NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2011
Welcome back, we hope you have all had a good summer break and are looking forward to the year ahead.
This coming year is very exciting for us as we celebrate our 40th birthday in 2012. Look out for celebrations in the New Year.
First of all we would like to say well done to all our senior pupils who participated in the schools production of Bed knobs and Broomsticks.
In May the Galashiels branch performed in Galashiels Academy followed by the Edinburgh branches in the Churchill Theatre in June. The show was well attended at all performances and it was a great experience for everyone that took part.
Also during the summer some of our pupils were appearing in Glee at the Edinburgh Playhouse and well done to all of you who were successful in auditioning.
More shows are on the horizon for you to look out for Manor pupils and staff. The first is showcase at the Churchill Theatre in September. This is a variety show that raises money for Macmillan Cancer and well worth getting a ticket for.
Also coming up this term some of our students will be performing with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in the popular Children’s Classic Concerts. These performances are held in the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow and Edinburgh’s Usher Hall in December. Early booking is advised. Most important of all is our own Junior School show which will take place at Easter. More details will be announced during this term so look out for application forms.
STAFF NEWS
We are delighted to announce the birth of Mrs Smith’s son “Elliott” on the 16th July 2011. Both of them are doing very well. Mrs Smith is now on maternity leave but she hopes to return to teaching some classes in January.
Our congratulations go to Miss Nicholl who was married during the summer to Mr Calum Robertson. Please remember to call her Mrs Robertson.
Finally we welcome Mr Fraser Paterson to the teaching staff. Fraser comes to us with a wealth of dance experience and we are delighted he has come to join us. We welcome Fraser to our Galashiels branch for Jazz and Tap and to Edinburgh for Boys Ballet, Jazz and Tap and Scholars classes. He is looking forward to meeting you all in due course.
EXAMINATIONS
Well done to all the junior school pupils that took part in the UKA award tests at the end of last term. Certificates and Medals will be handed out in classes over the next few weeks. Also congratulations to all pupils who sat their RAD presentations and Examinations in June. More Exams are due before Christmas and those involved will be notified shortly.
SCOLARSHIPS
Due to the high number of returning scholars this year there will be a very limited number of places granted this term. Auditions will be held on Saturday 10th September at Belgrave. These are for Grade 4 (and 10 years) standard and above who study all subjects. It is designed for pupils with a keen interest in dance as a career. Application forms are available from class teachers and the closing date for entry is Thursday 8th September 2011.
OFFICE NEWS
The office will be open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9.30am – 12.30pm and Thursday from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Please note the office is closed on a Wednesday. We do our best to answer the phone during these hours but we do appreciate your patience if your call is not answered straight away. If we don’t pick up the phone you can leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. We do encourage you to contact us by email at enquiries@manorschoolofballet.co.uk where we can respond to you in some cases out with office hours.
CLASS FEES AND APPLICATION FORMS
We would like to remind all parents that class fees are due before the start of the blocks. Invoices are sent out at least two weeks prior to the start of each block to allow time to pay your fees. As per the school’s terms and conditions fees are paid in advance to secure your child’s place in class. There is a significant cost to the school in chasing unpaid fees and from August 2011 we will be introducing a late payment fee on accounts that have not been paid within a reasonable timescale. (see class charges on the website)
We must also remind parents that closing dates on application forms are not changeable. The date we give as a closing date is the last given time that we can provide to meet our own deadlines. Any late forms will be refused so please read all correspondence carefully.
TERM DATES & BLOCKS
Term 1 – Monday 22nd August 2011 – Saturday 17th December 2011
October Holiday week – Monday 17th October – Saturday 22nd October 2011
Term 2 – Monday 9th January 2012 – Saturday 31st March 2012
February Holiday week – Monday 13th February – Saturday 18th February 2012
Term 3 – Monday 16th April 2012 – Saturday 16th June 2012.
Block Fees are due 22nd August 2011, 21st November 2011 and 12th March 2012
