ABOUT US Caper School of Performing Arts provides premium dance tuition in a friendly, professional and nurturing environment. Caper offers the best of both worlds - whether you dance for fun and fitness or whether you are a budding professional - there are classes and opportunities to suit you!

Caper was established in 2003 by Directors and sisters, Kate & Beth McDermott. Kate and Beth are qualified with the Australian Teachers of Dancing and have been teaching for over fifteen years. Since opening the school, Caper has emerged as one of Sydney’s most successful and popular performing arts tuition providers. Classes at Caper are exciting and energetic, and teachers are committed to training students with solid technique and performance skills. The many happy, talented students are testament to wonderful culture of the school. In their non-dance pursuits, Kate holds a Bachelor of Media degree and Beth graduated from Sydney University in Economics/Law with first class honours.

SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS Caper students enjoy great success in exams, competitions and professional productions. Our students have appeared on television, at events such as the Royal Easter Show and have also appeared in costume/fashion parades. In 2015, Caper’s representative dance team received outstanding success at eisteddfods, achieving the highest and most consistent results in the Hills District. In 2014 and 2012 Caper won the audience vote at Sydney Eisteddfod’s televised Dance of Champions. Total prize money won from this event is now $10,000.

Each year Caper celebrates wonderful results in both RAD ballet exams and GWT tap exams. Students have been selected to join the Australian Ballet School’s Interstate Training Program and Caper soloists have received awards at many competitions including the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod and Showcase National Dance Championships. Caper students are regularly selected for specialist performing arts high schools and have been scholarship recipients. Caper students have been featured in professional productions including the Australian Ballet Company’s Manon and Sleeping Beauty, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Love Never Dies, The King & I and Angelina Ballerina The Mousical. Caper facilitates opportunities for students to perform in fashion parades, appear in films/ television shows such as X Factor, Hi-5, Kitchen Whiz, All for Kids, Pyramid and Jay’s Jungle. It will be very exciting to see what 2016 has in store for the Caper kids!

NORWEST STUDIOCaper has a fully equipped studio at Norwest Business Park, Bella Vista which features:P Four spacious studios spanning over 500m2

P Ballet barresP Wall mounted mirrorsP Sprung timber floors (sprung floors have layers of sponge and foam

underneath the timber to protect students from potential injuries)P Acrobatics mats & equipmentP Reverse cycle air-conditioningP Computerised point of sale system with EFTPOSP CCTVP Waiting areas for parents/students/siblingsThe studio is accessed via a stairwell so please bear this in mind if you are using a pram or if you have any difficulties with stairs.

COMMUNITY CENTRE STUDIOS Caper also operates lessons at the Castle Hill Community Centre (Castle Grand). This venue provides sprung dance floors, mirrors, a spacious waiting area, underground car park and the convenience of being in the same building as the library and across the road from Castle Towers.

COMMUNICATIONThe Caper office is open from 9am-1pm Monday to Friday for phone calls and emails. For enquiries made in person, the Caper studio premises at Norwest and Castle Grand are open only when classes are being held.

LOCATION AND POSTAL ADDRESSUnit 60, Lexington Corporate Centre 24-32 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153

NORWEST STUDIO TELEPHONE 02 8882 9879 or 0402 328 721. 9am-1pm Monday – Friday

CASTLE GRAND TELEPHONE0402 604 673. The Castle Grand mobile is answered by our receptionist only whilst classes are being held at Castle Grand. For enquiries outside of these times, please contact the Norwest office.

EMAIL caper@caperonline.com.auEmails are answered from 9am to 1pm on weekdays. Please allow 2-3 days to receive a reply.

STUDIO OPENING HOURSThe Norwest and Castle Grand studios are only open when classes are being held.

CAPER APPThe Caper App is the best method for parents to stay on top of all the news, events and information. Download “Team App” from the App Store (Apple or Google Play). Then all you need to do is sign up, log in and search for “Caper SPA”. Be sure to join the “enrolled” access group.

RECEPTIONOur reception desk is staffed when classes are scheduled (please refer to the timetable). The receptionist is there to provide in person assistance to students and their parents.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTERA newsletter is distributed monthly that keeps parents informed of all the events at the studio as well as important information regarding your child’s tuition. It is available from the App.

