News from our Head of School - Kathy Miner
A Warm Welcome to All!
We begin the 2017-2018 school year with significant improvements to our school and sports facilities, updated teaching aids and materials as well as updated technology and equipment. With these updates and improvements, we continue to deliver on the promise to offer an outstanding education to your child.
An outstanding school continually seeks to improve educational programs, practices and continually renews and reinvests in its facility, improve instructional practice and repurpose space to maximize student learning.
At GAA, learning is a journey of exploration and growth, where exceptional teachers and world-class facilities support the fullest development of every child’s potential.
We begin the 2017-2018 school year with significant improvements to our school and sports facilities, updated teaching aids and materials as well as updated technology and equipment. With these updates and improvements, we continue to deliver on the promise to offer an outstanding education to your child.
An outstanding school continually seeks to improve educational programs, practices and continually renews and reinvests in its facility, improve instructional practice and repurpose space to maximize student learning.
At GAA, learning is a journey of exploration and growth, where exceptional teachers and world-class facilities support the fullest development of every child’s potential.
We Inspire. We Challenge. We Innovate. We Care.
GEMS American Academy is a diverse and caring international learning community offering a rigorous, relevant and holistic education.
We develop global citizens who have the confidence and conviction to pursue their dreams and impact the world.
We are excited to begin the new school year and a new journey in learning for each student.
We welcome you to GEMS American Academy!
GEMS American Academy is a diverse and caring international learning community offering a rigorous, relevant and holistic education.
We develop global citizens who have the confidence and conviction to pursue their dreams and impact the world.
We are excited to begin the new school year and a new journey in learning for each student.
We welcome you to GEMS American Academy!
Introducing new Elementary Principal, Daniel Trimble
Please join me in welcoming our new Elementary Principal, Mr. Daniel Trimble, who brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, literacy and learning coach and staff developer. Mr. Trimble previously served as an elementary principal in Saint George, Utah, where he led a dynamic school community focused on a holistic approach to education with an emphasis on the arts and enriching opportunities for Gifted & Talented students.
Mr. Trimble’s teaching experience includes teaching Grade 4, instructional coaching, English Language Learning (ELL) before entering school administration. Earlier in his career, he taught middle school Spanish and served as a high school counselor. His education includes a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish and German, a Master’s in Education as well as coursework and licensing endorsements in Administration, English as a Second Language and School Counseling.
Known as a strong listener, collaborator, and caring leader, Mr. Trimble is passionate about providing a holistic education in which all students can find their niche for success. He is particularly experienced in building strong arts and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs.
With a rich and varied educational background that includes teaching, instructional coaching and counseling, Mr. Trimble is uniquely able to understand the complexities of a diverse K-12 school that emphasizes a culture of kindness.
Please join me in welcoming our new Elementary Principal, Mr. Daniel Trimble, who brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, literacy and learning coach and staff developer. Mr. Trimble previously served as an elementary principal in Saint George, Utah, where he led a dynamic school community focused on a holistic approach to education with an emphasis on the arts and enriching opportunities for Gifted & Talented students.
Mr. Trimble’s teaching experience includes teaching Grade 4, instructional coaching, English Language Learning (ELL) before entering school administration. Earlier in his career, he taught middle school Spanish and served as a high school counselor. His education includes a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish and German, a Master’s in Education as well as coursework and licensing endorsements in Administration, English as a Second Language and School Counseling.
Known as a strong listener, collaborator, and caring leader, Mr. Trimble is passionate about providing a holistic education in which all students can find their niche for success. He is particularly experienced in building strong arts and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs.
With a rich and varied educational background that includes teaching, instructional coaching and counseling, Mr. Trimble is uniquely able to understand the complexities of a diverse K-12 school that emphasizes a culture of kindness.
Introducing Ray Cunningham, Director of Technology and Innovation
Mr. Ray Cunningham joins us from Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys where he served as a digital innovation learning coach. From Columbus, Ohio, USA, Mr. Cunningham received his bachelor's degree in middle childhood education with concentrations in language arts and social studies and a master's degree in educational technology.
