18-22 AUGUST 2025
CAMP
2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Dance camp runs from Monday 18 August until Friday 22 August 2025. This booklet outlines the details for the week.
Dance Camp provides an opportunity for students to stay in the heart of the city and immerse themselves in Melbourne’s rich performing arts culture. Students will participate in a daily program of workshops, ranging from lyrical ballet to circus arts.
Students will also have the opportunity to explore cafés, restaurants, shops and markets in the Melbourne CBD area. Evening activities will include eating out at a selection of multicultural restaurants, indoor rock climbing, ice-skating, a movie night and attending two theatre performances.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp so please read through this carefully. If there are any further queries you may have, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Ms Jordan Palmer Dance Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Boon Wurrung Bunurong people, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Activities Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO OPEROO EFORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at their own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, i.e. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
DANCE CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 18 - Friday 22 August 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking prescription medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 12 August 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception or the First Aid Centre anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's prescription medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
COST
The cost of this Activities Week Camp is approximately $850 (includes dance and circus activities, theatre performances, accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner), which will be charged to student accounts.
Additional expenses:
• Myki fares throughout the week (see information below in ‘Transport’ section).
• Optional pending money for incidental items including snacks, drinks, hot chocolates etc. We recommend no more than $40 is needed.
TRANSPORT
Students will need a topped-up Myki card for the week. In addition to the train on Monday and Friday, we will be using trams to move between the city and Chapel St precinct throughout the week.
Fare details can be found here: www.ptv.vic.gov.au
A cost-effective option is purchasing a 7-day Myki Pass.
Depart: Students will need to meet at Frankston Train Station near the ticket office at 10am on Monday 18 August (train departs 10:18am).
Return: Students will depart from Macaulay Station, North Melbourne, at approximately 2:01pm on Friday 22 August and arrive at Frankston Station at approximately 3.04pm where they can be collected by parents.
LOCATION
The Dance Camp will be located within and close to the city centre. Workshops are held in North Melbourne at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance and in Prahan at the National Institute of Circus Arts. www.theministryofdance.com.au and www.nica.com.au
THEATRE PERFORMANCES
We will also be attending theatre performances at both the Comedy Theatre and the Princess Theatre.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation for the week will be at Space Hotel, 380 Russell Street, Melbourne, ph. 03 9662 3888.
www.spacehotel.com.au
Students will sleep in accommodation rooms containing 4-6 beds.
MEALS
Dietary requirements will be catered for at all meals.
Breakfast: Daily breakfasts are included in the cost of the camp and will be provided at The Space Hotel.
Lunch: Daily lunches are included in the cost of the camp or can be purchased at various locations close to the dance studios.
Dinner: Nightly dinners are included in the cost of the camp and we will be eating out at a variety of locations throughout the week.
ACTIVITIES
Scheduled Workshops
We discovered last year that developing fitness before the camp is the best way to get the most out of the week. Students will be participating in some physical activity each day in the form of various dance and performance workshops.
Safe practice will be followed by all workshop providers. If you have any pre-existing injuries or conditions, please let staff know prior to each workshop so that they can modify accordingly.
Some muscle soreness is likely to occur during the camp. Students will participate in nightly stretch sessions to aid in recovery, but please let staff know if you are experiencing excessive pain or fatigue.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Clothing suitable for physical activity is required to participate in all workshops.
Clothing suitable for dance includes:
• Leggings or shorts (bring/wear tracksuit pants over the top for warmth).
• Comfortable top/s (it is recommended that you wear layers to remove as you warm up).
• Runners/sneakers (you will need supportive footwear - some classes will require bare feet but not all).
• Dancewear/shoes - if you have experience in dance and would like to bring dance shoes or clothing this is encouraged, but not a requirement.
Things you should bring to Dance Camp:
• Packed lunch on the first day.
• Towel.
• Toiletries (please no aerosols).
• Water bottle.
• Backpack (to be used daily to carry lunch, snacks, drinks and belongings).
• MYKI card (see details in ‘Transportation’ section above).
• Student card for concession checks.
• Mobile phone + charger.
