News from Head of School - Kathy Miner
We Inspire. We Educate. We Lead. We Innovate.
Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year!
This newsletter is designed to assist you in navigating a smooth start to the new school year.
In this newsletter you will find the information you need to:
In the Kindergarten, Elementary and Secondary sections of this newsletter, you will find information to guide you and your child through the first days of school.
Families continued to enroll daily throughout the week, which is why we held on distributing class placement announcements. We wanted to be sure to send out complete and updated information. Thank you for your patience. All class placement information for Grades KG1 through Grade 5 has been sent out and is available on the GEMS Oasis page.
Final Secondary School schedules for returning students, Grades 6-12, is available on Plus Portal.
Hard copy schedules for all new students will be distributed in the lobby on Tuesday, August 30th beginning at 7:30am.
New Secondary Students who enrolled in the last few days may need to meet with the counselor to finalize their schedules before heading to class. There will be Student Ambassadors and teachers available to direct students and distribute schedules.
For the first two weeks, we will operate the canteen lunch service on a cash only basis until all students have ID card numbers to apply pre-payments online. You may budget 20AED per day at least until you’ve had a chance to read the menu, below.
We are committed to ensuring that each child at GAA is challenged, encouraged and supported to achieve academic success and to develop a strong sense of wellbeing.
Our work project is underway. We are restoring damage and replacing the white cladding on the steel canopy damaged during the March wind and rainstorm.
Unfortunately, the process was delayed several months by the insurance company, which was overwhelmed with claims in the Emirate from the storm damage.
School was delayed two days as we learned late that additional documentation was needed. We were prepared to begin on Sunday, however, we will use the additional time as a faculty and staff to collaborate on curriculum planning and development for the benefit of our students.
We appreciate that ADEC know and support our process and plan for the project.
Entrance Open: KG Entrance is open, front parking lot is open for KG parents and visitors. We ask that all other grade levels are picked up and dropped off from the back of the school.
Project Timeline: We understand that the cladding project should be completed by the end of October. During the winter break, we will close the KG entrance and complete the cladding project on that side of the building.
We are excited to begin the new school year and a new journey in learning. We welcome you back to GEMS American Academy!
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
This newsletter is designed to assist you in navigating a smooth start to the new school year.
In this newsletter you will find the information you need to:
- Plan an efficient drop off and pick up of your child
- Obtain a Parent ID Badge
- Understand our gate security procedures
- Know where and when to buy school uniforms
- Know how to pay for lunch in the cafeteria
- Know who to contact for help with your questions
In the Kindergarten, Elementary and Secondary sections of this newsletter, you will find information to guide you and your child through the first days of school.
Families continued to enroll daily throughout the week, which is why we held on distributing class placement announcements. We wanted to be sure to send out complete and updated information. Thank you for your patience. All class placement information for Grades KG1 through Grade 5 has been sent out and is available on the GEMS Oasis page.
Final Secondary School schedules for returning students, Grades 6-12, is available on Plus Portal.
Hard copy schedules for all new students will be distributed in the lobby on Tuesday, August 30th beginning at 7:30am.
New Secondary Students who enrolled in the last few days may need to meet with the counselor to finalize their schedules before heading to class. There will be Student Ambassadors and teachers available to direct students and distribute schedules.
For the first two weeks, we will operate the canteen lunch service on a cash only basis until all students have ID card numbers to apply pre-payments online. You may budget 20AED per day at least until you’ve had a chance to read the menu, below.
We are committed to ensuring that each child at GAA is challenged, encouraged and supported to achieve academic success and to develop a strong sense of wellbeing.
Our work project is underway. We are restoring damage and replacing the white cladding on the steel canopy damaged during the March wind and rainstorm.
Unfortunately, the process was delayed several months by the insurance company, which was overwhelmed with claims in the Emirate from the storm damage.
School was delayed two days as we learned late that additional documentation was needed. We were prepared to begin on Sunday, however, we will use the additional time as a faculty and staff to collaborate on curriculum planning and development for the benefit of our students.
We appreciate that ADEC know and support our process and plan for the project.
Entrance Open: KG Entrance is open, front parking lot is open for KG parents and visitors. We ask that all other grade levels are picked up and dropped off from the back of the school.
Project Timeline: We understand that the cladding project should be completed by the end of October. During the winter break, we will close the KG entrance and complete the cladding project on that side of the building.
We are excited to begin the new school year and a new journey in learning. We welcome you back to GEMS American Academy!
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
Student and Parent Orientation
Go to link: SEASON 1 TRYOUTS
Keita catering (KG 1,2 and Grade1)
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 usinge the cashless system.
*A gentle reminder that there will be no food delivery for KG students during the staggered start. Delivery will commence from September 4th.
*Food delivery for Grade 1 will commence from August 30th.
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 usinge the cashless system.
*A gentle reminder that there will be no food delivery for KG students during the staggered start. Delivery will commence from September 4th.
*Food delivery for Grade 1 will commence from August 30th.
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Keita catering Cashless payment (Grade 2-12)
GEMS Education along with Keita catering offer a cashless system to pay for school catering services, and have enhanced the cafeteria offering by introducing meal programs.
The cashless system is accessed at the school cafeteria using the GEMS Student ID Card which will be issued to your child, and will provide many benefits including.
• A convenient and more secure method of payment
• Increased speed of service reducing queuing times
• The ability to restrict the items that can be sold to your child
• The ability to adjust your child’s daily spending limit as required
• Full details of transactions available on-line for you to view anytime
• Healthy eating can be achieved through the School Meal Program and through checking on items being consumed
To top up your cashless card please view the attached Step By Step Guide. ALL students will receive a new ID card within the first few weeks of school. Students may use cash until they receive their student ID's.
Please visit https://school.gemsoasis.com/OASIS_accuro/Forms/Index.aspx to activate your child’s cashless catering account by adding credit. Your GEMS Oasis username and password will provide you with access to this site.
For further information including menus, prices, Frequently Asked Questions and a User Guide, Please log-in and visit.
https://school.gemsoasis.com/OASIS_accuro/Forms/documents.aspx?id=37
We welcome your feedback on all aspect of this process. Please forward any feedback to [email protected].
GEMS Education along with Keita catering offer a cashless system to pay for school catering services, and have enhanced the cafeteria offering by introducing meal programs.
The cashless system is accessed at the school cafeteria using the GEMS Student ID Card which will be issued to your child, and will provide many benefits including.
• A convenient and more secure method of payment
• Increased speed of service reducing queuing times
• The ability to restrict the items that can be sold to your child
• The ability to adjust your child’s daily spending limit as required
• Full details of transactions available on-line for you to view anytime
• Healthy eating can be achieved through the School Meal Program and through checking on items being consumed
To top up your cashless card please view the attached Step By Step Guide. ALL students will receive a new ID card within the first few weeks of school. Students may use cash until they receive their student ID's.
Please visit https://school.gemsoasis.com/OASIS_accuro/Forms/Index.aspx to activate your child’s cashless catering account by adding credit. Your GEMS Oasis username and password will provide you with access to this site.
For further information including menus, prices, Frequently Asked Questions and a User Guide, Please log-in and visit.
https://school.gemsoasis.com/OASIS_accuro/Forms/documents.aspx?id=37
We welcome your feedback on all aspect of this process. Please forward any feedback to [email protected].
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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.
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]
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]
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.
- 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]