Policy

The Heart of Riverdale's POLICY

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AS YOUR AGREEMENT CREATES A CONTRACT WITH THE HEART FOR SERVICES AND PAYMENT

***Please take note of any changes to our policies***

The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre is providing administrative support and registration through the online Danceworks program. You can contact The Heart of Riverdale Community Centre directly with any registration questions. If you are having trouble accessing your account, or need to reset your password, please contact us at (867) 667-6700 or email us at the link below.

theheartofriverdale@gmail.com

ways to register at the heart

1. In person, at the office with VISA, Mastercard, debit, cheques or cash.
2. Online, with VISA or Mastercard only*
We will accept registrations only from our online platform or in person. Phone or email registrations will not be accepted.

*How to Register online:
(For more detailed instructions, see our Tips for Registering page)

Select your program under the "Programming" tab
Check the days, times, and course code of the class
Look in the NOTES section for any additional details relating to your program
Check for the correct session and correct age group.
Understand the cost of the class. (You will not be able to see the cost on the registration site).
The Heart of Riverdale does not charge GST.
Click on one of the buttons that says "Register Now" and select "Heart Classes 2024/2025" session
Look for the Course Code referenced on your program information page on this website

payments

At the time of registration, please indicate your preferred billing method on your account:

Full tuition means paying for the full amount at the time of registration and before the first class. We do not hold or save spots without payment.
Monthly installments are possible for year-long programs only. We do not offer monthly installments for camps or sessional classes. The Heart of Riverdale provides the option of monthly instalments to help families spread the cost of programming over the season. Monthly Installments are not to be confused with month by month billing. Registering in a class means you will be paying for the entire fee, which we spread out over 11 equal payments. By choosing monthly installments, you will be charged a 5% instalment fee. The Heart’s refund policy applies and we reserve the right to collect the remaining installments of the fees due if you withdraw from the program mid-season/session. We process installments from Visa or Mastercard provided in your Akada account during registration or with post-dated cheques. We accept installments with credit cards or cheques only. Any other method (cash, debit, or e-transfer) will not be accepted for installments. We do not offer monthly installments for sessional classes, PD days, or camps.

Special Family Discount for Full-Time Students

We are offering a discount for families with more than one full-time student enrolled in our programs. If you have multiple children attending any of the following full-time courses: Focus, Fly, Rhythm Riders, Krush Groove, or our Full-Time After School Crew, you are eligible for this special offer. Get a 3% discount on the tuition of your second full-time student and a 7% discount on the tuition of your third full-time student. Please note, the discount will be applied to the tuition of the less expensive program if there's a difference in tuition fees among the students.

account credit

If you end-up having to withdraw from a registered course or class, and have been given credit for future use with The Heart, please note that the credit will expire in its entirety two years from the date of your withdrawal.

registration guidelines

Classes without sufficient enrollment five to seven days prior to the first class may be canceled. Minimum enrollment to maintain a class is 4 students.
Late registrations are welcome with the instructor’s permission if there is still space in the class . The tuition amount will be prorated from registration day to year-end. A $40 late fee will be charged for registration after August 27nd.
The Heart of Riverdale can decline registration to a program not fitted to a child’s age or ability. Admin staff will get in touch with parents to suggest alternative programs or waitlists.
When selecting classes to request registration, please remember to also SUBMIT the request - you will find the submit button at the bottom.
When you have successfully submitted your request for registration, please allow a few days of time for the office to process this request.
If you have not heard from the office directly with regards to your registration request within 10 days, please check-in with us theheartofriverdale@gmail.com

Registration Priority: Siblings and Preschool

Younger siblings of current students at the Heart who will be entering their first year of programming in kindergarten will be given priority at the time of registration.
Students who are in their graduating year of Heart Heroes Preschool will be given priority for registration for kindergarten programming in our After School curriculum.

CANCELLATIONS, CHANGES, AND REFUNDS FOR HEART CAMPS, CLASSES, AND PROGRAMs

The Heart of Riverdale reserves the right to cancel any class with insufficient enrollment. Fees are 100% refundable if the class is canceled by The Heart of Riverdale.
90% of class fees are refunded if withdrawal notice is received seven days or more prior to the first day of class.
Heart Heroes Preschool requires one month's notice for withdrawal.
No refunds will be made if the withdrawal notice is received less than seven days (or one month for Heart Heroes program) prior to the commencement of programming, except if the reason for withdrawal is a family or medical emergency. Should a student need to withdraw due to medical reasons, a family emergency, or moving out of the territory, they may request a refund for the remaining classes in their session. All other refund requests received less than seven days prior to the commencement of programming will be denied.
Classes and programs are assigned by school grade. Year of birth will define whether or not the child can be registered in a certain program.
Unless otherwise noted, adult classes are open to ages 16 and above.
The Heart of Riverdale may, on occasion, need to substitute an instructor for a course. This is done with the recommendation of the scheduled instructor and does not diminish the quality of instruction.
Non-attendance is not considered a reason for a refund.
Students that are unable to attend classes due to medical reasons must provide a doctors' note, and acceptance will be subject to approval from the administration.

*Please note that programs run by renters of the Heart spaces, not using our registration system, will have their own refund policies.

DRESS CODE/REQUIRED ATTIRE

ALL DANCERS in the Pre-Professional Training Program require a water bottle (large enough so dancers don’t have to leave the room to refill it during class).
Dancers are required to dress appropriately for all dance classes. Proper attire and grooming is an essential part of dance training and helps the dancer be prepared for their class. It also assists the instructors by enabling them to focus on alignment and muscle movement.

