2011 INFORMATION HANDOUT

MISSION STATEMENT
The Lawnton Academy provides a quality service to the community through the implementation of challenging, safe & enjoyable programs that inspire all participants of all levels & abilities to reach their full potential in the sport of Artistic Gymnastics. Thank-you for your enquiry & welcome to the Lawnton Academy of Artistic Gymnastics. The Lawnton Academy is a registered small business owned and operated by the Principal of the Academy, Louise Cross. The Academy is affiliated with Gymnastics Qld (GQ) and Gymnastics Australia (GA) and a member of the Australian Sports Commission Club Development Provider Network. The Academy provides Artistic gymnastic programs for boys & girls aged 2 to 5 years and also for children of school age. Prospective students commence with a two (2) lesson introductory course to decide if they enjoy the sport. This introductory course also provides us with the opportunity to assess your child & position them into a class of appropriate age & ability grouping. After this 2 lesson period if the student chooses to continue, Annual Registration fees, Support Group levies and Lesson Fees for the balance of the current term must be paid. All fees are payable in advance. Please refer to the Fees section further on in this booklet. Gymnastics is a year-round sport, not seasonal like many other sporting pursuits. Beginners can commence at any time of year. Our program operates on 6 terms per year of approximately 8 lessons in duration. Classes are conducted on all school holidays with the exception of the Christmas period where we are closed for 4 weeks. Classes are not conducted on the following public holidays Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Anzac day, May Day, Queens Birthday and Exhibition Wednesday. Classes are conducted as per usual on all school Pupil Free Days. PLEASE NOTE: In the majority of Academy classes the maximum number of students in each class is ten. In our Girls & Boys 5 7 years beginner program & Pre-school Flyer girls & boys program our ratio is generally 8 gymnasts to 1 coach. In our competitive program every effort is made to keep the team numbers between 8 & 9.

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CLASSES AVAILABLE

TINY TWISTERS

Tiny Twister gym is a place where children are given the opportunity to explore & develop their physical potential before going to school. It is a non-competitive program aimed at supporting & improving your childs motor skills and self confidence in relation to body management. A fun & safe environment is provided so children can learn to develop independence and gain new skills at their own pace. Fun, Fitness & Friendship is the underlying philosophy of the program. Our Tiny Twister Program is divided into 3 sections :TUMBLE TOTS - For 2 to 3 year olds - Tuesday OR Friday mornings a 45 minute class. KINDY-KIPPERS - For 3 to 4 year olds - Tuesday OR Friday mornings a 45 minute class. PRE-SCHOOL FLYER - For 4 to 5 year olds - Tues OR Fri prior to 2.30pm a 1 hour class. Note:- weekday afternoon classes & Saturday Morning classes are available for children attending full time Prep Year.

BEGINNERS GYMNASTICS

Recreational classes for Beginners aged 5 12 years are conducted on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Children aged 5 9 years generally commence with a 1 hour lesson per week. Children 9 12 years generally commence with a 2 hour per week class.

GYMNASTS WITH PREVIOUS GYMNASTICS EXPERIENCE

Gymnasts with previous gymnastics experience are offered a free assessment class to provide us with the opportunity to assess your child & position them into a class of appropriate age & ability grouping. They then complete a 2 lesson introductory term before paying fees as mentioned above. ACADEMY PROGRAMS The Lawnton Academy recognises a clear distinction between Recreational and Competitive gymnastics. Most children will enter in the Academy Program via the Recreational Program. From this program gymnasts are selected for our Competitive Program via talent spotting by the coaching staff. It must not be perceived that there exists a difference in technique, quality, training method or level of physical preparation required between the Recreational & Competitive programs. The only difference is in the number of years taken to achieve a particular skill, as a function to the number of hours devoted to training on a weekly basis. Each gymnast, irrespective of which program they are involved in, is considered a unique individual with a unique potential. ACADEMY RECREATIONAL PROGRAM The Academys Recreational program has a philosophy of FUN, FITNESS, FRIENDSHIP and FUNDAMENTALS. Gymnasts are classified as Recreational due to the number of hours devoted to training on a weekly basis. The Academy recreational program includes the Tiny Twister Program, WAG Gym Fun Program, WAG & MAG Gym Skills & Gym Fit programs & WAG Gym Levels Teams Program. Gymnasts participate in the Academys various Badge Awards Schemes and the WAG & MAG National Levels Awards Scheme. The Academy provides optional opportunities for these gymnasts to compete in various Academy & Invitational Club competitions.
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ACADEMY COMPETITIVE PROGRAM The Academy competitive program includes the WAG Comp Team program and the MAG Teams Program. Positions in the Academys Competitive Program are offered on the understanding that the gymnast aspires to high levels of performance and intends to fully meet all of the training commitments required. Gymnasts in this program participate in the WAG & MAG National Levels Award Scheme. Gymnasts are also expected to participate in many competitions including Intra & Interstate events. There is a high expectation placed on gymnasts to work hard and improve their physical abilities and skills. Positions in the program may be forfeited for lack of improvement, inability to progress, poor behaviour or poor training habits. The Gym Teams Program booklet details the requirements of the competitive program and this is distributed to parents of all selected gymnasts.

