We are so delighted to announce that Studio Wolfe will reopen for weekly classes from Monday 29th June. We will complete 5 weeks of classes (not 4 as previously stated), allowing us to finish term 2 on Saturday 1st August.
In accordance with HSE and Government guidelines, we will have to implement some changes to how we run our classes. However we are confident that even with these changes our ability to deliver our classes will not be impinged, nor will students’ enjoyment be diminished.
We welcomed the news last Friday from An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar that children’s activities can resume and although we now live and work in a “new normal”, the importance of exercise, social interaction and mental well being has not changed. We feel that being able to welcome all of our students back to the Studio will be so beneficial for them. Allowing them to continue to train alongside their friends at an activity which they all enjoy will be worthwhile. Also for students who may be changing classes in September (moving up to Junior Level 1 from Little Stars or from Primary to Secondary), these 5 weeks will allow them to attend class alongside the children that they know.
Class sizes will be limited and social distancing of 2 metres apart will apply at all times. We will have specific markings on the floor for students to help with this.
Little Stars, Wolfe Pups and Budding Ballerinas may be eligible to operate as “play pods”, whereby social distancing measures can be reduced. This model currently operates in crèches, Montessori’s and childminders- we are awaiting clarification on this.
We will make a video later this week, showing you the new look studio and how it works.
There will be 15-minute intervals between classes. This will allow us to let one group go home and clean, disinfect and sanitise all equipment and surfaces in the studio before the next group arrives. Staggered times will also limit the interaction between people coming/going.
Our waiting rooms will now be closed. When your child arrives for class, they should arrive as close to the actual start time as possible and they will be required to wait with you in your car until the class begins.
Students must arrive ready for class - so dance shoes etc must already be changed. They will not be permitted to bring any extra personal belongings into the studio at this time. Parents will not be allowed to enter the studio.
We will limit social interaction with parents on the door for safety but also so as not to slow down the people entering / exiting. Our staff may wear face masks / shields when doing the door, but not during the activity itself. Although we cannot chat on the door, we are still available to discuss any issues by phone or email outside of class times.
Students will use a Studio hand sanitizer on arrival and again on exiting. Temperatures may be taken on arrival. At the start of each class we will remind them of all precautions that should be maintained during the class (social distancing, good respiratory hygiene etc). All of our staff have undertaken various online courses in relation to Return To Sport and Covid-19 and are fully up-to-date with all policies and procedures relating to this.
Students must stay home / not attend class if they feel unwell.
We will have an updated risk assessment document and health and safety policy available on the app and website later this week with more detailed information should you require it.
We will run these 5 weeks as close to our regular timetable as possible. So for the majority of students, you will attend your class on your usual day, but the time may be slightly earlier / later because of the 15-minute intervals. In some instances due to class size, you may be required to attend a different day. We will have a full timetable available later this week.
Once we have sent out the timetable, and should you not wish to attend these 5 weeks, you must let us know. We are required to keep a register of all attendees at each class in advance of the class commencing on June 29th. Also in order for us to implement social distancing, we must know in advance how many will be in each class. You need only email if you are not attending. If we don’t hear from you, once the timetable is released we will assume you are attending as usual.
Unfortunately, singing classes, wolfe pack and cheerleading will not be restarting on June 29th- however, once it is safe to do so we will recommence these classes.
Finally, we would like to once again thank all of our students and families for their continued support, commitment and personal belief in us. During this unprecedented time, your messages of support and encouragement allowed us to continue to keep the Studio operational and we are so grateful for that.
We are so delighted to now be able to welcome you all back in person.
Careen & Declan