To start us off, it’s important to us here at PAWS that all members of our team share our vision, our purpose and the philosophy that encompasses everything we do both in and outside of our classes. This is a vision that is shared and demonstrated by the Directors, Teachers and Staff Members at our studio and it is the driving force behind every interaction with our students and their families.

A Strong Commitment to Confidence Building. At PAWS Studios, we understand that confidence is a key ingredient in a child's personal and academic success. Our programs are designed not only to teach the technical aspects of performing arts but also to instill a sense of self-assurance and resilience in each child. Through a combination of expert instruction, supportive mentorship, and a curriculum that encourages personal growth, we strive to bring out the best in every young performer. 

We believe that every child is special, and our team is dedicated to identifying and nurturing the unique qualities that make each individual shine. By providing a platform for self-expression, creativity, and collaboration, we aim to equip children with the tools they need to navigate the world with confidence and grace. 

Join us at PAWS Studios, where every child is celebrated, and their journey to self-discovery is met with encouragement, inspiration, and the joy of artistic expression. Together, let's unlock the potential within each child and watch as they confidently step into the spotlight, ready to make their mark on the world.

Before pulling on those dance shoes, it’s important that all families – whether returning or new complete their enrolment so we can ensure we have the most up-to-date contact details for you and have you review the terms and conditions of enrolment. This information includes you and your child's details, any medical conditions, our waivers, insurances and your payment details.

Enrolments are completed online through our Parent Portal. With our all inclusive fee schedule your registration fee is included and covers your personal liability insurance with Dancesurance as well as music licensing fees.

We encourage all of our students and families to try a variety of dance styles and we are more than happy to accommodate trial classes for existing students who are wanting to try something a bit different. Please contact our admin team if you would like to try a new class and we will happily schedule you in for a trial (provided the class has not reached capacity).

TERM DATES 2025

Term one - Monday 3rd February  to Sunday 13th of April(Closed Good Friday 18th April, Easter Saturday 19th April, Easter Sunday 20th April and Easter Monday 21st April) 

Term two - Monday 28th of April to Sunday 6th of July (Closed King’s Birthday Monday 10th June)

 Term three - Monday 21st July to Sunday 28th September 

Term four - Monday 13th October to Sunday 21st December

FAMILY EASTER PICNIC DAY: Easter Monday 21st April. Come down with your family to the Nepean River. We play games such as egg and spoon races, sack races and even three-legged races. We have a huge Easter Egg hunt and visits from the Easter Bunny. This is a wonderful family day and everyone at PAWS is invited. 

Mother’s Day - Sunday 11th MayPreschool Mother’s Day Celebration – Sunday 4th -Saturday 10th May

2025 Preschool / Kindy - Year 2 MID - YEAR CONCERT: Saturday 28th June @ The Joan

Come and celebrate our Preschool and Kindy - Year 2 students. They are working super hard to put together some amazing routines for you and we can't wait for you to see the show.

PEP RALLY: Sunday 29th June @ Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre

We are so excited for all Showgroup students to perform each routine in front of all our PAWS families. 

SHOWGROUP STUDENTS EISTEDDFOD DATES:

You will only need to come to one of the dates for each eisteddfod but we don't find out which date that is until we get the schedule which is usually a few weeks before the event. Remember we will have one additional eisteddfod but are in the process of finding our last event.

• EBSDN Competition: Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd August - Rooty Hill; West HQ

• HOLLYWOOD BOUND Competition: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th August - Sydney

• ULTIMATE DANCE SPECTACULAR: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September- Rooty Hill; West HQ

• SYDNEY STARS ON SHOW: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October

EXCELLERATE STREAM:

Term 1 Industry Professional: Sunday 18th May

Term 2 Industry Professional: Sunday 1st June

Term 3 Industry Professional: Sunday 12th October 

2025 CIRCUS/ACRO CONCERT: Saturday 5th July @ The Joan

Come and celebrate our 2025 circus and acro students. They are working super hard to put together some amazing routines for you and we can't wait for you to see the show.

SINGING CONCERT: Friday 22nd August, venue TBC 

FROZEN MUSICAL: Saturday 22nd November and Sunday 23rd November

Join us at the Blue Mountains Theatre to see our amazing Frozen Musical.

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING: Friday 14th November

Join us at Triangle Park for a fun community celebration where we light the Christmas Tree for Penrith City.

EXCELLERATE NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: Saturday 8th November

Join us at Hoyts Penrith to celebrate all our amazing Excellerate students and their hard work.

 RE-ENROLMENT DAY 2025: Sunday 9th November

SHOWGROUP PHOTO DAY: Monday 3rd November - Saturday 8th November

Photos will be taken in class this week!