FEES

WHAT COSTS CAN I EXPECT TO PAY

Conducting a gymnastics program is an expensive venture. Training requires low gymnast to coach ratios and an enormous capital outlay for the Lawnton Academy coupled with high recurrent cost. As such, fees must reflect these obligations to ensure the programs continuation. The Lawnton Academys fees we believe offer good value for money compared to hourly rate of many other intensive sports. Each year parents are required to pay Term Lesson fees, Annual Registration Fees & Support Group Levies. Discounts are offered to families with more than one child in attendance at the Academy. An Early Discount also applies to Lesson fees paid on or before the first lesson of each term. Please refer to the Fee Payment policy further on in this booklet. As gymnasts progress opportunities are available to attend competitions inside and outside of the Academy. Parents will be required to pay all associated costs involved with attending these events. For Recreational students competitions are not compulsory. 2011 FEE SCHEDULE HOURS FEE RATE PER WEEK PER HOUR 45 MIN 1 1.5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ONCE PER WEEK CLASS $7.70 $7.20 $6.75 $6.40 $6.05 $5.70 FEE'S PER WEEK $11.50 $12.50 $15.50 $18.50 $25.00 $30.80 $36.00 $40.50 $44.80 $48.40 $51.30 HOURS FEE RATE PER WEEK PER HOUR 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 $5.45 $5.20 $5.05 $4.90 $4.75 $4.60 $4.45 $4.30 $4.20 $4.10 $4.00 FEE'S PER WEEK $54.50 $57.20 $60.60 $63.70 $66.50 $69.00 $71.20 $73.10 $75.60 $77.90 $80.00

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2011 ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEES

TINY TWISTERS $75 1 - 3 HRS P.W. CLASSES $85 4 - 8 HRS P.W. CLASSES $90 9 - 20 HRS P.W. CLASSES $105 WHAT DOES THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE COVER Registration with Gymnastics Queensland & Gymnastics Australia. An annual benefits package is supplied for each student. Personal Accident Insurance Cover. Academy Levy to cover maintenance of the facility & equipment, Public Liability Insurance, APRA & PPCA (performing arts) Licence. Prep, Tramp and Pre-Level badges. National Level Badges. (Boys level 0 1, Girls Level 1 3) Administration forms, booklets, newsletters, programs, chalk & incentives Please refer to the Fee Payment policy further on in this booklet.

L.A.A.G. PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

The Lawnton Academy Parent Support Group is a voluntary NON - PROFIT organization whose main aim is to fundraise to assist all Academy students. The group operates independently of the Lawnton Academy business. The committee conducts regular meetings and the group holds its own bank account. This Group provides: 1. Assistance to parents with costs involved for competitions that require lengthy travel (Intra and Interstate, National & International events) 2. Trophies & awards for all Academy events eg. Annual Cships, Mini Olympics etc. A small annual compulsory levy per gymnast is applied to assist the group with these ventures. Activities that the Group conducts are:- Competition Canteens, Easter Raffles, Xmas Raffles, Pie Drives etc. The Group usually has 3 major fundraising events each year.

2011 SUPPORT GROUP ANNUAL LEVY

Once-a-weekers - $5 per annum More than once a week - $10 p.a. Families with 3 or more children maximum of $20 per family per annum.

FEE PAYMENT POLICY

TERM FEES Term fees are payable in advance and are due on the first week of each term. There are generally 6 terms per year with approximately 8 weeks in each term. Training fees do not include costs for events, badges or any uniform or training items. Training fees are applied for the coaching/tuition provided and the use of the LAAGs gymnastics related equipment. Fee invoices are issued to all students 2 3 weeks prior to the beginning of the term. Overdue statements are issued on the 3rd, 5th & 7th week of each term. Non-attendance at training sessions does not qualify a customer for a make-up class, refund, transfer, credit or exchange against fees paid. Pre-payment of lesson fees are a requirement to ensure a class position is available. Regular attendance is crucial as the progress of gymnasts continually missing classes will ultimately be affected.
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Family Discounts for the 4th and subsequent children to increase in increments of 10% thereafter.