• Daily set of activewear/clothing suitable for dance (see ‘Clothing’ section above).
• Runners/sneakers.
• Smart casual clothes and shoes suitable to wear to dinners and to theatre performances.
• Warm clothes for the evenings.
• Pyjamas and undergarments.
• Umbrella (If there’s rain forecast!) or waterproof jacket.
• Each student must have their topped-up Myki card, mobile phone, and card with emergency contacts with them at all times.
Notes:
• Sheets and bedding are provided.
• As we will be catching public transport both to and from the camp, aim to keep your luggage to a minimum. You should aim to have no more than a small suitcase and a day bag.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables or any articles that you wouldn't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, or any electronic/digital devices.
MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week.
Mobile phones will need to be brought on camp. You will need to show staff that you have a phone with the Teams App installed before we go.
Mobile phones are ONLY to be used for contacting staff/other students on THIS camp. They are NOT to be used for any other purpose and will be collected at venues should this be necessary. MOBILE PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF AT VENUES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If you find yourself separated from the group for any reason, please ring one of the accompanying staff on TEAMS. If you cannot get in contact with any of the staff, please ring school during school hours on (03) 5971 6100 or after school hours only on mobile 0482 888 022.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this camp and whilst safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Exposure to cold weather.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• General Injury.
• Getting lost.
• Injury due to a vehicle accident.
In order to mitigate these risks, students will be required to have the appropriate safety clothing and equipment (list provided) and we will be using reputable providers to deliver all activities. Lost procedure and stranger danger will be discussed with the students, and they will always be in groups. The professional instructors at the various facilities visited are well regarded for their safety record, professionalism and knowledge of the locations. Staff will be checking the weather and conditions daily and the program may change in the interests of safety if required. Staff will carry first aid equipment.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a participant in the Activities Week Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• It is a courtesy to be respectful and positive at all workshops and events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good
night’s sleep will be essential – being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• At other times students need to wear clothes in keeping with the Woodleigh dress and appearance guidelines.
• Never leave the campsite without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No-one is to enter anyone else's room before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's room if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
Students will be placed into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up. There are also room and cleaning duties which will be performed every day during the camp along with maintaining individual equipment. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise in the lounge. We encourage every student to bring a board game or cards etc. to play with their peers during these down times.
Students are not permitted to eat, watch TV or hang out in the bedrooms. The rooms are only for sleeping, dressing and showering. The days will be long and tiring and therefore some students may wish to go to sleep earlier. We are living in a close group with peers and staff, respecting each other’s privacy and being quiet in the accommodation is of the upmost importance.
At the accommodation, there will be videos etc. that are left for the use of guests. This means that students may be exposed to DVDs and other materials that may be rated inappropriately for their age. Staff will endeavour to minimise this impact by regularly checking and supervising students at the accommodation. The School’s policy governing what students may see, (Policy on Appropriate Material for Public Performances) does affect the camp in that M-rated material may not be shown to students under 15 years of age without prior parental consent. From our experience, many of the DVDs at any accommodation are ones that secondary students can view without being exposed to inappropriate material.
As part of the camp, there will be a movie night scheduled during the week. The movie for that night has not been selected yet. The film could be rated M or PG. However, should you have reservations about allowing your child to view M rated DVDs there will be alternate provisions made.
SUPERVISED AND UNSUPERVISED TIMES
Students will be supervised at all times when at Space Hotel Melbourne, when travelling on public transport and during scheduled activities. There will be some scheduled periods of time when students will be permitted to explore a designated area independently (for example, when browsing a market). Staff will be within this area and students will be permitted to move within that area in small groups for a set period of time.
Students will be given explicit directions and emergency procedures:
• Be in groups of at least three people during unsupervised time (give names of group to staff before departure).
• Have their own mobile charged and on (it is essential that you have data on your phone to access the TEAMs messenger service for communication).
• Stay within designated area and report by the designated time.
8:00am
9:00am
5:30pm
6:00pm
6:30pm
7:00pm
Please
DANCE CAMP PROGRAM
Student choice of meals from a range of restaurants.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
