News from Head of School - Kathy Miner
Dear GAA Parents,
School Routines and Hours During the Holy Month of Ramadan
Enclosed you will find important information to assist you in understanding the expectations and school routines for the upcoming Holy Month of Ramadan.
Since we have new families who have joined the GAA community, we feel it is important that we encourage all members of the GAA community to be aware of the significance of this special time and to be appreciative and respectful of our host culture. Teachers and staff members were briefed on this information at our last staff meeting on April 18th to assist them in providing guidance and information to students.
ADEC will notify schools as to when the Holy Month of Ramadan will begin. Half-days will begin on either Sunday, June 5th or Monday, June 6th.
Hours for Students: 7:45am - 12pm
Hours for all GAA staff: 7:30am- 1:30pm
Bus service will continue as usual, with a 12:15 pm departure time from school. Teachers have engaging, project-based learning planned for their students, June 6th through June 23rd. Learning will continue at GAA during the Holy Month of Ramadan, we encourage our families and students to continue attending during Ramadan.
Food and drink
Food will not be served in the cafeteria during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and the consumption of food or drink in the classroom will be prohibited. Students in the KG program will continue their snack routines as usual in the classroom.
GAA supports whatever your family decision is regarding fasting. Non-fasting students may bring a snack and water bottle to school. There will be designated snack and water areas appropriate for each grade level; these snack and water areas will be located separate from the classrooms.
The parent café will be closed.
Students need to be mindful that eating and drinking in public is discouraged and I ask that this is confined to designated areas in the school, so as to avoid offense.
Access to Prayer
Muslim students will have access to the prayer room and fasting students will also have access to a quiet reading area of the library during break times.
Appropriate Dress
It is appropriate that students arrive to school during the Holy Month of Ramadan neat and tidy in appearance and follow the dress code expectations.
Recess and Activities
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, recess periods will be shortened and PE activities will be limited and low key, keeping in mind that students do not play outdoors in June due to the heat.
The final after school activities session will finish on Thursday, June 2nd. There will be no after school clubs, activities or sports during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Hours of Staff and Faculty
For parents seeking assistance from faculty or staff members, working hours for faculty and staff will be 7:30 am -1:30 pm. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Naseera Timm-Holland, our Parent Relations Executive @ [email protected]
Sincerely,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
School Routines and Hours During the Holy Month of Ramadan
Enclosed you will find important information to assist you in understanding the expectations and school routines for the upcoming Holy Month of Ramadan.
Since we have new families who have joined the GAA community, we feel it is important that we encourage all members of the GAA community to be aware of the significance of this special time and to be appreciative and respectful of our host culture. Teachers and staff members were briefed on this information at our last staff meeting on April 18th to assist them in providing guidance and information to students.
ADEC will notify schools as to when the Holy Month of Ramadan will begin. Half-days will begin on either Sunday, June 5th or Monday, June 6th.
Hours for Students: 7:45am - 12pm
Hours for all GAA staff: 7:30am- 1:30pm
Bus service will continue as usual, with a 12:15 pm departure time from school. Teachers have engaging, project-based learning planned for their students, June 6th through June 23rd. Learning will continue at GAA during the Holy Month of Ramadan, we encourage our families and students to continue attending during Ramadan.
Food and drink
Food will not be served in the cafeteria during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and the consumption of food or drink in the classroom will be prohibited. Students in the KG program will continue their snack routines as usual in the classroom.
GAA supports whatever your family decision is regarding fasting. Non-fasting students may bring a snack and water bottle to school. There will be designated snack and water areas appropriate for each grade level; these snack and water areas will be located separate from the classrooms.
The parent café will be closed.
Students need to be mindful that eating and drinking in public is discouraged and I ask that this is confined to designated areas in the school, so as to avoid offense.
Access to Prayer
Muslim students will have access to the prayer room and fasting students will also have access to a quiet reading area of the library during break times.
Appropriate Dress
It is appropriate that students arrive to school during the Holy Month of Ramadan neat and tidy in appearance and follow the dress code expectations.
Recess and Activities
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, recess periods will be shortened and PE activities will be limited and low key, keeping in mind that students do not play outdoors in June due to the heat.
The final after school activities session will finish on Thursday, June 2nd. There will be no after school clubs, activities or sports during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Hours of Staff and Faculty
For parents seeking assistance from faculty or staff members, working hours for faculty and staff will be 7:30 am -1:30 pm. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Naseera Timm-Holland, our Parent Relations Executive @ [email protected]
Sincerely,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
The Holy Month of Ramadan
Information Guide
What is the Holy Month of Ramadan?
