted by Fusion Academy using the contact information given on the student’s registration form.
• It is the responsibility of the student/parents to notify Fusion Academy of any previous or current injuries.
• Any injuries sustained whilst training or performing in a competition or promotion will be the responsibility of the student/parent. No costs will be incurred by Fusion Academy.
• Injuries that occur on the premises will be recorded on the incident report form.
• Students who do not participate in classes due to injury maybe prohibited to perform at an event or attend an event.
• Students in enrolled in group classes must attend and observe classes when injured and unable to physically participate.
19. BEHAVIOUR/CONDUCT POLICY
• Fusion Academy does not tolerate swearing, indecent or disrespectful language, defamatory comments, or indecent or disrespectful conduct from students, parents/guardians/family members or visitors.
• Any individual who demonstrates any of the above will be asked to withdraw from Fusion Academy immediately. This behaviour includes on the premises, social media or on the Internet.
• Negative communications between parents and or other students will not be tolerated by Fusion Academy. Where negative communication takes place, the parents and students involved will be asked to withdraw from Fusion Academy immediately. This includes at the premises or outside of the premises, on social media or on the Internet.
• Any person who does not comply with Fusion Academy terms and conditions will forfeit their position at Fusion Academy and to the extent permitted by law, will not be entitled to a refund.
20. BULLYING POLICY
• The following will not be tolerated in a person, via email, via text messaging over the Internet; Verbal abuse or shouting, physical abuse, excluding or isolating a person, psychological harassment, humiliating a person through sarcasm, criticism or insult, ignoring or belittling a person’s contribution or opinion.
• Where any persons feel that they are the victim of bullying, they should discuss the matter directly with the person/people concerned and request an end to the behaviour. Should this approach fail or be inappropriate, the victim can contact Fusion Academy reception for assistance in resolving this matter.
21. PHYSICAL CONTACT POLICY
• Physical contact between a teacher and student may be required to demonstrate/correct or assist with dance or performing arts movements.
• In the event of an injury, physical contact may be required between a first aider and an injured student or visitor.
• Any inappropriate or indecent physical contact between staff students or visitors of Fusion Academy must be reported immediately.
22. CANCELLATION POLICY
• If WE (Fusion Academy) required to cancel our class, registrants will be notified in advance and fees paid will be credited.
• If a student/parent cancels a class, there will be no for refund or credit given.
23. WITHDRAWAL POLICY
• Where a student wishes to withdraw from a class or from Fusion Academy entirely, 10 weeks written notice is required.
• There will be no refund or credit for withdrawals from classes. Classes are invoiced by the term.
24. EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE
• In the case of an emergency staff alert all persons with the sound of a whistle and all, airhorn.
• Staff will direct and advise all persons to move safely to the nearest exit.
• Staff will then direct or persons to the muster point at the front of the studio or an alternative safe area.
25. GRIEVANCE POLICY
• A grievance is a real or perceived cause for complaint.
• Fusion Academy recognizes 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 assured that they will not be disadvantaged by the implementation of such procedures whether decisions are found four or against their grievance. The first step to raise a complaint should be with the reception staff. 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 th\oughtful consideration and will discuss with the individuals who raised them. Discussions are held in a confidential manner.
• At any time, the student or parent have the right to withdraw their grievance. It is requested that this is dated and put in writing.
26. PARKING POLICY
For the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, we kindly ask that all those attending Fusion Academy adhere the following:
• Be mindful of the nature of Fusion Academy and that it involves a sizeable number of children. Please allow extra care when parking vehicles.
• Please do not park in or obstruct access driveways or walkways.
27. CCTV POLICY AND PROCEDURES
• Fusion Academy operates a CCTV system to deter all antisocial and, or criminal behaviour. This system will aim to provide a secure and safe environment for children, parents/guardians and staff.
• Access to the CCTV system displayed monitor will be limited to authorized staff only. Authorized staff include the receptionist and the director. Authorized staff will utilize the system for Occupational health and safety and security reasons only.
• Access to recorded footage will be limited to the director and the receptionist and is password protected.
• Recorded footage will be accessed by the director or receptionist if a serious offence, allegation, or incident has taken place. And offence, allegation, or incident will be defined as serious if it includes antisocial behaviour or a crime.
• Should an offence, incident, or an allegation led to a criminal investigation or lawsuit, the recorded footage may also be accessed for this purpose.
• Recordings will be stored on a systems hard drive which is located in a secure location with restricted access as outlined above. And authorize staff member will be present in this location during all open hours. During closed hours, the premises is locked and alarmed. The recordings will be held on the system for approximately 14 days. These recordings will then be exported to External storage hard drive which will be stored in a secure location and access by the director or receptionist only. The operating systems hard drive will be then over written.
• It should be noted that the current system Within the premises on my records video and has no capacity to record sound.
• It should be noted that all cameras are visible.
• It should be noted that there are signs in place to notify individuals of the presence of the cameras.
• It should be noted that cameras are not located in private areas, such as the toilets and all change rooms.
• It should be noted that footage will not be used to access or evaluate staff or student performance.
28. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
• Fusion Academy endeavors to be environmentally responsible whilst undertaking performing arts classes and aim to minimize our environmental impact in the following ways
• Build environmental awareness amongst employees and students.
• Establishing appropriate office systems for resource reuse and recycling.
• Meet all relevant environmental legislative and requirements.
• Continue to review our environmental management and performance.
• Strive to lead by example, encourage best practices and drive sustainable outcomes.
29. CLASS VIEWING POLICY
• Classes are closed for all private lessons, exams, adult classes, rehearsals, workshops and groups.
• Parents/guardians may only enter classrooms when invited by the teacher who is conducting the class.
30. MAKE UP CLASS POLICY
• Make up class requests must be forwarded via email to .
• Make up classes are only available if taken within the same term as the missed class.
• There is to be a maximum of one make up class per student, per term.
• Make up class times will be allocated by Fusion Academy, only if places are available.
31. RIGHT OF ACCESS POLICY
• Staff student parents and visitors will have access to a hard copy of all policies and procedures, upon request.
• Any student who has court orders in place must produce a hard copy to the receptionist which will be kept on file.
• Fusion Academy cannot enforce the removal of public spectators during events.
• Fusion Academy cannot enforce the removal of parents or guardians unless there are court orders, behavioral or breaches of policy.