TOTI SEALS FIGURE SKATING CLUB Since 2012 Galleria Ice Rink, c/o Moss Kolnik & Arbour Road, AMANZIMTOTI, 4126 P O Box 285, AMANZIMTOTI, 4125 Tel: 082 499 8149 e-mail: [email protected] www.totisealsfigureskatingclub.co.za 11 August 2014 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Changes to structure of Club Dear Members, In the newsletter dated 29 July 2014, it was stated that the Club’s Committee is considering restructuring the Club in order to effectively accommodate beginner, advanced and adult skaters and, in so doing, creating smaller classes and improving the quality of tuition. After taking numerous views and concerns of skaters, parents and coaches alike into consideration, the Committee has, the past weekend, unanimously decided the following: 1. The Club will be split in two (2) one hour sessions: 06:4507:45 Seniors Grades 4-6, Intermediate, Levels, Adults Advanced 07:4508:45 Juniors Beginners, Grades 1-3, Adults Beginner NOTE: Most Clubs and Skating Academies in South Africa offer one (1) hour club times. 1 Founders: Marco & Wendy van der Hammen Chairperson: Marco C. van der Hammen; Vice Chairperson: Quade Corder; Secretary: Jackie Trevor-Roberts; Treasurer: Jackie Bartholomew; Additional members: Wendy Janssens & Eloise Coetzee Affiliated to the South African Figure Skating Association (KZN) TOTI SEALS FIGURE SKATING CLUB Since 2012 2. Ice time will be allocated as follows: Seniors 06:45-06:55 Free skating 06:55-07:00 General warm-up 07:00-07:30 Group tuition 07:30-07:45 Free skating Juniors 07:45-07:55 Free skating 07:55-08:00 General warm-up 08:00-08:30 Group tuition 08:30-08:45 Free skating NOTE: Most private individual and group lessons are 15-30 minutes. Experience has shown that most skaters “lose” concentration or interest after 30 minutes. Skaters need free skating time to practice what they have been taught but also afford them some time to “socialize’ with their friends on the ice. Skaters should arrive 10-15 minutes earlier for attendance register purposes and, more importantly, putting their skates on in time for the start of their session! 3. Club fees: 2 1 member R160.00 p/month 2 family members R300.00 p/month 3 family members R440.00 p/month 4 family members R580.00 p/month 5 family members R720.00 p/month Founders: Marco & Wendy van der Hammen Chairperson: Marco C. van der Hammen; Vice Chairperson: Quade Corder; Secretary: Jackie Trevor-Roberts; Treasurer: Jackie Bartholomew; Additional members: Wendy Janssens & Eloise Coetzee Affiliated to the South African Figure Skating Association (KZN) TOTI SEALS FIGURE SKATING CLUB Since 2012 6+ family members SQ Competing SAFSA members* R50.00 per month (*) Only SAFSA registered skaters actively participating in Provincial, Inter-Provincial & National Championships qualify for this rebate Although the ice time has been cut by half and membership only marginally, the quoted fees are still way below fees levied by other skating clubs and academies in South Africa. The Skating Academies in Gauteng, for instance, only run for 8 weeks, one (1) hour at a time with membership fees of R650 per member (irrespective if a family of 2 or more, including skate hire) and R550 per skater with own skates. This equates to R275.00 to R325.00 per member, per month (R115 to R165 more than the restructured Seals Club membership fees). And, our Club has more teaching talent than most of the other clubs and academies! Yes, until now members enjoyed 2 hours Club time per week (8-10 hours per month, depending on the month). Members will now only have 4-5 hours Club time per month, BUT, consider the following benefits: 1. More space to accommodate existing and new skaters (including Adult Skate) in smaller groups. 2. Smaller groups mean more individual attention. 3. Individual attention means faster progress through the grades. Tests will be done weekly. 4. Faster progression means promotion to the Senior Club and for those aspiring to do synchronized skating (synchro). 5. Unlike some clubs and skating academies, the Club presents the official SAFSA (South African Figure Skating Association) grading system which prepares skaters wishing to pursue the SAFSA Level tests which will allow them to participate in provincial, interprovincial and national competitions. 6. Better prepared skaters and better quality skating entering the annual Club competition making it a more prestigious event. 3 7. Introduction of the long-awaited Adult Skate classes! Adults of all ages can learn to skate or improve their skills. Adult skate is huge in the US and Europe with annual World Championships being held in Germany. Founders: Marco & Wendy van der Hammen Chairperson: Marco C. van der Hammen; Vice Chairperson: Quade Corder; Secretary: Jackie Trevor-Roberts; Treasurer: Jackie Bartholomew; Additional members: Wendy Janssens & Eloise Coetzee Affiliated to the South African Figure Skating Association (KZN) TOTI SEALS FIGURE SKATING CLUB Since 2012 4. Implementation date: This will allow members to prepare for the new times and adjustment of membership fees. The Coffee & Skating Accessory tables will continue to operate during the new times. Interested Adult Skate participants: Register Now! Simply send an email to Wendy @ [email protected]. 5. REMINDER (important dates): Sat, 16 August 2014 No Club (Senior Synchro Training with Cape Town coach) Sat, 30 August 2014 Last combined Club Test Certificates awards (06:45-08:50) Sat, 25 November 2014 Combined Year-end function (06:45-08:50) Check out the Club’s website, www.totifigureskatingclub.com for all the latest news and reviews. We welcome all comments, good or bad as it is our objective to create and maintain a happy and healthy Club! In addition, we will soon be introducing a new Club logo, Club tracksuit tops and Grade badges for members and a new “corporate identity” for coaches, training assistants and Committee members. Exciting times ahead! 4 Yours in skating, Marco, Wendy & Team Founders: Marco & Wendy van der Hammen Chairperson: Marco C. van der Hammen; Vice Chairperson: Quade Corder; Secretary: Jackie Trevor-Roberts; Treasurer: Jackie Bartholomew; Additional members: Wendy Janssens & Eloise Coetzee Affiliated to the South African Figure Skating Association (KZN)