For over one billion people throughout the world, Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and during this month, people of the Muslim faith fast from dawn to dusk every day. It is a period of reflection, worship and devotion.
When does the Holy Month of Ramadan begin?
Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of the Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward.
Are Non-Muslims required to follow practices of the Holy Month of Ramadan?
Islam is a tolerant religion and respects people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims are in no way forced to follow Islamic traditions during the month of Ramadan. Non-Muslims are asked to refrain from consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during the fasting hours of the day (dawn to dusk).
May non-Muslims experience the Holy Month of Ramadan traditions?
Ramadan is a time when friends and families come together and community ties are strengthened. There are a myriad of options available to residents and visitors. Muslims welcome guests of all religions and cultures and encourage them to learn more about Islam. For this reason, hotels have special Iftar (break of fast) gatherings and dinners at various restaurants available for guests and the general public. They feature special Ramadan tents, which open after the break of fast at sundown. Carpets, large pillows and cushions are placed on the floor for guests to experience true Arabian hospitality. Traditional Arabic food and drink are enjoyed as well as music and hospitality.
Can I eat and drink during the day and where can I get food and drink?
It is illegal for anyone to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during the Ramadan time, even travelling in a bus or car. Supermarkets and service stations are open with food and drink available for purchase but no one is to consume in the place of purchase, in public, or in a car during the day.
Most international hotels, and restaurants within hotels, are open during the day for non-Muslims. Restaurants will have separate sections open or keep curtains or blinds closed as a sign of respect to Muslim passers-by. It is quite acceptable for small children to eat/drink in public during daylight, as their needs must be met.
What about dress code during the Holy Month of Ramadan?
Non-Muslims are advised to wear conservative clothing during the month of Ramadan as a sign of respect.
Are there any changes in working/business hours?
According to the Labor laws, all companies are obliged to shorten the working day by two hours in Ramadan time in UAE. Many businesses, schools and shops change their hours slightly. The city tends to be very quiet during the day and night - time activity increases during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi.
Is everything closed during the day?
No, not everything is closed during Ramadan. Opening and closing hours do change during the month as opposed to the other days of the year for offices and shops but they are usually open as normal with a short break of approximately half an hour to an hour after breaking fast and remain open until as late as midnight. Parks and other public places open after the breaking of fast and remain open until late at night.
For over one billion people throughout the world, Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and during this month, people of the Muslim faith fast from dawn to dusk every day. It is a period of reflection, worship and devotion.
When does the Holy Month of Ramadan begin?
Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of the Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward.
Are Non-Muslims required to follow practices of the Holy Month of Ramadan?
Islam is a tolerant religion and respects people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims are in no way forced to follow Islamic traditions during the month of Ramadan. Non-Muslims are asked to refrain from consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during the fasting hours of the day (dawn to dusk).
May non-Muslims experience the Holy Month of Ramadan traditions?
Ramadan is a time when friends and families come together and community ties are strengthened. There are a myriad of options available to residents and visitors. Muslims welcome guests of all religions and cultures and encourage them to learn more about Islam. For this reason, hotels have special Iftar (break of fast) gatherings and dinners at various restaurants available for guests and the general public. They feature special Ramadan tents, which open after the break of fast at sundown. Carpets, large pillows and cushions are placed on the floor for guests to experience true Arabian hospitality. Traditional Arabic food and drink are enjoyed as well as music and hospitality.
Can I eat and drink during the day and where can I get food and drink?
It is illegal for anyone to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during the Ramadan time, even travelling in a bus or car. Supermarkets and service stations are open with food and drink available for purchase but no one is to consume in the place of purchase, in public, or in a car during the day.
Most international hotels, and restaurants within hotels, are open during the day for non-Muslims. Restaurants will have separate sections open or keep curtains or blinds closed as a sign of respect to Muslim passers-by. It is quite acceptable for small children to eat/drink in public during daylight, as their needs must be met.
What about dress code during the Holy Month of Ramadan?
Non-Muslims are advised to wear conservative clothing during the month of Ramadan as a sign of respect.
Are there any changes in working/business hours?
According to the Labor laws, all companies are obliged to shorten the working day by two hours in Ramadan time in UAE. Many businesses, schools and shops change their hours slightly. The city tends to be very quiet during the day and night - time activity increases during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi.
Is everything closed during the day?
No, not everything is closed during Ramadan. Opening and closing hours do change during the month as opposed to the other days of the year for offices and shops but they are usually open as normal with a short break of approximately half an hour to an hour after breaking fast and remain open until as late as midnight. Parks and other public places open after the breaking of fast and remain open until late at night.
