News from our Head of School - Kathy Miner
Dear Parents,
At GAA, we believe that teaching and respecting a diverse student body from cultures around the world fosters peace, justice and global understanding. We are preparing our students to be global citizens who can truly make a difference in the world.
With 90 nationalities in our school, we understand the importance of teaching our students how to honor and celebrate various cultures, embrace diversity and to advocate for their fellow peers. We work to foster a Culture of Kindness in our school; a culture that reflects our core values and philosophy of education.
Throughout our curriculum we include important social-emotional components aimed at teaching students to be respectful, to be responsible and to be a learner at GAA. We encourage our parent community to support our efforts in teaching our students at GAA how to live together with respect, care and acceptance of one another. Our GAAPA parents, teachers and counselors are collaborating to develop a fantastic learning opportunity for our students with the upcoming " Campaign of Kindness".
The National Anthem
Each morning our students stand to honor the UAE as the National Anthem plays throughout GEMS American Academy 7:45 am.
Our students learn the lyrics to the Anthem in their music classes as well as in their Arabic and UAE Social Studies classes. We believe that our students need more practice in singing the words and more opportunity to engage in the meaning of the Anthem.
Stu Williamson
It’s picture time again! Stu Williamson Photography will be Visiting GAA to take all student photos as well as class pictures. Please see dates below:
KG and Elementary (KG1- G5): October 1st- October 5th
Secondary (Grade G6-G12): October 29th- November 2nd
Please speak to your child’s homeroom teacher to find out the exact day and time of your their session and mark your calendars so you don’t forget. The schedule for secondary students will be available during week commencing the 22nd October 2017.
You are under no obligation to purchase the photos, however taking a photo is mandatory. We need a photo of every student for our database. So, please be sure not to schedule doctor’s appointments or other conflicting events that day, and make sure your child is on time for school and in the correct GAA uniform.
Regards,
Kathy Miner
Head of School and CEO
At GAA, we believe that teaching and respecting a diverse student body from cultures around the world fosters peace, justice and global understanding. We are preparing our students to be global citizens who can truly make a difference in the world.
With 90 nationalities in our school, we understand the importance of teaching our students how to honor and celebrate various cultures, embrace diversity and to advocate for their fellow peers. We work to foster a Culture of Kindness in our school; a culture that reflects our core values and philosophy of education.
Throughout our curriculum we include important social-emotional components aimed at teaching students to be respectful, to be responsible and to be a learner at GAA. We encourage our parent community to support our efforts in teaching our students at GAA how to live together with respect, care and acceptance of one another. Our GAAPA parents, teachers and counselors are collaborating to develop a fantastic learning opportunity for our students with the upcoming " Campaign of Kindness".
The National Anthem
Each morning our students stand to honor the UAE as the National Anthem plays throughout GEMS American Academy 7:45 am.
Our students learn the lyrics to the Anthem in their music classes as well as in their Arabic and UAE Social Studies classes. We believe that our students need more practice in singing the words and more opportunity to engage in the meaning of the Anthem.
Stu Williamson
It’s picture time again! Stu Williamson Photography will be Visiting GAA to take all student photos as well as class pictures. Please see dates below:
KG and Elementary (KG1- G5): October 1st- October 5th
Secondary (Grade G6-G12): October 29th- November 2nd
Please speak to your child’s homeroom teacher to find out the exact day and time of your their session and mark your calendars so you don’t forget. The schedule for secondary students will be available during week commencing the 22nd October 2017.
You are under no obligation to purchase the photos, however taking a photo is mandatory. We need a photo of every student for our database. So, please be sure not to schedule doctor’s appointments or other conflicting events that day, and make sure your child is on time for school and in the correct GAA uniform.
Regards,
Kathy Miner
Head of School and CEO
GAAPA would like to thank the volunteers that donated their time during the month of Sept.
Mick Park
Aparna Malhotra
It is always appreciated!
Mick Park
Aparna Malhotra
It is always appreciated!
Welcome to the Counselor’s Corner! This will be a space dedicated to information regarding what’s going on in the elementary and secondary school. September has flown by, and we are ready to kick off October. It’s going to be a busy month for all students, and counselors!
