News from the Head of School - Kathy Miner
We Inspire. We Educate. We Lead. We Innovate.
Dear GAA Parents,
Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! As we begin the year, it is important for you to know how committed we are to ensuring that each child at GAA is challenged, encouraged and supported to achieve academic success and develop a strong senses of well being. Such success is critical if we are to achieve the Vision of GAA, “We Inspire. We Educate. We Lead. We Innovate.”
We are committed to providing consistent high quality instruction designed to meet the needs of each child in the classroom, intervention strategies for those needing extra support as well as emotional and social support for students.
Above all, we emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of kindness within the GAA community. We will:
Our Senior Leadership Team members have significant experience and background as educational leaders from highly regarded schools in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Such strong leadership enables us to set the bar high for each student at GAA.
We are excited to begin the new school year and a new journey in learning. We welcome you to GEMS American Academy!
Information to start your year:
You will notice the scaffolding project in front of our school. We are repairing the damage to the decorative canopy cladding tiles caused by the strong wind and rainstorm last March.
Class placement information will be made available next week and will be posted in the Oasis system. Information about accessing information from Oasis will be sent to you along with a link to the system.
Be sure to stay informed throughout the year about a variety of activities, events and news by reading the weekly newsletter published every Thursday.
If you have any questions be sure to contact our PRE (Parent Relations Executive) Naseera at [email protected]. We are here to help make this a smooth and special start to the school year.
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! As we begin the year, it is important for you to know how committed we are to ensuring that each child at GAA is challenged, encouraged and supported to achieve academic success and develop a strong senses of well being. Such success is critical if we are to achieve the Vision of GAA, “We Inspire. We Educate. We Lead. We Innovate.”
We are committed to providing consistent high quality instruction designed to meet the needs of each child in the classroom, intervention strategies for those needing extra support as well as emotional and social support for students.
Above all, we emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of kindness within the GAA community. We will:
- Create a safe, healthy and positive learning environment
- Cultivate mindfulness, resilience and empathy
- Champion character education through modeling the expected behaviors of the IB Learner Profile
- Encourage student initiative and voice
Our Senior Leadership Team members have significant experience and background as educational leaders from highly regarded schools in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Such strong leadership enables us to set the bar high for each student at GAA.
We are excited to begin the new school year and a new journey in learning. We welcome you to GEMS American Academy!
Information to start your year:
You will notice the scaffolding project in front of our school. We are repairing the damage to the decorative canopy cladding tiles caused by the strong wind and rainstorm last March.
Class placement information will be made available next week and will be posted in the Oasis system. Information about accessing information from Oasis will be sent to you along with a link to the system.
Be sure to stay informed throughout the year about a variety of activities, events and news by reading the weekly newsletter published every Thursday.
If you have any questions be sure to contact our PRE (Parent Relations Executive) Naseera at [email protected]. We are here to help make this a smooth and special start to the school year.
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
News from our Registrar, Dina Morad
A big welcome to all our new families and returning families for the 2016-2017 academic year at GEMS American Academy.
Class Placement: Your child’s class placement will be emailed to you next week. There has been a lot of thought, consideration, and mindfulness for the best placement of your child. The approach has been a collaborative one that started in June 2016, well before the end of the school year. Teachers, counselors, principals, and administration were all involved in class placement decisions. GAA’s number one priority was to create well balanced, mixed groups of students as our classrooms benefit from the backgrounds, talents, and thinking skills of a diverse student population.
Please be aware that this is an opportunity for social growth and independence. Your child will grow and learn in this environment. Please also be aware that your child will be heavily influenced by your reaction and that your child is open to new and different experiences, relationships, and learning partnerships with their peers and teachers. This transition is even smoother when parents encourage and support students in their transition; just as their teachers will. GAA will not entertain class placement changes as the amount of thought and care that was put into the development of our student grouping was based on best educational practices. Please do not assume learning environments will not be successful.
To our New Families:
As per the UAE law, We are required to register all students with the Abu Dhabi Education Council. This is why we ask parents to bring in the below documents. ADEC set a specific deadline for this Mandatory information to be collected. To complete your children's registration, please remember to forward the documents below to the Admissions office within the first 30 days of school start.
