President's Report

Greetings and welcome back as we move into the second half of the year. The exams and assessments are over and we hope that after all their hard work, the students get the results that they truly deserve.

Those who have been into studio 1 over the last few weeks will have noticed the new piano. The old piano had been on the way out for quite a while and with the approach of the exams we were concerned that the quality of the accompaniment might detract from the children's dancing. So we decided to get a new piano. Fortunately, one of our parents, Paul Noble from Prestige Pianos & Organs came to our aid. Not only did we get the piano for a very good price, but the day after the committee made the final decision to proceed, the new piano was delivered, set up and ready to go - just in time for the exams. With proper care it should be an asset to the school for many years to come.

With the exams out of the way, the focus for the school changes. In a few weeks time we have our Annual Presentation Evening, then following that we begin the headlong rush towards the Concert! It's a very busy time for all, but also very exciting. It's also the time of year when we need a lot of help. For Presentation Evening we need parents to assist with the younger children in the dressing rooms at the theatre and also as they move to and from the stage. Parents will need to be available for both the morning rehearsal (to learn the ropes) as well as for the presentation itself in the evening. Without your assistance we can't run the evening properly, so please look for the lists on the notice board and help if you can. Please feel free to discuss what is needed with any of the committee - and don't forget the social evening at Wyreena that follows, a good chance to meet and mix.

Our end of year Concerts are renowned, due primarily to the efforts of our Artistic Director, along with the teachers and dancers, but greatly helped by the support of the parents. Shortly, 'concert packs' will be distributed and along with all the information you'll need for your own preparations for the concert there will be the chance for you to indicate areas where you can provide assistance. Help is needed making scenery/costumes/etc, setting up rehearsals, getting to and from the theatre, at the theatre and cleaning up in January ready to start the new year. If you can assist in any of these areas please let us know by filling in and returning the relevant forms. Even if you're unsure of your other commitments during the concert period, your willingness to help in any areas can be noted and changes made at a later date. I can assure you that all help is appreciated and I'm sure you will enjoy your involvement.

One person who has provided a lot of assistance over the years is Jennifer Robinson, both on committee and assisting the committee. Unfortunately, Jennifer decided that she could no longer continue in her role of organizing the volunteer helpers. I'd like to thank her on behalf of the school, for all her time and effort over the years. Fortunately, we have a volunteer to take over and I'd like to welcome Megan Edwards in that role.

For two terms our treasurer Zoë and bookkeeper Jodie, have struggled with an accounting software package that hasn't behaved as it should. This term we have changed to a different package in the hope that things will improve and it has taken a big effort to transfer all the information across. So please let me apologize for the delay in the posting of Term 3 invoices as well as for the errors that have occurred. Hopefully things will settle down from now, but, as always, if you feel there are any concerns with your accounts please get in touch and we'll sort things out as soon as we can. There are still some fees from terms one and two that haven't been paid, so just a reminder that you can always get in touch with Zoë if you need to vary your payment plan.

Finally, over the last few months, the committee has been discussing fee payments and as a result produced a revised Fee Payment Policy, which we hope provides all the information needed in relation to fee payments. Initially the document will be posted on our web site and copies made available in the foyer, but eventually we plan to distribute a copy to all families. Please take a few moments to read through the policy and, as always, if you have any comments please get in touch.

Regards, Geoff Kitchen (president@ringwoodballet.org.au)