Thank you to all those who attended the very successful Coffee with the Elementary Counselors morning on September 18th! The next Coffee with Elementary Counselors will be held on October 16th. Please take a moment to fill out our survey which will help us decide how many sessions we will present on October 16th.
https://goo.gl/forms/QRKNwaXHDxh4JVG63
Upstairs in Secondary School Katie, Phil and Cindy have been busy getting students acclimated to secondary school, making sure schedules are up to date and getting back in the general groove of school. By now, all secondary students’ schedules should be set. Schedule changes are not permitted at this time for anyone other than full IBDP students who have until Oct. 19th to switch between HL and SL classes only.
Additionally, our seniors are in the very thick of the college application process. Such an exciting time! GAA secondary counselors hosted senior night on September 25th, which was very successful! Anna Dechert, the Director of Admissions from NYUAD, and Ferwen from IDP presented on various aspects of college counseling! Our seniors are definitely ready to tackle college applications!
As a friendly reminder, if you have questions or concerns please email your child’s counselor to book an appointment.
LaTanya Weaver, Kg-Grade One [email protected] Melanie Moses, Grade 2-5, [email protected]
Cynthia Perez, Grade 6-8 [email protected] Phil Abraham, Grades 9-10 [email protected]
Kathleen Leishear Grade 11-12 [email protected]
Please stay tuned for our biweekly section in the GAAzette!
Thank you to all those who attended the very successful Coffee with the Elementary Counselors morning on September 18th! The next Coffee with Elementary Counselors will be held on October 16th. Please take a moment to fill out our survey which will help us decide how many sessions we will present on October 16th.
https://goo.gl/forms/QRKNwaXHDxh4JVG63
Upstairs in Secondary School Katie, Phil and Cindy have been busy getting students acclimated to secondary school, making sure schedules are up to date and getting back in the general groove of school. By now, all secondary students’ schedules should be set. Schedule changes are not permitted at this time for anyone other than full IBDP students who have until Oct. 19th to switch between HL and SL classes only.
Additionally, our seniors are in the very thick of the college application process. Such an exciting time! GAA secondary counselors hosted senior night on September 25th, which was very successful! Anna Dechert, the Director of Admissions from NYUAD, and Ferwen from IDP presented on various aspects of college counseling! Our seniors are definitely ready to tackle college applications!
As a friendly reminder, if you have questions or concerns please email your child’s counselor to book an appointment.
LaTanya Weaver, Kg-Grade One [email protected] Melanie Moses, Grade 2-5, [email protected]
Cynthia Perez, Grade 6-8 [email protected] Phil Abraham, Grades 9-10 [email protected]
Kathleen Leishear Grade 11-12 [email protected]
Please stay tuned for our biweekly section in the GAAzette!
Dear Parents,
Please see below a list of information sessions scheduled for September and October:
Secondary School
Please not that the overview of our ELL/LS Support Services will be incorporated in our MS/HS Program information evenings.
Please see below a list of information sessions scheduled for September and October:
Secondary School
- October 3rd: MS/HS Program
- October 17th: IB Diploma/College Night
- November 7th: MS/HS Program
- November 14th: IB Diploma/College Night
Please not that the overview of our ELL/LS Support Services will be incorporated in our MS/HS Program information evenings.
Approved 2017-2018 Calendar
Below you will find dates for the holiday breaks for the 2017-2018 school year. ADEC have released a calendar that outlines all of the major holidays for the 2017-2018 school year.
As you begin to plan for the coming year, I’m sure you’ll want to know the dates of upcoming holiday breaks to assist you in your family and vacation planning.
As always, we recommend booking flexible tickets as we have learned that holiday dates can change.
Below you will find dates for the holiday breaks for the 2017-2018 school year. ADEC have released a calendar that outlines all of the major holidays for the 2017-2018 school year.
As you begin to plan for the coming year, I’m sure you’ll want to know the dates of upcoming holiday breaks to assist you in your family and vacation planning.
As always, we recommend booking flexible tickets as we have learned that holiday dates can change.
