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Newsletter: 2019TERM 1

From the principalDear 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 Years seems so long ago as you prepare to return to the chaos of managing your family’s commitments and work!!!

For the past 26 years, Ric and I have been “parenting” and we have finally reached our last child finishing school for ever!!! Sorry but I can’t contain my excitement. We are entering a new phase in our lives and due to my commitments to parenting and the business for the past 30 years, I am now looking forward to a new phase in life.

In saying all of that I have spent the past 7 weeks de cluttering our house (massively) and moving youngest son Oliver in with brother James, who just moved house in the City. We have also had to create more storage space to store costumes and now have 4 storage spaces.

After this, I managed to take a complete week off over the Christmas period which was very enjoyable.

The concert clean up is still on hold and this will take place this term. The costumes require cataloguing and re organising in the storage facilities.

Over the past four weeks, it has been busy in the office. All administration for the beginning of 2019 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 look forward to working with my wonderful staff in 2019: Trish, Matilda and Elyssia.

Elyssia is prepared for the Unit ½ VCE Dance class and is looking forward to teaching the new students this year. Congratulations Elyssia, who has been awarded a scholarship at Melbourne University to complete her PHD in Arts History with a focus on choreography. Matilda attended an Intermediate and Advanced acrobatic training session with the Acrobatic Dance Association last week. She has prepared all of the jazz classes from Grade 3 level and is excited to start the year. Trish and I attended an RAD course last week revising all grades from 1 – 5. We are prepared to teach classes from our youngest Creative Dance and Sub junior levels (all which includes classical, jazz hip hop and acrobatics) RAD Grade 1 – Open Classical, Grades 1A and 2 Jazz.

I would also like to thank you all for the wonderful gift I received at the concert! From the whole school I received a pamper package at a day spa, which I have already enjoyed in the holidays. 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

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2019 Term Dates 2019 Concert DatesTerm 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 2019Term 1 Tuesday 29 Jan – Saturday 6 AprilTerm 2 Tuesday 23 April – Saturday 29 June Classes do apply on these datesTerm 3Monday 15 July – Saturday 21 September Classes do apply on these datesTerm 4Monday 7 Oct – Sunday 8 December Concert 7th and 8th December

Public Holidays If this schedule changes you will be notified via email closer to the dates.

Anzac Day: Thursday 25th April Classes as normal as they are after 4pm

Queens Birthday: Monday 10th June Classes as normal

Cup Day Holidays Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th November Classes as normal at this stage

All Scheduled at The Frankston Arts Centre.Please note these dates in your diary now to avoid any clashes with end of year commitments. Tuesday 26th November – Dress Rehearsal Sub Juniors Afternoon Seniors – Afternoon to eveningSaturday 7th December – Evening PerformanceSunday 8th December – Matinee PerformanceClassical: Kinder Dance: Sunday OnlySub Junior Classes: I am currently reviewing the Sub Junior involvement in regards to the Saturday OR Sunday involvement. I will let you know ASAP what performance your child will perform in. All Jazz and Classical Classes from Grade 1 A – Senior will perform in both concerts.Creative students are not in the concert.

Concert 2018 – 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 Sally Lloyd for assisting Sally Rackham with management in 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. It was a wonderful way to finish off the 30th year! Concert 2019 preparations are already underway!

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.

We have had ten 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.

Mid Year Display 2019 : FREE COMPLIMENTRY EVENTThe Mid Year Display is for all Intermediate and Senior Classical, Jazz and VCE Students. Grade 3 – Senior/VCEDate: Monday 17th 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.

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Top Class V.C.E Dance

V.C.E Dance 2018 Congratulations to all of our 2018 students. We congratulate all of the students who completed Unit ¾ in 2018.Special mention to Misch Kurzeme (4th in the State with a 46 score) and Annalise Butler (A+ score of 42) placing them in the top 5 – 8% of the State. They also have been 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 8/9 or 10 out of 10 for a number of sections in their solos. These results are wonderful, as these scores are described in the criteria as “Excellent “, “Outstanding” and “Exceptional”. We are very proud of all our VCE students and we wish them all the best for 2019. We also welcome our 2019 Unit 1/2 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 choreographic analysis, dance vocabulary, anatomy, safe dance practice, modern dance history. 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 attend from Secondary Schools all over the Peninsula. In the past we have had students from, Padua, Mornington Secondary, Woodleigh School,

Dromana Secondary, Balcombe Grammar, Toorak College, The Peninsula School, Flinders Christian College and Mt Eliza Secondary. Students’ final scores in Dance contribute to their overall Year 12 Study Score. Our results over the past 18 years include: • 2 students achieving 50/50 perfect scores• 4 Premiers Awards • A significant number of students receiving A+

result placing them in the top 5–8 % of the State• Many students having their solos selected for

the Top Class showcase.

