This year, students in Prep to High School are invited to participate in a Medal Checkpoint for each of the classes they are enrolled in.
MEDAL CHECKPOINTS ARE COMING UP!
Whether you’ve been here for a while or you are new to us, here is all you need to know about this event for Middle School students. If you’ve been with us in previous years, Medal Checkpoints will now replace Medal Tests. The reason why, below.
WHAT ARE MEDAL CHECKPOINTS?
Medal Checkpoints run like an observation class, where an external dance professional or a staff member that doesn’t teach that group of students is invited to watch their class as an objective observer.
Every participating student will receive a report card on their progress, including feedback from both their teacher and the guest assessor, and a medal in our Prizegiving event in September.
NOTE FOR PREP STUDENTS: If you did a Preschool Medal Day with us last year, this is a different approach that offers more individualised feedback and progress report with a separate prizegiving event.
WHEN ARE THE MEDAL CHECKPOINTS?
In Term 3 during regular class times, so there’s no need to worry about a schedule change!
Junior (Prep to Grade 2) Medal Checkpoints will be held between 21 July and 2 August.
Click HERE for the schedule.
Senior (Grade 3 to High School) Medal Checkpoints will be held between 4 and 23 August.
Click HERE for the schedule.
Your child's Medal Checkpoint will be completed during their regular class on the date indicated below.
Students may only complete Medal Checkpoints in their regular class (i.e. the class/day they are enrolled in).
All students must complete a Registration Form (including if you are opting out) by 20 June.
Important note for those opting out:Students who choose not to do a Medal Checkpoint may participate in class as normal with their teacher and peers, but will not be observed for progress feedback. Make-up classes are available if preferred.
Students opting out will not receive a report card, medal or certificate.
Prizegiving on Saturday 13 September is for Medal Checkpoint participants only.
WHY HAVE WE CHANGED THE APPROACH?
We felt we needed a format that aligned better with our values, so moving away from a test/exam scenario was necessary. While Medal Tests were already a relaxed version of an exam, it required preparation like one, and a lot of schedule changes, which was confusing for families. We do, however, believe in the value of receiving feedback and reflecting on students’ progress, so we designed the new MEDAL CHECKPOINTS.
With the word “checkpoint”, we look at this assessment as a check-in with our students to observe how they are tracking in all things that matter in their dance class: from dance technique & foundations, to our values of kindness, inclusion, empowerment and growth. Their teacher will run a normal class with a selection of content they are already familiar with and the guest assessor will take notes on the side without disrupting their usual dynamic.
IS THIS COMPULSORY?
No, but it’s highly recommended. Throughout the years, we have seen a beautiful sense of empowerment flourish on so many students, and receiving their medals and certificates in front of their peers and families is always such a confidence boost and a moment of pride.
If a child is not participating, they can still attend their class as normal or do a make-up class if preferred, but we kindly ask that carers have a chat with them to let them know they won’t be assessed. This is very important so they are prepared for a guest on the day and to avoid any disappointment.
PARTICIPATION FEES
Participation fees are as follows and cover our additional staffing requirements, medals, certificates, report cards and prizegiving.
$35 per Medal Checkpoint for Juniors (Prep to Grade 2)
$40 per Medal Checkpoint for Seniors (Grade 3 to High School).
Total fees will be added to your StudioLAB account and run via AutoPay on 7 July 2025 for Juniors and 21 July for Seniors. These dates have been intentionally chosen as the alternate week to membership fees to help with cashflow.
If you wish to set up a payment plan (e.g. to spread out the cost for multiple Medal Checkpoints), please contact us by email now on info@dancehabit.com.au.
ON THE DAY
Students must arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to their scheduled class. Late arrivals may not be permitted entry and fees are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, please contact us at least 24 hours beforehand.
GROOMING
Students must wear their class uniform and be groomed immaculately so they take pride in their appearance.
Ballet buns are compulsory for all ballet students and hair must be tied back neatly off the face for all other classes. We suggest ballet buns for jazz and tap students with long hair. Uniform information is available at the bottom of the Junior (Prep to Grade 2) and Senior (Grade 3 to High School) pages.
You can find a Ballet bun demonstration here, so you have plenty of time to practice. If you need assistance on the day, we can help you. Please note, however, that you will need to bring your own equipment – hairbrush, hair elastic, bun pins, bobby pins and hairnet.
GRADING
Students will be assessed and graded. Our grading system has five key assessment areas for each genre of dance. Each student will be given a final grade of ACHIEVED, ACHIEVED PLUS, MERIT, MERIT PLUS or EXCELLENCE (in outstanding cases only), which will be written on their report card and certificate presented to the student with their medal at prizegiving.
PRIZEGIVING
A prizegiving for all participants will be held on Saturday 13 September at the RecWest, corner Market and Essex Streets, West Footscray. All participants are invited up on stage to receive their report card, certificate and medal.
We encourage students to invite their family and friends to share in this happy occasion and don’t forget to take lots of photos!
Additional awards and trophies are presented to outstanding students, as selected by our observer/s for each genre/style of dance. Awards for (1) Most Improved and (2) Most Versatile are also presented to students in both the junior and senior school following consultation between Dance Habit teachers and the observer/s.
This year, the Dance Habit Award (for effort and attitude) will become our STUDENT OF THE YEAR Award and will be presented at the end-of-year concert, no longer at prizegiving.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE MISS THE SCHEDULED MEDAL CHECKPOINT?
Medal Checkpoints are non-refundable though a credit will be offered if a Medical Certificate is provided for the date missed.
END GOAL
Our number one reason for running Medal Checkpoints is to build happy, confident kids! Just wait until you see the pride and joy on all those faces at prizegiving (and yes, that means the mums and dads, grandmas and grandpas, too)!
QUESTIONS?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding Medal Checkpoints or prize-giving. Have fun everyone!