2017-2018_parent_calendar_-_september_2017.pdf | |
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Parent ID's
You may obtain your Parent photo identity card by emailing a photo (jpeg format) along with the parent’s first and last name to [email protected]. Please also include your child/children’s full name and grade in the email as well. Once you have uploaded your photo/photos, you may collect your Parent identity card/s from the Main Reception after 5 business days.
We have had many parents requesting parent ID's for nanny's, guardians and drivers. Unfortunately Parent ID's are for parents only. We are unable to issue Parent ID's to Drivers and nannies/guardians. Please assist us by ensuring that your drivers and/or nannies/guardians always sign in at security before entering the premises. This also means that they are not allowed to enter the school with your parent ID.
You may obtain your Parent photo identity card by emailing a photo (jpeg format) along with the parent’s first and last name to [email protected]. Please also include your child/children’s full name and grade in the email as well. Once you have uploaded your photo/photos, you may collect your Parent identity card/s from the Main Reception after 5 business days.
We have had many parents requesting parent ID's for nanny's, guardians and drivers. Unfortunately Parent ID's are for parents only. We are unable to issue Parent ID's to Drivers and nannies/guardians. Please assist us by ensuring that your drivers and/or nannies/guardians always sign in at security before entering the premises. This also means that they are not allowed to enter the school with your parent ID.
Cashless system user guide ( Grade2-12)
Dear Parents, please click on the file below to download the Cashless System user guide . Parents who have students in Grade 2-12 are encouraged to use the cashless system for lunch orders as this system has many benefits, including convenience, safety and a daily limit .
Please click on the user guide below to help you get started.
Please note that any money left on the card from last academic year will remain. Students will be able to use their cards from last year at the start of this year.
Students should receive their student card in the next week or two. Students may use cash until they've received their student cards.
Dear Parents, please click on the file below to download the Cashless System user guide . Parents who have students in Grade 2-12 are encouraged to use the cashless system for lunch orders as this system has many benefits, including convenience, safety and a daily limit .
Please click on the user guide below to help you get started.
Please note that any money left on the card from last academic year will remain. Students will be able to use their cards from last year at the start of this year.
Students should receive their student card in the next week or two. Students may use cash until they've received their student cards.
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KG & Grade 1
Please see the attached presentation detailing the food order process for KG1, KG2 and Grade 1 students. Hot meals are provided by Keita catering and delivered to the classroom. This is not mandatory and parents are welcome to send students with a packed lunch.
KG and Grade 1 students have lunch in their classroom and not in the cafeteria therefore the order process is different to that of students Grade 2-12, who purchase food in the cafeteria using the cashless system.
Kindly note the following:
- For students to be able to receive meals in their classroom, it is mandatory that parents register them on the online system, make the payment and select the order of the meals. This can only be done online.
- We suggest parents order a week in advance to avoid any disappointments and to ensure on time delivery to your child. Deadline for orders is 4pm the day prior.
- Any orders via email, telephone or at the cafeteria will unfortunately not be accepted.
If you have any questions on how to place the order or experience any difficulty with this system, please contact the Keita IT Department at [email protected] or at 056 939 4250. For general information, please contact their customer service at [email protected] or 800 – KEITA.
Please see the attached presentation detailing the food order process for KG1, KG2 and Grade 1 students. Hot meals are provided by Keita catering and delivered to the classroom. This is not mandatory and parents are welcome to send students with a packed lunch.
KG and Grade 1 students have lunch in their classroom and not in the cafeteria therefore the order process is different to that of students Grade 2-12, who purchase food in the cafeteria using the cashless system.
Kindly note the following:
- For students to be able to receive meals in their classroom, it is mandatory that parents register them on the online system, make the payment and select the order of the meals. This can only be done online.
- We suggest parents order a week in advance to avoid any disappointments and to ensure on time delivery to your child. Deadline for orders is 4pm the day prior.
- Any orders via email, telephone or at the cafeteria will unfortunately not be accepted.
If you have any questions on how to place the order or experience any difficulty with this system, please contact the Keita IT Department at [email protected] or at 056 939 4250. For general information, please contact their customer service at [email protected] or 800 – KEITA.
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