SOCIAL MEDIA Another fun way to stay in touch with Caper is via Facebook and Instagram. Search for us under “Caper School of Performing Arts”.

www.caperon l ine .com.au

Unit 60, Lexington Corporate Centre 24-32 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153NORWEST 02 8882 9879 or 0402 328 721 CASTLE GRAND 0402 604 673

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PRE-SCHOOLERS ( 2 - 5 YEAR OLDS)A child’s first steps in dance are the most important and Caper has developed one of the most extensive pre-school dance programs in Sydney. We offer our 2-5 year olds the benefit of being a part of a school that can cater for a child from their pre-school years, through their primary school years, right up until their later years of high school.

For many students, pre-school dance classes are one of their first experiences in a social, learning environment. It is to be expected that children will be withdrawn or shy on their first lesson so please allow for a 2-3 week settling in period. Parents are welcome to watch the class for the first week to give their child extra support if needed.

Caper’s pre-school classes promote confidence, creativity and physical health; an appreciation of the arts; correct and age appropriate dance technique; positive social behaviour and teamwork in a group setting; as well as a love for learning through dance, music and imaginative play. The movement portion of each class has been designed with considerations of the level of physical and cognitive ability of children in the 2-5 year old age range.

GROWConfidence

NURTURECreativity

DEVELOPSkills

MakeNew

friends!

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READY SET DANCE (3-5 year olds)This is a fabulous program for boys and girls that includes jazz, hip hop, singing, music and tap. Your child will love:PBusting out their hip hop movesPSinging like a starPJoining the puppet showPSkipping along fairytale lanePFloating on their yoga cloudPLearning rhythm on our animal safariPJumping in puddles with their tap shoesPPlaying with our parachutesPPerforming on stage at our Annual Concert (optional)PGoing bananas with all of our cool music tracks created

by the top music producers from the Australian kids television industry

ANGELINA BALLERINA (3-5 year olds)Our pre-school ballet classes are inspired by the Angelina Ballerina books and TV series with themed activities and incentives. The curriculum was developed by US dance education specialist Beverly Spell and is a beautiful introduction to the magical world of ballet. Angelina Ballerina herself visits the studio every year.

MUMMY & ME (2-3 year olds & a carer)Mummy & Me classes are a great way to ease a child into the structure of a dance class whilst still having the security of a carer present. Students are engaged with carefully selected music and an array of props. When students are three and ready to attend a dance class independently, they are welcome to join our Ready Set Dance and/or Angelina Ballerina classes.

We have aligned with the best dance syllabus organisations and offer three options for pre-schoolers:

The Angelina Ballerina and Mummy & Me classes do not perform at the concert however all students receive a trophy at the end of the year that is engraved with their name.

Free trials are offered in all our pre-school classes so you are welcome to make a booking to tour our studio, meet the staff and teachers and join in on the fun.

CLASSES

TIMETABLEPlease contact Caper for the most current timetable.

It is not available publicly.

Toddlers to teens and everything in between!Caper has over 150 classes each week so we cater for all levels, ages and for both the recreational student or budding professional. Dance styles include RAD Ballet, GWT Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Dance Technique, Acrobatics, Ballet Limber and our pre-school program. We offer opportunities in competitions, solo work, exams and performances at community events. There is something for everyone!

Mummy & Me2-3 Year Olds

Angelina Ballerina3-5 year olds

Ready Set Dance3-5 year olds

Caper JuniorsKingergarten & Year 1

Pre-Intermediate LevelYear 2 & Year 3

Intermediate LevelYear 4 & Year 5

Pre-Senior LevelYear 6 & Year 7

Senior LevelYear 8 and up

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CAPER JUNIORSBallet, Tap and Jazz classes for Primary School kids in Kindergarten and Year 1

Good things come in threes! Caper Juniors offers the convenience of three dance styles in 90 minutes. Each class has two teachers who are handpicked for their enthusiasm and rapport with students of this age. After school and Saturday classes are available at our locations in Castle Hill and Bella Vista (Norwest Business Park).

The classes component follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus and the Glenn Wood Tap syllabus (GWT) so you have the peace of mind that your child is being taught in accordance with independent standards. There are exciting (optional) opportunities to perform on stage at a community event and the Annual Concert.

