PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM
POLICIES & PROCEDURES

GENERAL
  • VAB refers to Victoria Academy of Ballet.
  • All permissions, authorizations, verification, waivers and releases are valid for the full duration of the student’s participation in any VAB program.
  • If the applicant is under the age of 19 years, the application must be signed by the parent or legal guardian.
  • VAB accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to the personal belongings or property of VAB students.
  • In order to teach and correct dance movement and technique, physical contact between the student and teacher is necessary. Such contact is consented to by the student and/or the parent/guardian. VAB ensures that such contact is applied in a professional manner and is required for dance correction and instruction.
  • Students must seek permission from the VAB Director to participate in any photography or filming not arranged by VAB.
  • Students must, at all times, uphold the image of a professional dancer as they represent VAB.
  • If English is not a student’s first language, the student will speak English to the best of their ability in all areas of the VAB.
PRIVACY

  • VAB acknowledges the sensitivity of personal information and takes care to ensure the confidentiality and security of personal information. Ensuring the accuracy of personal information is the joint respon­sibility of VAB and students/parents/guardians.

  • All personal information provided by dance students and/or parents is strictly confidential and is shared only with VAB staff as required. Personal, privileged and/or confidential information about students may only be collected, used, disclosed and retained for the purposes identified by VAB as necessary, and only after such purpose has been disclosed to students prior to collection and their consent ob­tained. VAB ensures that no personal, privileged and/or confidential student information is disclosed without the students consent and then only if security procedures are satisfied.

  • The personal information of students in the Homestay Program is shared with host families on a ‘need to know’ basis. Host families are cautioned about privacy requirements as outlined in the Host Family Agreement. Individual and group orientation meetings are held regularly. At these meetings, privacy concerns are addressed.

SAFETY

  • The welfare of the individual student is our greatest concern.

  • The program is largely supervised and monitored by VAB, however risks, injuries, and damage, may occur during supervised and unsupervised intervals.

  • Unsupervised intervals include but are not limited to those generally arising in daily living and those mentioned in the program description.

  • Students of any age are expected to act responsibly and may at any time incur risk of injury or damage despite the reasonable or best efforts of VAB. 

ACCOMMODATION
  • All students under the age of 19 who do not reside with, or who are not accompanied by, a parent or designated guardian, are required by VAB Policy to have accommodation arranged and/or approved by the program.
  • VAB takes care to offer students screened and experienced homestay families for the duration of their time in a VAB program. While VAB will use best efforts to accommodate a student’s ideal living arrangements, we cannot guarantee that all requests will be met.
  • If a student’s personal and/or homestay needs are greater than those disclosed in the application process, the VAB has the right to charge for extra support if available, or to send the student home at the expense of the student and/or legal parent(s)/guardian(s).
  • Students in the Homestay Program must follow the Host Family guidelines outlined in the Student Orientation Manual, and the house rules of the host family.
  • Students in the Homestay Program may not move from their assigned host family to another host family unless it is arranged through the Student Services Manager.
  • Students in the Homestay Program experiencing a problem or disagreement with their host family, must notify the Student Services Manager who will attempt to resolve any concerns.
ACADEMICS
  • International students who have not graduated from secondary school must attend the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry (PSII) or a program approved by VAB.
  • Canadian students who have not graduated from secondary school may attend the high school of their choice provided the school allows students a flexible schedule.
  • Students must speak English to the best of their ability in all areas of the school.
  • Students in high school must abide by the policies and codes of conduct of their school.
  • Students attending PSII must obey school rules as outlined on the school’s webiste.
  • Students attending PSII must provide a copy of their most recent academic transcript to VAB.
  • Students attending PSII must attend school on a regular basis and to bring a note from their host family parents(s) explaining any absence from school.
  • Students attending PSII must complete all homework and class assignments and make a consistent and determined effort in all their schoolwork.
  • Students attending PSII must to attempt to maintain passing grades and to maintain good work habits in all subjects.
MEDICAL
  • Medical insurance is mandatory in Canada and mandatory for participation in VAB programs.
  • International students and Canadian students from the province of Quebec must purchase medical insurance through VAB.
  • Canadian students from all other provinces other than Quebec are responsible for ensuring that they have and maintain medical coverage either with British Columbia or their home province and provide VAB with their Personal Health Card Number for emergencies.
  • Participants in VAB programs, or their parent(s)/guardian(s) if the participants are under the age of 19, assume the risk of injury associated with participation in rigorous physical activity programs, including but not limited to slips, falls, incidental contact, and any injuries, damage, and expenses resulting therefrom.
  • If it becomes necessary for a student to return home due to serious medical reasons, travel expenses are the responsibility of the student and/or legal parent(s)/guardian(s).
LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS
  • Students must abide by the laws of Canada and British Columbia.
  • Students must comply with the policies, procedures and rules of VAB. Failure to comply with any of such policies, procedures and/or rules of VAB may result in dismissal.
  • In case of serious infractions of program rules as outlined in the Student Agreement for VAB, students may be required to return home at the expense of the student and/or legal parent(s)/guardian(s).
  • Students must be respectful of cultural differences and understand that Canada is a multicultural country, and that discrimination based on nationality, gender, and political or religious affiliations is illegal in Canada.
  • Student must respect the property of others and understand that any theft or vandalism is a breach of the law.
  • Students must be respectful to staff and other students and refrain from gossiping and spreading rumors directly through conversation, by email or through social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.
  • Any behavior directed toward another student or staff member considered as emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, harassment, or bullying could result in dismissal.
  • Student must not visit such places as pornographic websites, adult theatres, bars, lounges, or night clubs where alcoholic beverages are served.
  • Student may not purchase, use, or have in their possession, which includes, without limitation, their host family premises (if applicable), any alcoholic beverages.
  • Students may not purchase, use, or have in their possession, which includes, without limitation, their host family premises (if applicable), any drugs not prescribed to them by a doctor. This includes all hallucinogenic substances but does not include non-prescription remedies for minor illnesses such as colds.