- Your child Emirates ID card
- Both parents Emirates ID cards
- For Emirati Families, please bring a copy of your Family Book
Additional Requirements for Grade 2 -12:
- School Transfer Certificates (attested). This is ONLY for students who are coming from schools OUTSIDE Abu Dhabi.
- Final report card from the previous school (Grade 10-12, Transcript of Records)
To the families that have already submitted documents, Thank You! If you are in doubt, please come and check with the Admissions team.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Admissions team:
Dina Morad- School Registrar [email protected]
Carlo Dumo- Admissions Secretary [email protected]
Fatma Chabanova- Admissions Secretary [email protected]
All the best as we start a great academic year!
Dina Morad
Registrar
Student and Parent Orientation Academic Year 2016/17
The First Week of School
To provide parents and students with a meaningful orientation to the 2016/17 school year, the first week of school and orientation program will be different for KG, Elementary School and Secondary School (Grade 6-12) students.
Kindergarten (KG)
If your son or daughter is joining us for KG1 or KG2, we will be operating a staggered start in the first week of school to ensure students become accustomed to their new environment and classroom teacher.
Class Placement emails will be sent next week along with a school map with your child's classroom clearly labeled. This will assist you in finding your way on the first day of school.
Kindly note that because KG will have a shorter day during the first week, transport and catering services will only be available from September 4th. Please provide your child with a packed lunch and arrange transportation accordingly.
The First Week of School
To provide parents and students with a meaningful orientation to the 2016/17 school year, the first week of school and orientation program will be different for KG, Elementary School and Secondary School (Grade 6-12) students.
Kindergarten (KG)
If your son or daughter is joining us for KG1 or KG2, we will be operating a staggered start in the first week of school to ensure students become accustomed to their new environment and classroom teacher.
Class Placement emails will be sent next week along with a school map with your child's classroom clearly labeled. This will assist you in finding your way on the first day of school.
Kindly note that because KG will have a shorter day during the first week, transport and catering services will only be available from September 4th. Please provide your child with a packed lunch and arrange transportation accordingly.
Elementary School (Grade 1 - 5)
If your son or daughter will be joining or continuing in the Elementary School, the first day of school will be Sunday 28th August. All students will begin regular school hours - 7:45am until 2:55pm, going straight to their homeroom and will follow Day 1 of the 5 day schedule. Classroom teachers will provide students with their schedules on the first day.
The First Day of School for Secondary Students
For students who are completely new to GAA, on Thursday 25th August we will hold a New secondary Student Orientation session. This will begin at 8:00am and finish at 10:00am. Upon arrival on Thursday 25th August, students are to proceed straight to the auditorium.
We will also hold a Secondary Parent Information Session from 9:15am to 9:45am on Thursday 25th August in the auditorium.
GAA Secondary student’s first day of school will be Sunday 28th August. Students are to proceed straight to their first class on Day 1 as indicated on their schedule.
Returning students are able to view and download their schedule on Plus portals. New students should expect to receive their schedules at orientation. All students will begin regular school hours, 7:45am- 2:55pm, from August 28th.
If your son or daughter will be joining or continuing in the Elementary School, the first day of school will be Sunday 28th August. All students will begin regular school hours - 7:45am until 2:55pm, going straight to their homeroom and will follow Day 1 of the 5 day schedule. Classroom teachers will provide students with their schedules on the first day.
The First Day of School for Secondary Students
For students who are completely new to GAA, on Thursday 25th August we will hold a New secondary Student Orientation session. This will begin at 8:00am and finish at 10:00am. Upon arrival on Thursday 25th August, students are to proceed straight to the auditorium.
We will also hold a Secondary Parent Information Session from 9:15am to 9:45am on Thursday 25th August in the auditorium.
GAA Secondary student’s first day of school will be Sunday 28th August. Students are to proceed straight to their first class on Day 1 as indicated on their schedule.
Returning students are able to view and download their schedule on Plus portals. New students should expect to receive their schedules at orientation. All students will begin regular school hours, 7:45am- 2:55pm, from August 28th.
