Policies

Bookings and payment

Reduced fees may be negotiated for families in constrained financial circumstances. Payment of fees is required in advance of workshop attendance. Fees for missed sessions are only refundable in cases of family emergency. Otherwise, five days’ notice is required for cancellation and refund. Bank details: Account name: Matthew Nogrady BSB: 062 692 Account number: 8077 5952

Collaboration and community

I will explain my expectations about positive learning behaviour at the start of each workshop. Participants should strive to behave in a way that is safe, respectful and focused on learning. Behavioural issues do arise from time to time, and these will be addressed in a non-confrontational, restorative way. Parents are invited to participate on the margins of workshops free of charge, to model and encourage a creative grappling with language. Those with relevant skills are welcome to judiciously add value, while deferring to the facilitator to manage the workshop. Participants may be invited to use digital workspaces for sharing work, collaborating with peers and receiving feedback.

Digital technology

The use of personal devices (including phones) is not allowed at workshops. Participants are asked to leave them in a bag, not a pocket, to avoid distraction. A brief check for messages is allowed at a set time during a break. Parents are asked to refrain from using personal devices in the workshop space, and to make contact in case of emergency by phone call or SMS to the facilitator. To avoid potential distractions, participants write with paper and pen during workshops. Participants are encouraged to use word processing at home for the redrafting process, and may be invited to use shared digital workspaces for sharing work, collaborating with peers and receiving feedback. The facilitator may from time to time show carefully selected audio-visual lesson content using a laptop. Whilst I aim to be responsive with communication, I do use a ‘dumb phone’ by choice, and cannot guarantee constant availability and rapid replies.

Boundaries, child protection and wellbeing

My workshops follow best practice in child protection. Parents are welcome to observe and participate. I do not supervise individual children, so please ensure timely pickup and dropoff. I have current First Aid and CPR training, and a basic First Aid kit will be available at workshops. While I teach with sensitivity to contemporary norms, education requires that discerning adults challenge students. This can be mildly uncomfortable, at times confronting. Topics such as race, gender, violence, love, religion and death are essential to the study of English. I ask that parents support their children to build resilience in their learning, by discriminating between experiences that are usefully and appropriately challenging, and those that are harmful or offensive. I welcome discussion on this, and appreciate any information about students’ particular sensitivities.

Inclusion and differentiation

Mistakes and conflict resolution

Students of all abilities are welcome in my workshops, and all participants are expected to be welcoming, supportive and inclusive of diversity. Parents/participants may wish to provide me with a work sample and any school or specialist reports before attending, to help me tailor my teaching to individual needs. This personal information will be kept secure and confidential.

Life in 2024 can be intense; and exploring English together can add even more shades and complexities to our world. It's natural that we might occasionally find ourselves navigating through misunderstandings or differing perspectives, especially when engaging with the profound ideas that literature and language present us. If you or your child feel uneasy about anything that occurs during our sessions; or if you have any issues with the administration or organisation of workshops - I encourage you to bring it to my attention. I am committed to maintaining a safe, respectful space where we can discuss any concerns calmly and constructively. Early and honest communication is key to resolving these matters effectively. We are partners in this educational journey, learning and growing from every challenge and question. Together, let's embrace these moments with openness and calm sincerity, grow together in our educational adventures.