In his twelve years in education, Mr. Cunningham has taught Grades 4, 6, 7 & 8. In addition, he spent four years as a learning coach in communications and technology in the United States, serving in district administration to work alongside K-12 teachers to positively impact student learning though communications and innovative practices.
Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Senior Leadership Team at GAA and works closely with teachers to enhance learning with the use of technology and innovative instructional practice as well as to ensure a safe and sensible digital learning environment for students.
Please look for parent sessions offered on technology and digital safety in the coming weeks and months in the newsletter.
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
Mr. Ray Cunningham joins us from Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys where he served as a digital innovation learning coach. From Columbus, Ohio, USA, Mr. Cunningham received his bachelor's degree in middle childhood education with concentrations in language arts and social studies and a master's degree in educational technology.
In his twelve years in education, Mr. Cunningham has taught Grades 4, 6, 7 & 8. In addition, he spent four years as a learning coach in communications and technology in the United States, serving in district administration to work alongside K-12 teachers to positively impact student learning though communications and innovative practices.
Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Senior Leadership Team at GAA and works closely with teachers to enhance learning with the use of technology and innovative instructional practice as well as to ensure a safe and sensible digital learning environment for students.
Please look for parent sessions offered on technology and digital safety in the coming weeks and months in the newsletter.
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
September at a glance
News from our Registrar, Dina Morad
A big welcome to all our new families and returning families for the 2017-2018 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 May 2017, 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.
Additional Requirements for Grade 2 -12:
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 don't hesitate to contact me.
Dina Morad- School Registrar [email protected]
All the best as we start a great academic year!
Dina Morad
Registrar
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 May 2017, 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
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
- Transcript of Records for Grade 10-12
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 don't hesitate to contact me.
Dina Morad- School Registrar [email protected]
All the best as we start a great academic year!
Dina Morad
Registrar
Student and Parent Orientation Academic Year 2017/18
The First Week of School
To provide parents and students with a meaningful orientation to the 2017/18 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 to ensure students become accustomed to their new environment and classroom teacher.
For the first three days, your child will be placed in either Group A or Group B. Group A students will start school on Sunday September 10th and Group B will Start school Monday September 11th. Both Group A and Group B will attend school on Tuesday September 12th. KG students will enjoy a shorter day during the staggered start with classes commencing at 9am and dismissed at 12pm.
Kindly note that because KG will have a shorter day during the first three days of school, transport and catering services will only be available from September 13th. 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 2017/18 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 to ensure students become accustomed to their new environment and classroom teacher.
For the first three days, your child will be placed in either Group A or Group B. Group A students will start school on Sunday September 10th and Group B will Start school Monday September 11th. Both Group A and Group B will attend school on Tuesday September 12th. KG students will enjoy a shorter day during the staggered start with classes commencing at 9am and dismissed at 12pm.
Kindly note that because KG will have a shorter day during the first three days of school, transport and catering services will only be available from September 13th. Please provide your child with a packed lunch and arrange transportation accordingly.
All students will be in class together on Tuesday September 12th.
School for KG students will resume regular hours from Wednesday, September 13th, 7:45am- 2:45pm.
Parents with twins or more than one child joining KG may bring them on the same day. Please email the PRE, Naseera Timm-Holland at [email protected] to indicate your preferred group.
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 September 10th. 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.
While the students are in class, there will be an informal coffee meet and greet for parents followed by an introduction to the Elementary program in the auditorium.
Please see the dates and timings of these sessions below:
School for KG students will resume regular hours from Wednesday, September 13th, 7:45am- 2:45pm.
Parents with twins or more than one child joining KG may bring them on the same day. Please email the PRE, Naseera Timm-Holland at [email protected] to indicate your preferred group.
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 September 10th. 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.
While the students are in class, there will be an informal coffee meet and greet for parents followed by an introduction to the Elementary program in the auditorium.
Please see the dates and timings of these sessions below:
Secondary School (Grade 6 - 12)
The First Day of School for Secondary Students
Grade 6
In order to help the Grade 6 students make adjustment to Middle School, there will be a special “Soft Start” program for Grade 6 students during the first two days of school. Grade 6 students will not follow their regular schedule for these days. They should report directly to the auditorium on the first day of school to begin the Soft Start program. Schedules will be handed out during the Soft Start.
