21 July 2020 17:09

Supporting Members and responding to changing needs

Over recent weeks some of our RAD Australia Members have faced a disheartening setback. Just as studios were beginning to reopen, Members in Metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shires have been forced back into lockdown.  This has had an understandable impact on the wellbeing of Members, teachers and students in the region.  Through our RAD team in Victoria and other staff, we have been offering ongoing support in the form of up-to-date information, Zoom sessions and open lines of communication regarding exams. We’re also working with Will Centurion, Performing Arts counsellor and life coach to support Members in the affected region with strategies for their own and their students’ mental health, particularly when faced with setbacks.

As additional clusters of COVID-19 have also emerged in New South Wales in recent weeks, we are conscious that Members all over Australia may be feeling vulnerable and anxious at the moment. RAD Australia is closely monitoring all reports to ensure we are poised to respond and adapt where necessary. Until this global pandemic has a vaccine and adequate treatment in place, we are prepared to manage this situation on an ongoing basis.  The RAD Australia team has worked through many policies and contingency plans over the past few months and we are striving to continue to provide the services Members need in the safest, most expedient and carefully considered way possible.

COVIDSafe guidance for returning to the studio
For some months now we have been working with a set of guidelines produced to support teachers reopening their studios after lockdown. As Victorians can now testify this guidance is more important than ever. This guidance document aids teachers in their planning and preparations for reopening, applying government and health advice to a dance studio environment.

COVIDSafe guidance for exams
As part of our own COVIDSafe planning we have created particular COVIDSafe policies for all aspects of RAD business and activities. We have developed COVIDSafe procedures for RAV exam sessions and are now pleased to offer Guidance for COVIDSafe AEC exam management in a teacher’s own studio. These guidelines serve as an adjunct to a studio’s own COVIDSafe plans and practices.