*Note that some of these items might be needed for performances:

Hip Hop, Breakdance and street style dance classes:

Plain, loose-fitting clothing
Clean indoor running shoes
No jeans or outdoor shoes will be permitted
*Clean, indoor running shoes will be required for performance

Theatre, Music, and Art:

Comfortable clothing and indoor shoes
Art Classes require kids to wear clothing that can get dirty

Contemporary classes:

Tight shorts or pants
Fitted shirt or tank top
Bare feet

Jazz/Acro classes:

Bodysuit or fitted t-shirt or tank top
Tight shorts, jazz pants, or leggings
Bare feet
*Black bodysuit and soft jazz shows may be required for performance

Ballet classes:

Bodysuit OR white tank top
Pink or skin-toned ballet tights, OR black leggings
Pink, skin-toned, or black split sole ballet shoes
Long hair up (in a bun)
Dancers may wear tight shorts or a ballet skirt over their ballet tights
*Black bodysuit, pink ballet tights, and pink ballet slippers are required for performance

BEHAVIOUR POLICY: THE FOUR PILLARS OF OUR PROGRAMS

At the Heart, we are committed to excellent arts programming based on the following:

CITIZENSHIP is learned as students demonstrate excellent attendance, a strong work ethic, consistent preparedness for class, and prioritise treating others with empathy and kindness. Respect for and care of Heart space is also modelled and expected.

ADVANCED TECHNICAL SKILL is achieved by our students as they are supported through the practice of codified techniques and progressive syllabi presented by our instructors. Instructors have a range of experience and credentials which include University Degrees in Dance, Music and Art, Conservatory Diplomas, Specialized Dance/Music/Art Teacher Certification, and/or equivalent professional experience as artists and teachers.

CREATIVITY is developed experientially through classes in freestyle and improvisation. Students have time and space to learn about composition, the art of choreography and improvisation in class. Students are encouraged to be authentic and creative in their expression of personal style.

SELF-CONFIDENCE is learned and practised as students perform on stage, participate in battles and show their work in art exhibits. Students develop a sense of pride in their choreographies, skill, and their individual sense of style. Every time a student takes a creative risk, their self-confidence grows.

Attendance

Parents must call to let us know if a child will be absent
More than two absences in a row without notice will result in a phone call from the Heart
If absences continue, with or without notice, a meeting may be required to discuss next steps which could include: redirection into a more appropriate program at the Heart, or removal from Heart programming

respect

Inappropriate behaviours by students or parents will result in a meeting and possible redirection or removal from Heart Programming.

classroom policy

We require students to ask permission before leaving the studio. If a parent/guardian needs to speak with a student, a message can be relayed through the office.
No gum is permitted in the Black Box, practice rooms, or dance studios.
Please don’t bring food or any other drink other than a water bottle in all studios or practice rooms. Food is permitted in all common spaces and lounges.
Use of cellphones or any electronic devices is not permitted in studios and practice rooms.
Only indoor, non-marking shoes may be worn in the dance studios.
Smoking is not permitted around the property. We choose to set an example for the students and are promoting a professional and healthy environment.
If a problem arises with your student, please talk to the Heart of Riverdale Executive Director (Andrea Simpson-Fowler) or the administrative staff. Please do not approach other instructors. The Heart Director will handle all problems.
If a student is unable to make it to class because of illness, please call the studio and inform the administrative staff. They will inform instructors.
If a student is injured, we prefer they come to class with a doctor’s note and watch the class.
If your child requires an educational assistant in other programs or schooling, one is required for our programs. Please contact us to discuss any arrangements.

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSON POLICY

Registration is for the full school year. Students/parents should check to ensure that they can attend all lesson
Lesson fees must be paid prior to the first lesson. We offer the same monthly installment system for Private Music Lessons as for our other programs.
Drop off and Pickup: Parents should wait with their children until the music teacher comes to take them to their lesson. Ask any of the staff at the playspace desk to be directed to the designated waiting area. Parents can also wait in this area to pick up their children at the end of the lesson.

Cancellation Policies:

We ask that you inform the teacher of any cancellations at least 48 hours in advance. A maximum of four makeup lessons can be provided, after which teachers will not be required to provide further makeups.
Students who fail to attend lessons without giving at least 48 hour’s notice will forfeit the lesson.
In the case of last-minute unforeseeable events (ex. weather-related, accidents, building closure, etc) that prevent the lesson from taking place, make-up lessons are at the discretion of the teacher, and not required.
Refunds will not be provided except with the permission of the teacher and/or proof of special circumstances (family emergency, serious health concerns, other unforeseeable events, etc).

SPRING BREAK/ SUMMER CAMP LATE PICKUP POLICY

Pickup time during Spring Break/ Summer Camps is between 4:00pm - 5:00pm

If a student is still at The Heart later than 5:00pm,

After 5 minutes, parents/guardians will be called
After 10 minutes, a late pick-up charge of a flat rate of $30 will be added to your account.

cold weather policy

The Heart of Riverdale programming will not run if the outdoor temperature listed from Weather Canada is - 40C or colder without the windchill factor.

After school and evening classes are canceled if the temperature is -40C at 12:00 pm (noon).
Morning and daytime classes before 3:30pm are canceled if the temperature is -40C at 8:00 am.

The Heart will email and text all parents and students to inform them of the cancellation.

The Heart will make announcements on its website and social media platforms when classes are canceled. The Heart’s door will remain open for any child needing care but programming will not run and all families are encouraged to stay home and stay warm.

lost & found

Items lost and found at the Heart of Riverdale will be kept in a bin in the Student Lounge. The Heart of Riverdale will set and publish a deadline twice a year to collect items from the lost and found bin. If items are not claimed by the deadline, they will be donated to charity.