Students are nurtured at a studio that offers long-term growth and opportunities for the dancer. In addition to building their skills, the class places emphasis on each child’s cognitive and emotional development. And if you don’t want to do all three you can always choose just one or two classes.

AGED 7 AND BEYOND…Caper has a thriving base of recreational students who want to dance as a hobby but want to do so at a professional school with fantastic teachers. Everyone is welcome to our classes, whether it be for fun and fitness or to make new friends. Dance is a wonderful activity and is a great way to boost confidence and self esteem. We have non-competitive classes available in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, dance technique and acrobatics. Students are invited to perform at the Riverside Theatre at our Annual Concert production.

ADVANCED DANCERSWe offer many avenues for students who want to pursue dance at an advanced level. Exams are offered in the Glenn Wood Tap syllabus for tap and we have prepared students for these exams right up to the later levels. Ballet exams are offered through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus and have students studying the whole range of the syllabus, from grades to majors. Students may also be selected for performance teams and competition work.

In addition to having a fabulous permanent faculty for our dancers, we also arrange master classes and guest teachers to provide additional experience, inspiration and training. In 2015 we hosted Marko Panzic, Michael Dameski, Robbie Kemtoni, Kieron Kulik, Sher Manu, Marko Panzic, Stephen Tannos and Ashleigh Tavares. We also provide workshops in audition skills and regular musical theatre excursions. 2016 will prove to be just as exciting!

MERIT SYSTEMWe are believers in positive reinforcement and utilise many methods to encourage and reward our students. At the end of the year all children receive a trophy engraved with their name, a treasured memento for our students and a highlight for many parents.

WAITING LISTSWaiting lists are taken for classes that have reached their capacity. People on the waiting list will be contacted if or when a position becomes available. Positions only become available if a current student in that class withdraws. There is no cost for going on the waiting list and applicants are under no obligation to enrol if a position is offered to them. Current Caper students and their siblings will be placed at the top of the queue. Each waiting list is valid for the calendar year only.

WHY CAPER?At Caper, we are committed to providing premium dance tuition in a friendly, professional and nurturing environment. However we are also equally committed to ensuring that the organisational side of the school meets those same standards. When contemplating enrolment at Caper we ask you to consider the following:

PWe have installed a CCTV system at our Norwest studios as part of our child safety policy.

PWe have viewing windows at our Castle Hill studio as part of our child safety policy.

PWe accept all forms of payment including EFTPOS, online bank transfers and credit cards.

PWe have a receptionist on duty whenever classes are operating. This means that we have someone who can be a conduit with parents whilst the teacher can focus on the class in session.

PWe have a thriving App that can be downloaded on smartphone or viewed online. It contains all the information about the school including PDF documents, calendar and news items. Communication is clear, thorough and timely.

POur studios at Norwest and Castle Hill are fully equipped with mirrors and sprung floors.

PWe are aligned with reputable dance organisations (RAD & GWT). Even though most of our students do not participate in exams, all students have the reassurance that they are receiving tuition from a school willing to be held accountable to external teaching standards.

PWe train dancers of all ages, abilities and ambitions. Your child will be nurtured through every stage of their development from three years to pre-professional or recreational.

PPerformance opportunities for all dancers including those who do not participate in performance groups. These performances are optional.

PWe do not arrange any fundraising activities.PWe have a focus on positive reinforcement. We have have

implemented a merit system which sees each students at least receive a trophy engraved with their name. However other rewards are also granted for effort, achievement and participation.

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ARRIVALS & DISMISSALSP Students should arrive to the studio no earlier than 5-10

minutes before class commencement.P Students need to be collected immediately after class.

Parents running late should phone the Caper mobile (0402 328 721) before the class is due to finish. Students not collected after class will be taken to wait at the Reception Desk until the arrival of their parent or guardian.

P Students are not to leave the studio unaccompanied and parents are required to ensure their child cooperates with this rule.

P Parents who are regularly late to collect their children, or regularly drop them off more than 10 minutes early may have their enrolment reviewed.

P Class times include up to a 5-minute window for arrivals and dismissals. This means that the first and last few minutes of class involve students being marked on the roll or dismissed to their parents.

P Pre-school students must be accompanied by their parent into the studio room and dropped off to the teacher directly to have their name marked off the roll.