Notification of absence procedure for parents -The Academy must be notified if gymnasts are absent for more than 2 lessons in succession. Positions in class will be forfeited if the Academy is not advised. Gymnasts will not be permitted into class if fees are more than 4 weeks overdue. Term fees are not refundable if your child discontinues. Half term fees are available to parents who have 1 or more children attending the Academy for a total of 4 hours or more per week. Late fees apply for unpaid Term fees A $10 late fee will apply for outstanding Term fees not paid by the last day of week 4 of the current term. A further $10 late fee will apply for all outstanding Term fees not paid by the last day of the current term. Early discount rates apply to on time fee payers. All full term fees paid at our office or into our bank account on or before the first week of the term will receive a 2.5% early discount. Early discounts are not available for part or half term fee payments. Family discounts are available on term fees for parents with more than one (1) child attending the academy. Note-the child with the highest hours per week is considered the 1st child. o [For two (2) children attending The Academy] -A family discount of 5% is deducted from the 2nd childs fees. o [For three (3) children attending The Academy] - As above but a discount of 10% is deducted from the 3rd childs fees.

NOTE:- Families with 2 children doing 8 or more hours per week receive a 10% discount on the 2nd childs fees. Family discounts for the 3rd and subsequent children to increase in increments of 10%. Early discount of 2.5 % is deducted from the total amount of all family members term fees. ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEES Annual Registration Fees are not refundable or transferable if your child discontinues. Registration is valid from January 1st to December 31st in the current year. Family discounts are available on Annual Registration Fees for parents with more than one (1) child attending the Academy. Note-The child with the highest hours per week is considered the 1st child. o Two (2) children at the Academy - 10% discount on the 2nd child. rd Family Discount for the 3 and subsequent children increase in increments of 10% NOTE:- Families with 2 children doing 8 or more hours per week receive a 20% discount on the 2nd childs fees. Family discounts for the 3rd and subsequent children to increase in increments of 10%. Any new student enrolling after September 1st will receive a discount of 50 %. Any new student enrolling after October 31st must pay FULL REGISTRATION FEE but this amount will also cover the following years Registration Fees. (Any increase in the registration cost for the following years Registration Fees must be paid by the first week of Term 1) Gymnasts transferring to the LAAG from other Clubs Full Registration Fees are to be paid initially. A credit of 20% will be applied to the Annual Registration Fee once the transfer process with Gymnastics Australia is verified and completed. Proof of current registration with the previous club is required from Gymnastics Australia for the credit to be processed.
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Gymnasts transferring to the LAAG from other Clubs - Gymnasts transferring to the Academy must ensure that they do not have any outstanding fees with their former club as a transfer of their registration details and personal accident insurance cover cannot occur if all debts with the previous club are not cleared. Gymnastics Australia applies a 2-month competition exclusion policy for gymnasts transferring to a new club. For new students - Invoices for Annual Registration Fees are distributed on commencement and are due on the lesson following the 2 lesson introduction period. For existing students Invoices for Annual Registration Fees are distributed on the week prior to Term.

FURTHER RULES REGARDING PAYMENTS AND TRAINING. Classes are held as usual on all school holidays. No credit or make-up classes are available for missed school holiday lessons. Classes are not conducted on the following PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:- Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, May Day, Queens Birthday, Exhibition Wednesday. Classes are conducted as per usual on all school Pupil Free Days. ANNUAL ACADEMY HOLIDAYS Students who attend the Academy 1 to 8 hrs per week have 4 weeks holiday in the December/January period. Students in the Competitive Program who train 9 hours per week or more have three (3) weeks holiday in December / January and one (1) week holiday (mid year) following the close of their competition season. Holiday dates for all classes are advised early in the year. IN CASE OF INJURY OR ILLNESS THE FOLLOWING WILL APPLY: Fees will be pro-rata adjusted only in the case of illness or injury that extends a period of two (2) weeks & is supported by a medical certificate dated with the expected period of absence. This 2-week payment is considered a holding fee to retain your childs place in class during their absence. EXTENDED PERIODS OF ABSENCE for once-a-weekers If your child/children are going to be absent for 4 lessons or more and you wish to have their position held at the Academy, an amount totalling 50% of the fees payable for that period is required. The 2.5% early discount does not apply to extended absence payments. EXTENDED PERIOD OF ABSENCE for gymnasts attending 2 or more times per week If your child/children are going to be absent for a period in excess of 2 weeks and you wish to have their position held at the Academy, an amount totalling 50% of the fees payable for that period is required. The 2.5% early discount does not apply to extended absence payments. DISCONTINUING: As the Academy works on limited class numbers and your child is holding a position in class, two weeks notice is required if your child decides to discontinue. Students who discontinue without notifying the office will be charged for the 2-week notice period. The parent should personally notify both the Coach and the office staff when discontinuing.

