Store Policy

Here at The Painted Feather, we help our students to unleash their creative and artistic skills. Inside our studio, we introduce students to materials and skills used by artists around the world and through the centuries. We respect our studio and our students, and we ask for the same respect towards our space and teacher. For that reason, we have outlined some of the policies on behaviour around our classes. 

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- Good art materials can be expensive, so students learn not only how to create beautiful art but to care for their materials and equipment. We take care of the studio, and we clean up after each session! Respect for materials and equipment is incredibly important, and repeated disrespect and injurious/damaging behaviour will not be tolerated. 

 

-We value our resident artist and teacher here at The Painted Feather. Our teachers will always offer students her respect, and again, we ask that students return this. Unwarranted, inappropriate language and aggressive or rowdy behaviour or indeed, any dangerous actions will not be tolerated. 

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-Parents, we love that you are invested in your children's progress, and you are, of course, welcome in the studio for pickup/dropoff and brief visits. Still, you are unfortunately not invited to participate in teaching and corrections unless specifically invited by the teacher. In our experience, our younger students are better able to open up when they don't feel watched. Of course, every child is different, and we welcome a discussion about your child's specific needs. 

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-We ask that each class be paid for at the time of booking, or if paying in person, at the beginning of class itself. As much as we love art and teaching art, this is a business and a large part of how we support ourselves. 

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-If you have a regular class time and cannot make it for any reason we are more than happy to see you for a makeup class at a different time. We ask that you provide as much notice as possible. 

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- When working with children in a teaching capacity, there is sometimes a need for disciplinary style actions. Here at the Painted Feather, we endeavour to work with parents to ensure that only approved actions are taken. In our experience so far we have never needed more than a firm tone,  however, should it become necessary due to excessively dangerous/inappropriate behaviour, the class would be cut short, and the parent contacted to pick up their child early. 

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-Due to our frequent work with children with Neurodiversity we are equipped currently with plans including social stories to prepare for class, individual learning plans, frequent breaks, and the use of a student-activated 'safe space'/5 minute break card. We are committed to providing a space that feels safe for ALL of our students. If there is something more that is needed or may be helpful for your child, we welcome the opportunity to discuss and work towards implementing with you. 

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-We believe that to have a students trust, they need to be able to speak confidentially. For this reason, we will not disclose conversations had with any of our students. We understand that this may be a concern for the parents of our neurodiverse students. We do have open conversations with parents about concerns. At the end of a class for a younger student a short form giving feedback on the day can be provided.

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- Please don't 'no show' to a booked class. We prepare the studio and class outline for each student. While we understand that life can throw a wrench in the works on occasion, we asked that students call in any cancellations with as much notice as possible to reduce unnecessary preparation time.

 

-If a student repetitively breaks class policies or engages in the behaviour, the teacher considers 'serious' action ranging from discipline (for younger students) to a ban from classes. It's not an action we've had to take to date, and one we hope will never occur.