February 2008

Dear Parents and Students

IMPORTANT DATES

NEW CLASSES and CHANGES TO TIMETABLE

Grade 3 RAD Monday 4.45 - 5.45    Please note - now 1 hour duration
Grade 4 RAD Monday 5.45 - 6.45    Please note - now starting at later time for 1 hour duration
Grade 5 RAD has moved to Thursday 4.15 - 5.15 - now 1 hour duration
Boys classes moved to Thursday.5.45-6.15 Junior Jazz/Tap  6.15-6.45 General Ballet  6.45-7.30 Senior Baby ballet on Tuesday moved to new start time 10.00am                                                                Jazz/Tap

LECTURES

SINGING CLASSES

PROSPECTUS

Thank you to everyone that came to the photo shoot for the new prospectus, which will be going to print very soon. I’m really pleased with the end result and photographs taken will also be included on the website.

EASTER BANK HOLIDAYS

This year the bank holidays have caused many problems as they do not fall during the normal school holidays. For many years I have tried to continue classes during holidays but there really is no point as so many students do not attend. To make up for this you may attend another class of the same grade on a different day. When this is not possible a similar class (either one grade above or below or a jazz class) may be substituted. If you have any queries, please speak to reception to find out the best class to attend. Classes on Easter Saturday will continue as normal.

DISCOUNTS & CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Please remember that discounts will only apply during the first week of term and that a half terms notice, in writing must be given if your child wishes to withdraw from any class.
These conditions must apply to everyone. I love my job with a passion and over the years have made some wonderful friends of some of the parents. But....this is a business, and sometimes situations become awkward when I am offered reasons why this should be overlooked.
Equally, if I have to cancel a class for whatever reason, you will receive a full refund or an opportunity to attend an alternative class.

PARKING

Once again I have to mention the parking situation. Some parents are still being inconsiderate in the way they park. As you are aware we only have 2 bays which will take 4 vehicles. Please, please do not park at the front of a bay stopping another car being parked, even for a short time. Remember we are allowed to use the Daily Living bays after 3.30 and while there is no-one in the old Bikram studios we can use their spaces. Be prepared, if you leave your car parked on the yellow lines, you may well return to a clamped vehicle which makes for a very expensive dance lesson.

CHILD COLLECTION

Following on from above I realize that the lack of parking does make it difficult when picking up or dropping off your child. There is always an older student assisting at reception who is able to escort your child up or down stairs. Please use the entry phone to ask for their help. On no accounts should a child be asked to wait downstairs for you. I really do worry about their safety in these circumstances.

UNIFORM

I am pleased to see that the standard of uniform has improved in most of the dance classes but I still remain disappointed at the way in which some of the students turn up for singing and drama classes. I expect the same level of discipline from all the students, whatever class they are attending.
So, another reminder, uniform for singing and drama classes is black trousers, ROX or plain white
t-shirts, a ROX sweatshirt or jacket AND long hair tied back.
Your usual school uniform is not acceptable.

SIBLINGS

We are currently finding there is alot of noise and commotion in the corridors during lesson times which is very disruptive for the students. Please make sure that your other children are kept under control at all times.

FEES

I am sorry that due to increased expenses in rent etc, I have to increase fees from the Summer term. The basic price per class will be £5.00 when paid termly (discounts for multiple classes and payment in the FIRST week will still apply). If you pay weekly, the fee will be £6.00 per class. This is the first increase in fees for 2 years.

FINALLY

I was sorry to hear of the recent closure of Stonelands and the frustrations caused to parents due to the lack of contact. I really do like to make sure that everyone at ROX feels they can talk to me at any time. In practice, however, I realize that as I am nearly always in the studio or rushing off to tend to my own family, this is not easy. The best way to contact me is by e-mail - I read and respond to every mail and will make personal contact with you if the need arises. Please do keep me informed of any problems you have and I will do my best to sort them.

March 2008

Dear Parents

Studio damage

You will by now all be aware of the upheaval of the last few weeks, since the high winds blew the roof of the premises off, and the subsequent wet weather destroyed the ceilings and damaged the flooring.

I have tried my hardest to keep disruption of classes to a minimum but inevitably some had to be cancelled or relocated. I thank you for your understanding and patience during this time and assure you that you will be fully recompensed for any cancelled classes. Invoices for next term have been issued showing a full terms fees but these will be adjusted by Joy at time of payment to take into account any refunds due.

Musical Theatre Classes

The introduction of Musical Theatre Classes has been incredibly popular and as numbers are limited to 15 students per class, there are now only a small number of places available. The cost of these classes (1½ hours every Saturday afternoon) is £120 per term. If you would like further information, please contact reception as soon as possible.

New Teacher

Please welcome Miss Sarah Brooks (AISTD), who trained in Liverpool at the Paul McCartney funded school of performing arts. She will be teaching on Fridays, for this term only as she has a cruise to go on to in August. Please work as hard for her as you do for all the other teachers.

FESTIVAL

Congratulations to everyone who was involved in the Brighton Festival. Our all age group came 3rd with a score which qualifies them to enter the All England. Our students who entered in the solo sections also did very well especially Megan Winder and Jade Kennedy who gained 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

Mrs Nicky Worley

And finally it is with great sadness that I have to report to you the death of Nicky Worley on Friday 28th March.
Along with myself, many of you will remember Nicky, whose two children, Ayesha and Ellie, danced at ROX, not only as a beautiful young mother, but also how she loyally supported ROX. She became a friend to many of us at the school and was an incredible help to me when she assisted backstage during our performances of Calamity Jane.
She had been bravely fighting cancer since 2003 and during that time, despite the pains that she suffered, she remained very strong for her family and was often seen out and about enjoying the company of her many friends.
I know you would all like to send best wishes to her husband Barry and her daughters at this time. Also to her close friends at ROX who have been incredibly supportive to her and her family throughout her illness.
If you would like to contribute to a donation in her memory, from her ROX family, please hand your donation into reception and I will personally ensure that it is received by a charity chosen by her family.

Love
Miss Sophie