Athletics and Activities Overview
Dear Parents,
Athletic and activity programs are a vital part of our students education. The GEMS American Academy endorses a comprehensive athletics and activities program intended to enhance the physical, social, emotional, artistic, and intellectual growth of participating students. Our Athletic program emphasizes participation in the early stages of the program, while becoming increasingly competitive as the student progresses.
After School Activity Program (ASA)
Definition: After school activities are those that run from 15:00 – 16:00 Sunday through Thursday. The activities are open to all students from grade 1 through to grade 12. These activities can be sport, creative, academic, student leadership and service learning in nature.
All after school activities will begin at 15:00 and run until 16:00 on the assigned day. At 16:00 teachers will be responsible to deliver students to the lobby where parents can collect students or students can be handed over to the BBT bus company. The scheduled late bus will depart at 16:30pm.
All after school activities will run for a six-week period. Beginning the week of:
Competitive Athletics Program - Junior Emirates Athletic Conference
Definition: This particular program is for students in Grade 4, 5 and 6. This program is focused on inclusiveness and allowing each student to try new experiences. The season will run for approximately 6 weeks.
The Junior Athletic Conference will run on the following season schedules:
The Junior Emirates Athletic Conference programs will run from 15:00 – 16:30. Please review the training schedules. Games schedule to be confirmed.
REGISTRATION FOR THE ABOVE PROGRAMS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE SEPT 8TH.
Middle School Fall Tryout Schedule 2016-17
Var/JV Fall Tryout Schedule 2016-17
Ralph Russell
Athletic and Activities Director
[email protected]
Dear Parents,
Athletic and activity programs are a vital part of our students education. The GEMS American Academy endorses a comprehensive athletics and activities program intended to enhance the physical, social, emotional, artistic, and intellectual growth of participating students. Our Athletic program emphasizes participation in the early stages of the program, while becoming increasingly competitive as the student progresses.
After School Activity Program (ASA)
Definition: After school activities are those that run from 15:00 – 16:00 Sunday through Thursday. The activities are open to all students from grade 1 through to grade 12. These activities can be sport, creative, academic, student leadership and service learning in nature.
All after school activities will begin at 15:00 and run until 16:00 on the assigned day. At 16:00 teachers will be responsible to deliver students to the lobby where parents can collect students or students can be handed over to the BBT bus company. The scheduled late bus will depart at 16:30pm.
All after school activities will run for a six-week period. Beginning the week of:
- Session 1 - Sunday 18th of September
- Session 2 - Sunday 30th of October
- Session 3 - Sunday 22nd of January
- Session 4 - Sunday 9th of April
Competitive Athletics Program - Junior Emirates Athletic Conference
Definition: This particular program is for students in Grade 4, 5 and 6. This program is focused on inclusiveness and allowing each student to try new experiences. The season will run for approximately 6 weeks.
The Junior Athletic Conference will run on the following season schedules:
- Season 1 - 18th of September
- Season 2 - 13th of November
- Season 3 - 5th of March
The Junior Emirates Athletic Conference programs will run from 15:00 – 16:30. Please review the training schedules. Games schedule to be confirmed.
- All competitive Athletic programs will run according to the schedule as set by the Athletic Director. This is in addition to games that are played on different days throughout the season.
REGISTRATION FOR THE ABOVE PROGRAMS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE SEPT 8TH.
Middle School Fall Tryout Schedule 2016-17
Var/JV Fall Tryout Schedule 2016-17
Ralph Russell
Athletic and Activities Director
[email protected]
Morning Drop Off
This year parents may drop off students beginning at 7:15 am. Each morning the cafeteria will be open at 7:15 am for supervised social and homework help time. Students in Grade 1 – 12 should not go directly to the classroom if they arrive before 7.30am.
For Kindergarten students we ask that parents allow the front car park area to become a KG drop off site only. Please help us in maintaining a safe and effective drop off point for our youngest members of the school community, KG parents will be grateful!
As there are simply not enough parking spaces to allow each family to park and walk their child to the classroom, we are requesting that you drop off your child:
There will be many teaching assistants waiting for KG students at the gates from 7.30 am to chaperone your child to their classroom. Thanks to the staggered start, parents will be able to chaperone their child to the classroom in the first week of school.
