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FIRST-TIMERS
Is this your first NZ Branch Summer School? Here is some information about what to expect.
What do I have to pay for after registering?
Nothing!
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Full registration includes accommodation and meals, morning classes, afternoon classes, admission to all evening functions and transport to and from morning classes and evening functions.
The only exception is on 1st January when dinner is not provided. A list of restaurants that will be open on this evening will be provided and meals will also be available at the Copthorne at a moderate price. This is an opportunity for an evening out with old and/or new friends.
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Non-dancing residents are entitled to all of the above except morning classes.
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Commuter registration includes morning classes, afternoon classes and admission to all evening functions but NOT accommodation, meals or transport. (Though transport may be available between the Copthorne hotel and classes and between the Copthorne Hotel and evening functions with the approval of the Organiser).
What Happens when I arrive?
First day 28th December: Registration is in the foyer of the Copthorne hotel. You will receive a pack of information about the hotel and the Summer School and be directed to your room. At 4:30 pm there is a First-timers function where you will be welcomed to the Summer School and introduced to the Organising Committee, The NZ branch Management Committee, class teachers, musicians and fellow first-timers. In the evening there is an informal dance where you will meet other dancers.
What classes can I attend?
Morning classes are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and are compulsory. If you have registered for a class you are expected to attend. If you do not turn up this may upset the numbers for the class; making it difficult to form complete sets. You can only move to another class with the approval of the Summer School Organiser. The Organiser and NZ Branch Education Training coordinator will review classes on the first class day (29 December) and after consultation with class tutors may recommend a more suitable class for you.
Afternoon classes may cover other forms of dance, highland steps and other activities. These are optional.
What is the Dress Code?
See guidelines for classes and evening functions on the NZ Branch Summer School website.
Juniors at Summer School
Juniors under 16 years of age must be in the care of an adult at all times. This means that, if you have a child at the school, you must know their whereabouts at all times and, if they are not directly under your care at any time, they are in the care of another responsible adult known to you.
This need not prevent you enjoying classes and evening functions. All morning classes take place at the same time, so your child will be taken to and from class in the transport provided, or taken to the class and picked up afterwards by you if you prefer it and have your own transport; leaving you free to attend a class. While in class, juniors will be under the control of the tutor and another adult will be present.
At evening functions you may be able to arrange with other parents to share responsibility for juniors.
Socialising – What else can I do?
In the afternoons you are free to attend afternoon classes, go sightseeing or socialise with old or new friends. Scottish Country Dancers are a friendly lot, so don’t worry if you are not attending with a partner or friends. There is a “party room” at the hotel for people to socialise after evening functions. Often you will find that groups of musicians will turn up for a jam session leading to informal dancing. The party room is open to all Summer School registrants, so just turn up and observe or participate as the fancy takes you. Be aware that there is often a lag between the end of scheduled evening functions and the start of activities in the party room.
In NZ it is not normal practice to book a whole evening’s dances or form sets in advance. So after each dance simply find a partner for the next dance – but please wait until the dance is announced then join the end of a line of dancers.
How can I get help or information at Summer School?
Contact a member of the Summer School Organising committee or call at the Summer School Office. The Office will be open during the hours specified in your information pack and at other times when staff are in attendance. Hotel staff will also be able to help with general matters related to the hotel facilities and information on places to visit in and around Masterton.
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