2025 Preschool / Kindy - Year 2 END OF YEAR CONCERT: Saturday 6th December @ The Joan

 EOY DANCE SHOWCASE: Thursday 11th December

Join us at Penrith Panthers to see an amazing dance showcase of all our 2023 routines. From troupe routines to ballet, we can't wait to end this year on a highlight!

CABARET SHOW:  Sunday 14th December at PAWS Studios.

Join us in watching a night of entertainment performed by our Circus Excellerate stream.

PAWS CLASSES FINISH: Sunday 14th December.   

By now you have probably noticed that we are BIG on communication here at PAWS STUDIOS. Our friendly admin team can be contacted on 0483943049 during class time but for convenience, our primary means of communication is via email or BAND app.

You will receive regular newsletters and important information via email and BAND app so please ensure you have provided the studio with an up-to-date email address that is regularly checked and have downloaded the BAND app. We are of course happy to include multiple email addresses per family if you would like your correspondence sent to numerous recipients. Don’t forget to add our email address [email protected] to your contacts so we don’t end up in the dreaded Spam folder! All information on what BAND APP is and how to gain access and join your child's classes can be found by clicking here.

We are always happy to chat in more detail about communications you may receive from the studio, so if you need any clarification please don’t hesitate to give us a call or see one of our helpful team members at the Studio. We are also on Social Media and use these to often communicate also. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram.

FAMILY BAND: https://band.us/n/a7a5Acub81L99

6/u BAND: https://band.us/n/abadAeu283L4K

8/u BAND: https://band.us/n/a7a9A33fG3AcC

10/u BAND: https://band.us/n/acabA7u98aMcQ

12/u BAND: https://band.us/n/aeabAau98bMe8

SNR BAND: https://band.us/n/a7a3Aau289M0K

Please note: We discourage parents/students from becoming ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on Social Media with teachers or staff unless there is an existing relationship. We consider all studio members to be family and as such feel the obligation to respect and monitor personal boundaries. We request that you do not make personal contact regarding anything studio related. If you require to speak with your child's teacher please contact our studio and one of our Admin Team can assist you.

At PAWS we believe that wearing studio uniforms give students a sense of belonging to our family as well as creating an identity for our studio in the greater community. Our uniforms also:

• Encourage discipline

• Help students resist peer pressure to buy stylish clothes for class

• Help identify non-students in the studio

• Diminish economic and social barriers between students

• Increase a sense of belonging and school pride

• Improve attendance

  Uniforms can be purchased year-round from the studio subject to availabilities and online at our Shopify store. https://paws-studios-store.myshopify.com

  Note: Please ensure all parts of your child’s uniform are clearly labelled!

Our Fees are outlined on our 2025 Fee Schedule that was provided to you at time of enrolment. If you require another copy please see our admin team.

All classes are invoiced and payable by Direct Debit on a weekly basis. All clients will be registered as a Direct Debit customer and must enter payment details in jack rabbit. Understand that any payments made via credit card as the payment method incur a fee per transaction charged by the payment provider. Fees paid via Bank Account on the Parent Portal do not incur any transaction fees.

WEEKLY DIRECT DEBIT FOR ALL FAMILIES

As a DIRECT DEBIT customer with  PAWS STUDIOS, through our payment partner , I agree that:

• I am responsible for entering and updating when necessary my bank account and/or credit card details via jack rabbit

• I will nominate a default payment method (if more than one payment method is entered

• PAWS STUDIOS, through their payment provider PAYRIX has the authority to debit my account or credit card the full balance owing on my Tuition Fees in my Jackrabbit account on the THURSDAY of each week.

• I will pay the associated fee of  per transaction if using a credit card as the payment method for FEES.

• A failed payment fee of $5.50 will be added to my PAWS STUDIOS  account if my direct debit payment fails.

• Where a direct debit payment fails in 2 consecutive weeks, students will not be able to participate in classes and any PAWS STUDIOS events until all outstanding amounts are paid in full.

• IF PAYMENTS FAILS THERE WILL BE A $15 ADMINISTRATION FEE THAT WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR ACCOUNT.

ACTIVE & CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

PAWS Studios is an approved provider for Active and Creative Kids Vouchers. Please find links at the top of the page to submit your application!

WITHDRAWALS

Enrolment is presumed for the year and re-enrolment term to term automatically rolls over from term to term unless we are are notified of withdrawal. To withdraw from a class, two weeks notice from scheduled class day must be provided in writing to [email protected]. Normal class fees will be charged if notice given is less than one week. Refunds will not be issued for any missed classes and makeup classes are not available.