For students who are completely new to GAA, on Thursday September 7th, we will hold a new secondary student orientation session. This will begin at 8:00am and finish at 11:00am. Upon arrival on Thursday September 7th, 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 September 7th in the auditorium. This session is open to new and returning parents.
GAA Secondary student’s first day of school will be Sunday September 10th. Students are to proceed straight to their first class on Day 1 as indicated on their schedule.
Students should expect to receive their schedules on or before the first day of school. All students will begin regular school hours, 7:45am- 2:55pm, from September 10th.
The First Day of School for Secondary Students
Grade 6
In order to help the Grade 6 students make adjustment to Middle School, there will be a special “Soft Start” program for Grade 6 students during the first two days of school. Grade 6 students will not follow their regular schedule for these days. They should report directly to the auditorium on the first day of school to begin the Soft Start program. Schedules will be handed out during the Soft Start.
For students who are completely new to GAA, on Thursday September 7th, we will hold a new secondary student orientation session. This will begin at 8:00am and finish at 11:00am. Upon arrival on Thursday September 7th, 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 September 7th in the auditorium. This session is open to new and returning parents.
GAA Secondary student’s first day of school will be Sunday September 10th. Students are to proceed straight to their first class on Day 1 as indicated on their schedule.
Students should expect to receive their schedules on or before the first day of school. All students will begin regular school hours, 7:45am- 2:55pm, from September 10th.
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 KG gate from 7:15 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 few days 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 students with older siblings.
There will be many teaching assistants waiting for KG students at the KG gate from 7:15 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 few days 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 gain access 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 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.
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.
Please Note: Parent identity cards will Only be issued to parents (Mother & Father), and will NOT be issued to domestic helpers, drivers and guardians.
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 gain access 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 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.
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.
Please Note: Parent identity cards will Only be issued to parents (Mother & Father), and will NOT be issued to domestic helpers, drivers and guardians.
School Uniform
Please find attached the school uniform requirement for 2017/2018 as well as the Threads Website with all you need to know regarding the purchasing of the uniform. The school uniform is available for purchase at GAA but with limited hours of operation and available stock. To avoid disappointment we kindly request parents to visit Threads Store located at Dalma Mall. To view the uniform guide please go to the Threads website http://www.threadsme.com.
Please find attached the school uniform requirement for 2017/2018 as well as the Threads Website with all you need to know regarding the purchasing of the uniform. The school uniform is available for purchase at GAA but with limited hours of operation and available stock. To avoid disappointment we kindly request parents to visit Threads Store located at Dalma Mall. To view the uniform guide please go to the Threads website http://www.threadsme.com.
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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.
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.
keita-_cashless_payment_user_guide.pdf | |
File Size: | 4904 kb |
File Type: |
KG & Grade 1
Keita have launched a new Online System for ordering food. 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.
-All current students registered and their credit balance will automatically be transferred to the new system.
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.
Keita have launched a new Online System for ordering food. 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.
-All current students registered and their credit balance will automatically be transferred to the new system.
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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GEMS American Academy Athletics and Activities Overview
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.
Competitive athletic programs will begin within the first week of school, while the after school activities program will begin from mid-September.
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 Grade 1-2 students to the cafeteria where parents can collect students or students can be handed over to the BBT bus company.
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 seasons run 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, on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. This is in addition to games that are played on different days throughout the season.
Competitive Athletic Program - OASIS Activities Conference and Emirates Athletic Conference.
Definition: Competitive activities are defined as those that are attached to the OAC/EAC League. These programs are for students from grade 7 through 12 and split in three divisions. Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity.
OAC/EAC League will run on the following season schedules:
The OAC/EAC Athletic League practices will run from 15:00 – 18:00
All Athletic programs will run according to the schedule as set by the athletic director. All Middle athletic programs will be run on Tuesday and Thursday. All Junior Varsity and Varsity programs will run on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. This is in addition to games that are played on different days throughout the season.