To download the 2016/2017 calendar please click on the file below.
2016-2017_calendar_gaa_parents[5].pdf | |
File Size: | 473 kb |
File Type: |
Re-enrolment reminder
Dear Parents
Kindly be reminded that the deadline for re-enrolment payment is fast approaching. If you have completed the online re-enrolment but have not yet paid the deposit please note that you have until May 7th to do so. This is required to secure your child/children place at GAA and not risk their seat being offered to a waitlisted applicant.
If your child will not be returning to the GAA for the next academic year we kindly request that you inform the admissions department to allow us to allocate the seat to a student on our waitlist.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact our registrar, Ms Dina Morad at [email protected]
Kindly be reminded that the deadline for re-enrolment payment is fast approaching. If you have completed the online re-enrolment but have not yet paid the deposit please note that you have until May 7th to do so. This is required to secure your child/children place at GAA and not risk their seat being offered to a waitlisted applicant.
If your child will not be returning to the GAA for the next academic year we kindly request that you inform the admissions department to allow us to allocate the seat to a student on our waitlist.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact our registrar, Ms Dina Morad at [email protected]
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR SESSION 5 After School Activities
There are still spaces available for the following activities. Please use this link: ASA REGISTRATION
If you do not see an activity listed, this means that club is now full and not accepting any new students.
Sunday
Arabic Learning Support-Non Native Gr 4-5 Elham Alzaareer
Intricate Design & Color Gr 5-7 Room 221 Michele Randall
Astronomy Club: Gr 9-12 - Planetarium (James Walker)
Tuesday
Golf Lessons Gr 4-6 Yas Links Ralph Russell
Reading Stories Gr 3-5 Room 51 Elham Alzaareer
Wednesday
Quran Memorization: Gr 7-8 - Rm 235 (Laiali Al Hawadi)
Arabic Craft: Gr 9-10 - Rm 274 ( Fatma Ismail)
Creative Jewelry: Gr 6 & 7 - Rm 225 ( Kathy Milot)
Homework Club Gr 3-4 Room 221 Margie Romero
Memorization of Quran Gr 4 Room 107 Nour Harb & Isra Abusanada
Eco Club Gr 4-6 Room 130 Natasha Thompson
Arabic Learning Gr 2-4 Room 49 Noura Majed
Painting Drawing Gr 6-9 Room 275 Hiba Daoud
Thursday
Craft & Decoration: Gr 1 thru 5 - Rm 117 (Samah Zeidan & Mariam El Mais)
Learning Support in Arabic Language: Gr 8 thru 10 - Rm 276 (Enas Metermawi)
Google Classrooms Gr 4 Room 142 Rainer Van Rooyen
Memorization of Quran Gr 1-3 Room 117 Hour Harb / Isra Abusandadan
If you do not see an activity listed, this means that club is now full and not accepting any new students.
Sunday
Arabic Learning Support-Non Native Gr 4-5 Elham Alzaareer
Intricate Design & Color Gr 5-7 Room 221 Michele Randall
Astronomy Club: Gr 9-12 - Planetarium (James Walker)
Tuesday
Golf Lessons Gr 4-6 Yas Links Ralph Russell
Reading Stories Gr 3-5 Room 51 Elham Alzaareer
Wednesday
Quran Memorization: Gr 7-8 - Rm 235 (Laiali Al Hawadi)
Arabic Craft: Gr 9-10 - Rm 274 ( Fatma Ismail)
Creative Jewelry: Gr 6 & 7 - Rm 225 ( Kathy Milot)
Homework Club Gr 3-4 Room 221 Margie Romero
Memorization of Quran Gr 4 Room 107 Nour Harb & Isra Abusanada
Eco Club Gr 4-6 Room 130 Natasha Thompson
Arabic Learning Gr 2-4 Room 49 Noura Majed
Painting Drawing Gr 6-9 Room 275 Hiba Daoud
Thursday
Craft & Decoration: Gr 1 thru 5 - Rm 117 (Samah Zeidan & Mariam El Mais)
Learning Support in Arabic Language: Gr 8 thru 10 - Rm 276 (Enas Metermawi)
Google Classrooms Gr 4 Room 142 Rainer Van Rooyen
Memorization of Quran Gr 1-3 Room 117 Hour Harb / Isra Abusandadan
April Menu
copy_of_gems-american_academy_april_2016_menu.pdf | |
File Size: | 83 kb |
File Type: |