P Norwest students aged Pre-Intermediate and younger must be collected by their parent from the studio (rather than meet the parent in the car park).

P Norwest students (in the Intermediate age level or higher) who have parental permission to walk down to the car park must still wait at Reception until they see their parent arrive in the car park.

P Parents of Castle Grand students are encouraged to pick them up after class from the Level 1 waiting area (near the Reception desk). Parents who collect their child from the car park or the street do so at their own risk.

P Student supervision remains the responsibility of parents before the first class and after the last class, of each day. Teacher supervision extends only to students in class.

P In the event of a student being affected by custodial arrangements, injunction orders or with family situations where a person/s is prohibited from picking up the child, the parent is responsible for ensuring the child’s safety by remaining on the studio premises whilst their child is undertaking classes.

P It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child attends class. Caper is not accountable for students who truant.

BREAKSStudents who have a break between classes must remain in the reception area during that time. Students are not permitted to leave the studio premises whilst on a break unless signed in and out by a parent. Any students on a break who do not comply with these rules will be refused supervision during their break. Parents will need to alter their enrolment to eliminate the break or provide their own supervision.

IMAGE CONSENT Students may be photographed or filmed by Caper staff during classes or at Caper events. These images could be used for promotional purposes via media such as online, social and print. Parental permission is assumed unless otherwise advised.

SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

TEACHER LIAISONP It is contrary to Caper policy for teachers to become

connected with Caper parents and students via social media. Teachers are duty bound to deny any requests of this nature.

PParents wishing to contact a teacher must initially contact Kate or Beth McDermott.

PTeachers should not be disrupted during class arrivals and dismissals. These times are not suitable occasions for discussion as the teacher’s attention needs to be with the children. If advice or feedback from a teacher is sought please contact the Caper office.

STUDIO RULESPFood containing nuts must not be brought into the

studio or to Caper events.PStudents and parents are not to supply food to

other students whilst at the studio, for example, bringing in cupcakes to celebrate a birthday. This is for the protection of students with food allergies, restricted diets and intolerances.

PPets/animals are not permitted into the studio due to students with life threatening allergies to animal hair/fur.

PParents, students and siblings are not permitted inside the dance studios unless accompanied by Caper staff.

PBy entering the premises, parents accept that risks may exist in attending or participating in the events or activities held in the venue. Caper does not accept any responsibility arising from attendance or participation in an event or activity or the actions or negligence of other persons present.

PParents are liable for any damages caused to studio property by their children.

PStudents attending class with an injury or illness, which prevents their participation, are required to provide a note to their teachers describing the condition and the extent to which the student can participate.

PClosed circuit cameras are in operation in various locations throughout the Norwest studio. For personal privacy parents should ensure that their children change clothes in the toilets.

ANAPHYLAXIS POLICYCaper encourages a nut-fee policy, however, cannot guarantee that foods containing nuts or other allergens will not be brought into the studio or to Caper events by other parents and students. Students with anaphylaxis must:PProvide an unexpired auto adrenaline injector and

anaphylaxis action plan.PKeep the auto adrenaline injector in their bag at all times.

The bags must be kept on the teachers table during class. Alternatively, the auto adrenaline injector can be kept with a parent provided they remain on the premises with the student at all times.

PNotify Caper that they have anaphylaxis on the enrolment form or in writing.

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SHOES - GIRLSBallet Pink leather ballet shoes

Jazz Tan jazz shoes with no laces

Technique Tan jazz shoes with no laces

Musical Theatre Tan jazz shoes with no laces

Tap Tan buckle up tap shoes

Hip Hop Sneakers

Acrobatics No footwear required in class but shoes are to be worn before and after class

UNIFORMSBALLET EXAMS & POINTE SHOESStudents undertaking ballet exams will need additional uniform items to those listed above. These may include character skirts, character shoes, satin ballet shoes etc. These requirements will be discussed each year with exam students directly.

All students wearing pointe shoes in class must first gain written consent from Perfect Form Physiotherapy.

BOYS UNIFORM REQUIREMENTSBoys can purchase or order the Caper top through reception. They also wear their own black pants/shorts. Boys are to wear black ballet shoes for ballet and technique performances. Pre-schoolers are to wear black jazz or ballet shoes.