We also ask that parents of older students, grade 1 to grade 12, drop off your children:
Afternoon Pick Up
The normal school day finishes at 2.45pm for Kindergarten students and 2.55pm for Elementary and Secondary students. Parents of Kindergarten and Grade 1 students may receive their child from their classroom door. Older students are able to find their parents at an agreed meeting point and be off campus by 3:15pm. If your child has not been collected by 3.15pm, you will be contacted by the school.
We would like to thank all families for their cooperation in ensuring that everyone enjoys a stress free morning drop off and afternoon pick up. We will continue to work with parents to improve this system.
*We would also like to remind parents that we have a school bus network available to all families. If you would like your child to take the bus, or for more information on this service, please email our Director of Transportation, Mr Abdullah at [email protected]
This year parents may drop off students beginning at 7:15 am. Each morning the cafeteria will be open at 7:15 am for supervised social and homework help time. Students in Grade 1 – 12 should not go directly to the classroom if they arrive before 7.30am.
For Kindergarten students we ask that parents allow the front car park area to become a KG drop off site only. Please help us in maintaining a safe and effective drop off point for our youngest members of the school community, KG parents will be grateful!
As there are simply not enough parking spaces to allow each family to park and walk their child to the classroom, we are requesting that you drop off your child:
- At the front gate if your child is in Kindergarten, which includes KG with older siblings.
There will be many teaching assistants waiting for KG students at the gates from 7.30 am to chaperone your child to their classroom. Thanks to the staggered start, parents will be able to chaperone their child to the classroom in the first week of school.
We also ask that parents of older students, grade 1 to grade 12, drop off your children:
- At the back gate. Please use the parking lot behind the school. Students will walk across the school sports field to enter the school.
Afternoon Pick Up
The normal school day finishes at 2.45pm for Kindergarten students and 2.55pm for Elementary and Secondary students. Parents of Kindergarten and Grade 1 students may receive their child from their classroom door. Older students are able to find their parents at an agreed meeting point and be off campus by 3:15pm. If your child has not been collected by 3.15pm, you will be contacted by the school.
We would like to thank all families for their cooperation in ensuring that everyone enjoys a stress free morning drop off and afternoon pick up. We will continue to work with parents to improve this system.
*We would also like to remind parents that we have a school bus network available to all families. If you would like your child to take the bus, or for more information on this service, please email our Director of Transportation, Mr Abdullah at [email protected]
Gate Access
To gain access to the campus, you must have your GAA Parent ID Card. If you do not yet have a GAA Parent ID Card, you can register by handing the Security Guards a valid ID (Emirates ID, Labor card, Driver’s License, passport) and receive a Visitor Card.
During Pick up and Drop off times, all of four gates are open. From 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, all school gates will be closed/locked and you will only be able to enter the premises from:
At 5:00pm, the KG front gate will be locked for the day. The tennis gate and back gate will be locked at 7:00pm. Visitors entering the school after hours must go to the front gate and register with the guard using the same process described above.
New Parents: Please email one photo along with your full name and the names of your child/children so that we can print your parent ID's. You may send this to: [email protected]
To gain access to the campus, you must have your GAA Parent ID Card. If you do not yet have a GAA Parent ID Card, you can register by handing the Security Guards a valid ID (Emirates ID, Labor card, Driver’s License, passport) and receive a Visitor Card.
- The security guards have the right to ask all visitors and parents to present their GAA Parent ID Card or obtain a Visitor Card by presenting a valid ID. We ask that you comply with this request.
- Please wear your ID card at all times while you are in the school premises.
- For those with a Visitor Card, please exit using the same gate you entered in order to collect your ID and return the Visitor Card.
During Pick up and Drop off times, all of four gates are open. From 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, all school gates will be closed/locked and you will only be able to enter the premises from:
- The main reception front gate
- The gate behind the tennis courts at the back parking lot
At 5:00pm, the KG front gate will be locked for the day. The tennis gate and back gate will be locked at 7:00pm. Visitors entering the school after hours must go to the front gate and register with the guard using the same process described above.
New Parents: Please email one photo along with your full name and the names of your child/children so that we can print your parent ID's. You may send this to: [email protected]
Calendar for 2016-2017
We are happy to inform you that ADEC has approved our calendar for the 2016-2017 school year.