Your child’s attendance in class is very important to their peers and our teaching staff. As a member of our PAWS Family, it is a commitment for you to ensure your child attends their classes on time each week and attends all lessons planned for them. Not only do absences impact the concert routines we create, it also impacts the social and confidence-building principals we work hard to foster in each age group.

If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent due to holidays/vacations, commitments or school trips, please let us know ahead of time so the class impact is minimal. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate make-up sessions for students who miss classes and refunds will not be issued for any missed classes.

With the safety of our families our number one priority, PAWS is very serious about upholding Child Protection laws and policies within the studio as well as at public performances and in the online arena (website and social media). We ensure child safety through a range of different methods:

• We have a number of CCTV cameras within the studio which can be viewed by parents and family members from the comfort of our waiting area.

• All of our teachers and staff members have undergone official Working with Children checks allowing them to work with children.

• The Staff and Directors of PAWS Studios strive to ensure that all music and costumes are age appropriate.

• Our staff members have been trained in first aid and we enforce a nut-free policy at the studio to ensure the safety of any students or parents with allergies to nuts or nut products.

• PAWS Studios has been approved as a COVID-SAFE business. We have strict policies and procedures in place to ensure continual up-to-date compliance with Government guidance.

• Our staff members have an internal communication system to ensure studio and child safety at all times during studio operating hours.

• All students at PAWS Studios are covered by accident insurance as well under the studio’s public liability insurance. For more information on the individual accident cover please see our admin team.

We respect your privacy and we will never sell or pass on any of your information to third parties unless required by Government Authorities or in the event of debt recovery. Any information passed on will be done so with appropriate privacy and confidentiality protection.

As part of your registration, you will have read and signed a media waiver allowing us to proudly use images and video footage of your student for advertising and promotional purposes. Photographs and Videos are generally taken at our Mid Year, End of Year Concerts and other PAWS Studios events. Additionally, footage of children may also be taken in the studios for the benefit of sharing this with parents where required or with our internal team for training and development purposes. Should you have any concerns whatsoever with signing this declaration, please see our admin team.

PAWS Studios Social Media Policy refers to all social networking sites, video/photo sharing sites, blogs, micro-blogs, wikis, podcasts, forums, instant messaging and geo-spatial tagging (for example, Facebook check-ins). Please see below for our regulations regarding Social Media and feel free to contact our admin team if you have any questions.

• Please remember that your anonymity on Social Media is never guaranteed and to exercise particular caution when posts, images or videos identify children in your care.

• Remain mindful that your behaviour on Social Media remains in keeping with PAWS Studios code of conduct as outlined in this handbook.

• Intellectual property laws (for example, costume design and choreography) must be observed by all studio patrons when posting online regarding studio matters.

• All matters pertaining directly to the studio - whether it be fees, scheduling, placements or performance opportunities - we ask to not be communicated via social media.

• We have an open door policy and encourage all communication, complaints and feedback to be communicated to the admin team and Director directly.

• We discourage parents/students from becoming ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on Social Media with teachers unless there is an existing relationship. We consider all studio members to be family and as such feel the obligation to respect and monitor personal boundaries.

To ensure the smooth, safe running of PAWS Studios and an enjoyable experience for all, find below our code of conduct.

• PAWS Studios is a studio where all students are free to express themselves. Bullying in any of its forms will not be accepted.

• Families who do not comply with their fee or costume payment obligations may be charged a late fee, and/or excluded from performances. External debt collection may occur when fees remain overdue and this will be at the expense of the client.

• We are unable to take responsibility for our students before or after their scheduled classes and it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their child is picked up and dropped off on time. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable delay, please contact the studio immediately to inform us of the situation so we can keep your child calm and safe until they can be collected.

• Any questions or feedback must go through our admin team – we ask that parents and students do not contact teachers via phone, email or social media with studio issues. We ask that you respect our staff members privacy and work hours by not contacting them personally. Personal meetings with Teachers or our Studio Director can happily be arranged via reception and our admin team is available during all timetabled classes.

• PAWS Studios takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises and we encourage our families to avoid bringing valuable items into the studio where possible.

• PAWS Studios Management reserves the right to change teachers or timetabling when necessary at any time throughout the year. Where significant or permanent changes occur families will be notified in advance.

• Choreography, costuming and studio policies remain the intellectual property of PAWS Studios and may not be reproduced or sold by any students, parents or staff without permission of the Director.

Finally, it’s our pleasure to introduce our hand-picked faculty for 2024! Our enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated team are thrilled to be a part of your family’s dance journey this year. We are truly looking forward to growing together to mould this generation of skilled, confident, genuine and unique performers.