PRE-SCHOOLERSWe have a gorgeous pre-school uniform for our Angelina Ballerina and Ready Set Dance students. Angelina Ballerina students can wear ballet shoes and Ready Set Dance students can wear tan jazz shoes. For students who do both classes they can wear tan jazz shoes and the ballet shoes are optional. Tap is incorporated into the Ready Set Dance programs. Students are welcome to wear tan tap shoes for this section of the class but they are not compulsory. Male pre-schoolers are to wear black jazz or ballet shoes with the Caper top.

TIGHTSTan matte tights or pink ballet tights are recommended to wear in class.

DANCEWEARItem Can be worn to the following classes Available From

Caper singlet All classes except ballet Caper Reception

Caper shorts All classes except ballet Caper Reception

Caper cropped top All classes except ballet Caper Reception

Light blue gather front leotard* Caper Juniors Ballet (Kindy & Year 1) and all other classes

Dancewear Retailers

Black widestrap camisole leotard* Ballet (year 2 or older) and all other classes Dancewear Retailers

Ballet wrap skirt (to match leotard) Ballet and all other classes Dancewear Retailers

Caper cross-over All classes Caper Reception

Caper boys t-shirt* All classes Caper Reception

SHOES - BOYSBallet Black leather ballet shoes

Jazz Black jazz shoes with no laces

Technique Black jazz shoes with no laces

Musical Theatre Black jazz shoes with no laces

Tap Black lace-up tap shoes

Hip Hop Sneakers

Acrobatics No footwear required in class but shoes are to be worn before and after class

If a student in enrolled in ballet, they require only a leotard (as listed below) and this can be worn to all their classes. Other items can be worn from the list below but they are optional and up to the individual.

For students not enrolled in ballet, they are required to wear the Caper shorts and a Caper top (as listed below). Other items from the list are permitted to be worn in class but they are optional and up to the individual.

We encourage students to only wear items to class that are listed below.

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FEE POLICYP Lessons at Caper are a term commitment. Payments

are accepted in weekly instalments for families incurring weekly fees over $55.00. In this situation the commitment is still for the duration of the term. Fees are still payable in the event of absence. This also applies in cases where prior warning is given or a medical certificate is provided.

P Fees must be received in full by week 2 of each term.

P Payment is accepted via cash, cheque, EFTPOS, credit card and online funds transfer. American Express and Diners Club are not accepted. If paying by EFTPOS a $25.00 minimum spend is required and credit card payments attract a 2% surcharge.

P Cheques should be made payable to “Caper School of Performing Arts”. Any charges to Caper resulting from dishonoured cheques are to be reimbursed to Caper.

P A late fees payment of $25.00 will be applied to all accounts that remain outstanding by the due date.

P If payments are not up to date, students may be prevented from participating in Caper events and refused further tuition. A warning may be provided in cases where consecutive term fees are late in payment and families will be refused service.

P Payments received will be allocated towards fees before costumes and other items or events.

P Any unpaid debts will be referred to the Norwest Debt Collection Agency.

P Written notification is required for any changes enrolment (email caper@caperonline.com.au). Verbal notifications of class changes are not accepted.

P The latest date for withdrawal notification is four weeks before the start of the term (usually week 8 of the previous term). Withdrawals made after this time are permitted although the full term fees must still be paid. Once enrolled in a class for the term, fees are payable for the whole term.

P The first lesson, including any viewing of the class is free for new students. Subsequent trial classes will be invoiced at the hourly rate.

P Enrolment is payable at the completion of the first lesson. A place in the class will not be reserved without payment. The enrolment fee is required annually and also goes towards expenses such as trophies, ribbons, certificates, stickers, APRA and AMCOS licensing and public liability insurance.

P Refunds are not given for costumes, excursion tickets and workshops.

TERM DATESTerm 1 Monday 1 February – Saturday 9 AprilTerm 2 Tuesday 26 April – Saturday 2 JulyTerm 3 Monday 18 July – Saturday 24 SeptemberTerm 4 Monday 10 October – Saturday 10 December

Easter Weekend Friday 25 March – Monday 28 MarchANZAC Day Monday 25 AprilQueen’s Birthday Monday 13 June

PUBLIC HOLIDAY / CANCELLED CLASSESClasses are not held on public holidays.

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