Teachers and Administrators collaborated to develop the 2016-2017 school calendar, complete with events, activities, field trips, sports games and tournaments. This collaboration helps us to avoid conflicts with the many events planned across the campus and helps us in managing our facilities.
Please be aware that the calendar below, although officially approved by ADEC, could change. We ask that you remain flexible with your travel dates in the event of such a change.
We are happy to inform you that ADEC has approved our calendar for the 2016-2017 school year.
Teachers and Administrators collaborated to develop the 2016-2017 school calendar, complete with events, activities, field trips, sports games and tournaments. This collaboration helps us to avoid conflicts with the many events planned across the campus and helps us in managing our facilities.
Please be aware that the calendar below, although officially approved by ADEC, could change. We ask that you remain flexible with your travel dates in the event of such a change.
Uniform Update
Last year GEMS engaged with a new uniform supplier, Threads. The new GEMS American Academy uniform is similar in design and color as the previous uniform but is made of higher quality fabric made with natural fiber.
Students will still be allowed to wear the previous GAA uniform throughout 2016-2017 school year, basically until they grow out of the clothes. Because the new uniform is similar to the previous one, students shouldn’t feel that they stand out or look different than their peers.
Threads are also committed to improving the actual shopping experience for uniforms and wish to avoid at all times the potential issues of long queues, harried customers, and / or lack of stock. To ensure this quality of service, Threads uniforms can be purchased in the following convenient places:
Please find the below Uniform Guide and dress code policy to assist you in choosing the right combination of items and sizes for your child.
Last year GEMS engaged with a new uniform supplier, Threads. The new GEMS American Academy uniform is similar in design and color as the previous uniform but is made of higher quality fabric made with natural fiber.
Students will still be allowed to wear the previous GAA uniform throughout 2016-2017 school year, basically until they grow out of the clothes. Because the new uniform is similar to the previous one, students shouldn’t feel that they stand out or look different than their peers.
Threads are also committed to improving the actual shopping experience for uniforms and wish to avoid at all times the potential issues of long queues, harried customers, and / or lack of stock. To ensure this quality of service, Threads uniforms can be purchased in the following convenient places:
- Threads outlet: The new Threads retail outlet has officially opened in Dalma Mall. The store is open 7 days a week.
- Ordering Online: Order from the comfort of your own home. Delivery will be made within one week of the order, subject to availability. Delivery is made by Aramex.
- Purchasing at GAA: The uniform shop at GAA is still open but please note that there is limited stock and parents are encouraged to visit the store at Dalma Mall to avoid disappointment.
Please find the below Uniform Guide and dress code policy to assist you in choosing the right combination of items and sizes for your child.
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Tuition Fees for 2016-2017
Grade Placement and Tuition Fees for 2016-2017
GAAPA (Gems American Academy Parent Association)
An excellent and successful school depends on the healthy partnership between teachers, parents, students, and the community. As the identified parent association, GAAPA’s mission is to work in collaboration with the school to encourage a sense of community through events and activities that enrich our children’s educational experience at GEMS American Academy. GAAPA will support, assist, and cooperate in events aligned with the school program. GAAPA also endeavors to organize a variety of its own community-building events throughout the year. GAAPA believe in fostering the tradition of kindness and caring that exists within the school. Within our vast community of learners we would like to promote the notion of unity in diversity that promotes an acceptance of different cultures and people.
Gaapa is looking for volunteers to serve on the Executive Board for the upcoming year.For applications or questions, please contact Maha Younes: [email protected]
An excellent and successful school depends on the healthy partnership between teachers, parents, students, and the community. As the identified parent association, GAAPA’s mission is to work in collaboration with the school to encourage a sense of community through events and activities that enrich our children’s educational experience at GEMS American Academy. GAAPA will support, assist, and cooperate in events aligned with the school program. GAAPA also endeavors to organize a variety of its own community-building events throughout the year. GAAPA believe in fostering the tradition of kindness and caring that exists within the school. Within our vast community of learners we would like to promote the notion of unity in diversity that promotes an acceptance of different cultures and people.
Gaapa is looking for volunteers to serve on the Executive Board for the upcoming year.For applications or questions, please contact Maha Younes: [email protected]