2020 Conference postponed
Executive regrettably advise that this year's conference in Queenstown is postponed until 24-26 September 2021 and will still be held in Queenstown.
We appreciate the short notice in advising those attending of our decision, but we wanted to wait in case the decision last Friday would change to Level 1. Unfortunately for us this did not happen. While the Government plan to review the decision on the 14th of September, there is no guarantee that the current levels will be altered. We consider this is the right decision for the safety of our members and their families at this time.
Solo Seal will still go ahead on Friday the 18th,and more information will follow on this.
Our sincere thanks to the Southland Teachers and Judges for the work they have done in preparation to host our 70th conference. We know our members will applaud their efforts.
This decision has been a real challenge for your Executive, involving many meetings and serious discussion. At the beginning of this year none of us could have anticipated the paths that we would all travel and the sacrifices that would have to be made. These are extraordinary times.
Annetta Cowie
President
Youth Representative nominations
Nominations are now called for Youth Representative. This role is for a term of two years with the right of renewal if the candidate still meets the age criteria. The current representative Chantelle Shatford does meet the criteria.
The Nomination Form is our website ( Resources, Downloads).
Nominations close 30 July at 5 p.m.
The successful candidate will be required to lead the Youth Forum in Queenstown this year.
Southland Exam workshop
Southland Teachers & Judges are having an Exam workshop on August 1st and 2nd with Mrs Pamela Fleming as tutor.
See Resources/downloads for schedule and entry form
September exams
A reminder to everyone that entries for the September exams were extended and they now close on the 15th of July. The dates for the examinations will be between 5 and 15 September.
Entry forms are available to download from our website, Downloads, resources
Covid 19 Level 2 Teaching requirements
COVID 19 VIRUS INFORMATION
COVID-19 Level 2
ADVICE FOR DANCE TEACHERS AND THEIR PUPILS
Dance classes may now recommence. Large classes, including those with more than 10 participants, can go ahead as long as the venue is big enough to allow students to space out safely.
All people in attendance must be kept at least one metre from each other, and a contact tracing register of all attendees, teacher, student, caregivers etc. kept.
Safety and hygiene requirements must be met. These include:
- Regularly disinfecting surfaces and equipment
- Having access to areas for hand washing and providing hand sanitiser
- Ensuring anyone who is sick does not attend.
Suggestions are:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry thoroughly
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid sharing anything that has come in contact with saliva, whether in your living or social environments
- Stay home when you are sick and seek medical attention
- Advise parents/caregivers to not come to class if they are unwell. Ensure that parents/care givers that come to class sit at least 1 metre apart.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the rubbish
- Clean Barres and Swords after each use.
- Have hand sanitiser available
- Eliminate close interpersonal contact – Teacher - Pupil and Pupil – Pupil. Maintain a 1 metre safe distance at all times.
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system
Health and Wellbeing of yourself and your pupils must come first!
If you want to know more about COVID-19 please make sure that any reading you are doing is from a reliable source. The Ministry of Health is the best source of information for New Zealand and they update this information regularly - https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
The simplest plan is to make sure that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, coughing, sneezing, breathlessness or suspect that they might have been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case calls the Ministry’s dedicated helpline and heed their advice.
For general information on the virus : 0800 358 5453
To discuss any symptoms you may have etc you call this number and a Nurse Practitioner will help you assess your symptoms and give you advice on next steps: 0800 611 116.
COVID 19 Update
Dear Members
Executive have been in discussion over the weekend and also consulted with our Technical Committee about the forthcoming May examinations. We have made the decision in view of Government and Ministry of Health advice, that we will cancel the May examinations.
We can assure you that we have not made this decision lightly, but as a responsible organisation it is up to us all to make responsible decisions at this time not only for our own health, but for those of our families and of course the wider community.
It may be that in the next few months we are in a position to look at other options, but we are not prepared to make those decisions at this time. However, you can be assured that your Executive and Technical members will look at ways we can support you.
Our Secretary, Raewyn, will be in touch with all those who have entered candidates in the May examinations and provide you with a full refund. It was not an option to carry your entries over to another date due to the financial year.
We will keep you updated during the next few months of where to from here. In the meantime, I urge you to take every precaution with your own health, and look after those around you. Keep safe.
Cheers
Annetta
COVID 19 VIRUS Information
COVID-19
The Ministry of Health’s current advice is that with continued vigilance, the chance of widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low. However, with exams in May, the Academy is taking steps to prepare for a worst case scenario by establishing a dedicated team to respond quickly to issues if they arise. Please contact the Academy secretary with any questions in the first instance.
If you want to know more about COVID-19 please make sure that any reading you are doing is from a reliable source. The Ministry of Health is the best source of information for New Zealand and they update this information regularly - https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
The simplest plan is to make sure that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, coughing, sneezing, breathlessness or suspect that they might have been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case calls the Ministry’s dedicated helpline and heed their advice.
For general info on the virus : 0800 358 5453
To discuss any symptoms you may have etc you call this number and a Nurse Practioner will help you assess your symptoms and give you advice on next steps: 0800 611 116.
ADVICE FOR DANCE TEACHERS AND THEIR PUPILS
Good Basic Hygiene is one of the best preventative steps for minimising the spread of the Corona Virus (and any other viruses that are around):
Suggestions are:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry thoroughly
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid sharing anything that has come in contact with saliva, whether in your living or social environments
- Stay home when you are sick and seek medical attention
- Advise parents/care givers to not come to class if they are unwell
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the rubbish
- Clean Barres and Swords after each class
- Have hand sanitiser available
- Eliminate close interpersonal contact – Teacher Pupil and Pupil Pupil
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system
IMPORTANT:
Health and Wellbeing of yourself and your pupils must come first!
Note:
Further information in regards to a continuity plan for upcoming the exam sessions will be sent to all teachers and examination organisers soon.
Academy Technical Training Course - Step Dance - Christchurch 29 February/1 March 2020
The next ATTC course on Step dance is planned for 29 February /1 March 2020 in Christchurch, if you are interested in attending could you please advise the Academy Secretary by 03 February. admn@nzahnd.org.nz
Cost $250.