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PAYMENT OPTIONS Business Hours-Monday to Friday (10am - 6pm) & Saturday morning (8.30am12.30pm). EFTPOS Facilities are available. Minimum purchase $5.00. NO CASH OUT facility available. We prefer not to receive payments by cheque. In the event of a cheque being dishonoured the bank charge will be debited to your account. Direct Deposits and over the phone credit card options are available and are the preferred method of payment for registered students. The Reception staff are in the office for administrative purposes only (fee collecting, uniform purchase etc.). If you have any queries regarding your childs tuition please make an appointment to see your childs coach.

ACADEMY STAFF
The Academy program (directed by the Principal), has in place both full-time salaried staff and casual staff whose dedication & coaching ability has been instrumental in the Academy being recognised as providing one of the most successful gymnastics programs in Qld and Australia. There are 2 areas of operation at the Academy: Support & Resources (Administration) Program & Coaching Operations The Coaching Operation area is managed by three (3) Program Supervisors Boys Program, Girls Program & Tiny Twister Program. These persons are supported by a large group of Recreational & Competitive program coaches. Apprentice Coaches & Gym Leaders are also in training and under the supervision of our Program Supervisors. The Support & Resources operations employs several administration staff working in the areas of Customer service, Facility Management, Event Management, Workplace Health & Safety, Maintenance, Marketing & Finance. All Academy Coaching Staff are N.C.A.S. (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme) accredited and hold First Aid qualifications. Most were former high-level competitors in the sport. The National Body insists on yearly updating courses so all its coaches are well versed in their field. Some of our staff also hold Judging Qualifications. All persons involved in instruction, management or coaching of any Academy student must have undergone a Working with Children Check and have attended a Safe Active Kids Child Protection workshop as required by the Commission for Children & Young People Act 2000 (Qld). Resumes are located on the notice board in the front office.

VIEWING OF TRAINING SESSIONS

A seated viewing area in full vision of the gymnasium is provided. Tumble Tots and Kindy Kippers An adult is expected to be in attendance for the entire session assisting the child through each activity. Pre-School Flyers In this program we are developing your childs independence and classes are generally held without parent supervision. We strongly encourage parents to join in if their child needs this attention at any time. Parents will be called upon to assist with supervision at times during
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class in the interest of safety. PLEASE NOTE: If parents choose to leave the gym premises during class time it is important that the office be provided with their contact details if these are different to those provided on the Annual Registration form. For school age gymnasts attending 1 - 2 hour training sessions We have an open policy regarding parental viewing of these classes however we encourage parents to not ALWAYS view their childs class. Children need to learn to work independently and if their full concentration is not on what they are doing there is a SAFETY issue in this regard. For school age gymnasts attending training sessions of 3 hours or more in duration Parents are welcome to view their childs training session in the week preceding each school holiday period only. For safety reasons parental support of this policy is requested.

TRAINING ATTIRE
Academy Colours Dark Blue, Aqua & White. When in the gym it is essential that suitable clothing be worn for both safety and comfort. FOR GIRLS Leotards/one piece togs OR bike pants/shorts & tight fitting singlet/t-shirt or crop top. Long hair must be tied up and away from the face preferable braided / platted. FOR BOYS Shorts (no pockets-above knee length) or bike pants with a t-shirt/Singlet should be worn. A special bag for gymnastics is required as all notes & invoices etc are sent home via the gymnast. An Academy gym bag is available. All badges should be sewn onto their gym bag not clothing. Footwear (e.g. sandshoes & socks) must be worn to and from the gym but not on any of the equipment. During winter gymnasts must wear a tracksuit or comfortable warm clothing. NO JEWELLRY SHOULD BE WORN OR IN YOUR CHILDS POSSESSION AT THE GYM. Any non-removable piercings should be taped over. Second hand uniforms in good condition are sold through the office. Academy Uniforms are only compulsory if your child is participating in a competition.

30 reasons why your child should learn Gymnastics

Co-ordination, Confidence, Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Discipline, Fun, Fitness, SelfExpression, Concentration, Perseverance, Pride, Appreciation, Enjoyment, Patience, Achievement, Self-Improvement, Release, Involvement, Self-Respect, Pleasure, Comprehension, Self-control, Awareness, Sociability, Endurance, Satisfaction, Poise, Character, Fortitude.

***SAFE ACTIVE KIDS***

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