Term FeesAll Term Fees and invoices are emailed.

Term Fees are due the first week of each Term.

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. Some families have made the error of looking at the top of the invoice and paying the fee amount stated before GST. Please make sure you view and pay the amount at the bottom of 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: 54688463795Important: I often receive description as “dance fees” or no name!!! or Andrea and I may have 3 Andreas in the school! So please state students name and surname. Not parents name please.

If you have more than one invoice to pay you can pay it all in one transaction. I will work out what invoices it is for. All fees paid will receive a PAID receipt.

Congratulations to Misch Kurzeme for being selected to perform in this years VCE Dance Top Class. Misch was selected for not one but two solos. This is an outstanding achievement at this level. Not only her high technical skill has been recognised but her creativity and artistry. Top Class is a small selection of VCE students who were first selected to audition and then selected to perform at the Recital Centre on February 21st. Congratulations Misch

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Teaching Staff 2019 Curriculum:I am delighted to welcome back my loyal and valued staff- Trish Harper Bottin, Matilda Jacoby and Elyssia Bugg. Assistant teachers in all Sub Junior classes are Grace Waters and Charlotte Lawyer.

• Trish Harper Bottin: will continue teaching the Sub Junior Classes, all R.A.D classical exam classes and the Grade 1A and 2 Jazz.

• Elyssia Bugg: will continue to teach the VCE students in all areas of the theory coursework and assist them in their practical outcomes.

• Matilda Jacoby: will be taking all of the jazz classes from Grade 3 – Advanced Jazz levels. She will teach the VCE students their contemporary group dances.

• I will be: managing all office administration, managing social media, continuing to oversee the entire school curriculum in classical and jazz. I will be teaching Sub Junior classes as well as all of the R.A.D Classes and Grade 1 and 2 Jazz. I will also be teaching all of the VCE students

Teacher Personal Development Term 1The 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 Teaching Staff 2019

Dancing, A.T.O.D Australian Teachers of Dance, Acrobatics Dance Association and the Melbourne Dance Network for VCE.

Trish and I have attended an R.A.D Graded seminar last week and will attend more 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 meetings to discuss the VCE Dance coursework.

Matilda has attended the Intermediate and Advanced Acrobatic workshops and will attend more during the year.

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!

Pre Primary/Primary and Grade 1B Dance: We will continue with the class format incorporating 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 and allows them to gain skill.

Acrobatics/Extension Jazz: We are offering extension jazz which will focus on acrobatics from Grade 2 to Senior levels. MMSOD is a member of the Acrobatics Dance Association and teachers have attended courses and have access to appropriate syllabus.

Jazz: The jazz classes will continue to incorporate a 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 syllabus and we offer all grade classes from Grade 1A and all Major levels including Advanced 2.

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Emails

Communication & Office Hours

Uniform

GroomingCorrect grooming is a part of the dance experience. All students must attend in the correct uniform, no other clothing items will be allowed to be worn during class.

Please send children to class looking like they are ready to participate in a dance class. They will feel more prepared and this is reflected in their dancing. When students participate in Acrobatics or turning movements, hair needs to be tied back to avoid distraction and can be dangerous.

Classical StudentsAll 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.

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.auOffice: 03 59 74 1498Office Address: 40 Helena Street Mount Martha Please make appointments when visiting the office.

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.

Social mediaFollow the school on Instagram or Facebook.All important dates can be found on our website www.mountmarthaschoolofdance.com.auWebsite/Instagram/Facebook

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: Internet transfer or cash/cheque Opening HoursThe Uniform shop is open by appointment during the school terms.Contact the office to make an appointment.

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Open Days Holiday ClassesIn 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 & 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 R.A.D Grade/Major Classical:RAD Classical Ballet students from Grades 1A – 6, Intermediate and Advanced Foundations attended intensive holiday classes last week.The students worked extremely hard in 4 hour sessions. They have made significant progress. Thanks to Trish for taking these classes over the two days. Thank you to all of the parents for supporting your child’s learning.Well done to all of these dedicated students.

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Photography: by James Bugg