Polices & Safety Compliance

1. CATEGORIES

All students attending courses at the VPA School. All visiting students.
Any visitors who are required to comply.
All teaching, technical and administrative staff.

2. THE MEANING OF ‘COMPLIANCE’

‘Compliance’ means that all categories reading this document are acknowledging their commitment to observe and comply with the Gozo VPA School polices and safety regulations. Those who fail to observe and comply render themselves open to disciplinary action by the Head of School, who bears ultimate responsibility for all regulation matters in the school.

3. SCHOOL POLICES

The following Gozo VPA School polices must be observed:

ATTENDANCE

All students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of the course. Students who are sick need to inform the Administrative office. Excused absences including health appointments, illness or a death in the student’s immediate family, emergency conditions and unique family circumstances warranting absence are not punishable. Students who will be abroad must present a proof of travel. An absence of three consecutive lessons without notification will result in the discontinuation of the course.

STUDENTS UNDER 16

Students under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to the school’s main door. This applies for prior lesson and post lesson. The school cannot shoulder responsibility if students are not picked up from the Gozo VPA School premises.

LESSON TIME/DAY

Although the school strive to keep to the timetable of lessons, it does not exclude that changes to lesson time/days may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. In any case, students will be informed.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to put forward any concerns regarding accommodations for any physical, psychological, or learning disability to the Head of School prior to the commencement of the course.

EXHIBITIONS/PERFORMANCES

Students are obliged to participate in any art exhibitions, performances and/or productions organised by the school. However, it is at the school’s discretion to see that participating students or their works are suitable and meet the requirements to exhibit/perform.

DATA PROTECTION

According to the Data Protection Act, it is understood that students entering any course/s will consent to photographs or video appearing on the school’s Facebook page, school’s website and/or magazine, and other printed or online media. In case of objection, the Gozo VPA School has to receive a written request.

STUDENT’S ATTIRE

Ballet students are expected to be in full uniform (i.e. leotard, tights – socks, skirt, character shoes + character skirts, baller shoes and neat bun) for their lessons. All Acting and Drama students are expected to wear the Gozo VPA School logo S-shirt which can be ordered from school, and black trousers. All students are to wear comfortable clothes and protective accessories where applicable.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES

It shall be the duty of the school:
– To ensure, so far as, is reasonably practicable, the safety of all staff and students;
– To provide such information, instruction, supervision, as is necessary to ensure, so far as

is reasonably practicable, the safety at school It shall be the duty of every employee while at work:

– To take reasonable care for the safety of him/herself, and of other persons, who may be supervising

No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety in pursuance of any relevant provisions.

5. IMPLEMENTATON OF SAFETY REGULATIONS

The following general safety rules must be observed throughout the Gozo VPA School building:

SCHOOL HOURS

No student may work in any studio or workshop apart from the allocated course’s hours. In any case, the student must first consult with the Head of School.

SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted in any part of the Gozo VPA school building. All students and staff be responsible for ensuring that the no smoking rule is observed.

PASSAGEWAYS, CORRIDORS & STAIRCASES

No art work, materials or furniture must be placed or stored in any corridors, passageways or staircases. All passageways including studio passages, must be clear at all time. Works, furniture and equipment must not be stored in such a way as to obstruct passageways, corridors or staircases.

RADIO/CD PLAYERS

Open music is not allowed in any of studios, unless it is deemed appropriate by the educator.

FOOD

Food is not allowed to be consumed in any of the studios. Any food may be consumed in the waiting/recreational areas.

FIRE

All staff and students must cooperate in Fire drills and precautions for the Gozo VPA School. When the fire alarm bells sound:

– Educators to close all windows and doors.
– Stop all machinery, switch off all electrical supplies to equipment and turn off gas supplies and gas cylinders (where applicable).
– Assemble in one line all students present on the attendance sheet.
– Do not use the lift.
– Leave the premises by the nearest fire exit following the fire exit signs to the assembly point.
– Do not stand in the passageways or obstruct exits.

Staff and students should in their own interest make themselves familiar with all fire exits.

SHARP OBJECTS & WET PAINT

Due consideration must be shown to other users of the Gozo VPA School facilities; take care not to allow sharp objects or wet paint to come into contact with furniture and other school facilities.

FIRST AID

First Aid boxes are suited in all offices, studios and workshops. In any case of a first aid emergency, the educator must contact the school First Aider present at that time.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, SUBSTANCES AND EQUIPMENT
No hazardous materials, substances or equipment may be brought into the Gozo VPA School without prior arrangement with the educator.