GAA Philosophy of Participation in Athletics
GEMS American Academy believes that athletics are an integral part of the educational process, providing valuable educational experiences outside the classroom curriculum. Many valuable lifelong lessons such as sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, etc. are learned through participation in athletics and activities. It is the goal of GAA to maximize the opportunities and effectiveness of the lessons learned through athletics.
The following components contribute to the enhancement of the philosophy:
● Vertical Integration – youth and middle school programs that support the high school athletic programs.
● Development of fundamental sports skills.
● To provide GAA students a diverse array of options for co-curricular learning and growth.
● Competitive athletic programs that promote academic and athletic excellence.
● Programs that allow for maximum opportunities for student participation and that are developmentally appropriate, tailored to the physical, mental and emotional maturity levels of the participants.
● Principles of fair play and sportsmanship, both on the field and in the stands.
● Highly qualified coaches and staff with opportunities for professional growth and development.
● We aim to foster a positive environment in which both coaches and students demonstrate; perseverance, dedication, good sportsmanship and respect for all.
More specific and detailed information about our Athletic program can be found in our Athletic and Activities Handbook.
Mr. Ralph Russell
Athletic and Activities Director
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.
Competitive athletic programs will begin within the first week of school, while the after school activities program will begin from mid-September.
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 Grade 1-2 students to the cafeteria where parents can collect students or students can be handed over to the BBT bus company.
All after school activities will run for a six-week period. Beginning the week of:
- Session 1 - Sunday 24th of September
- Session 2 - Sunday 19th November
- Session 3 - Sunday 4th February
- Session 4 - Sunday 8th 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 seasons run approximately 6 weeks.
The Junior Athletic Conference will run on the following season schedules:
- Season 1 - Soccer 1st October
- Season 2 - Track 26th November
- Season 3 - Basketball 8th April
The Junior Emirates Athletic Conference programs will run from 15:00 – 16:30, on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. This is in addition to games that are played on different days throughout the season.
Competitive Athletic Program - OASIS Activities Conference and Emirates Athletic Conference.
Definition: Competitive activities are defined as those that are attached to the OAC/EAC League. These programs are for students from grade 7 through 12 and split in three divisions. Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity.
OAC/EAC League will run on the following season schedules:
- Season 1 - September - November
- Season 2 - November - February
- Season 3 - February – April
The OAC/EAC Athletic League practices will run from 15:00 – 18:00
All Athletic programs will run according to the schedule as set by the athletic director. All Middle athletic programs will be run on Tuesday and Thursday. All Junior Varsity and Varsity programs will run on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. This is in addition to games that are played on different days throughout the season.
GAA Philosophy of Participation in Athletics
GEMS American Academy believes that athletics are an integral part of the educational process, providing valuable educational experiences outside the classroom curriculum. Many valuable lifelong lessons such as sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, etc. are learned through participation in athletics and activities. It is the goal of GAA to maximize the opportunities and effectiveness of the lessons learned through athletics.
The following components contribute to the enhancement of the philosophy:
● Vertical Integration – youth and middle school programs that support the high school athletic programs.
● Development of fundamental sports skills.
● To provide GAA students a diverse array of options for co-curricular learning and growth.
● Competitive athletic programs that promote academic and athletic excellence.
● Programs that allow for maximum opportunities for student participation and that are developmentally appropriate, tailored to the physical, mental and emotional maturity levels of the participants.
● Principles of fair play and sportsmanship, both on the field and in the stands.
● Highly qualified coaches and staff with opportunities for professional growth and development.
● We aim to foster a positive environment in which both coaches and students demonstrate; perseverance, dedication, good sportsmanship and respect for all.
More specific and detailed information about our Athletic program can be found in our Athletic and Activities Handbook.
Mr. Ralph Russell
Athletic and Activities Director
Please use the following links to register for any of the above tryouts
If you have any questions, please contact the Athletics Director:
Mr. Ralph Russell - [email protected]
- HS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS GRADE 9-12
- HS SWIMMING TRYOUTS GRADE 9-12
- MS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS GRADE 7-8
- MS SWIMMING TRYOUTS GRADE 6-7-8
- Little Wildcats Soccer Grades 4-6
If you have any questions, please contact the Athletics Director:
Mr. Ralph Russell - [email protected]