News From the Elementary Vice Principal Josh Doubleday
Dear Parents,
It has been another busy week here in the Elementary school. In an effort to be more environmentally responsible, report cards will go out electronically for the first time today. An email will go out to assist any parent in accessing the report from the Gems Learning Gateway (GLG). Transition reports will go home for many of our newest students to give parents an insight as to how they are adjusting to life at GAA. Those receiving service in English Language Learning or Learning Support will receive a paper copy of their individualized report today.
During our community share this morning, I was impressed by the way our Grade 5 students had accessed and utilized the innovative technology that is available in our school and used it in their Unit of Inquiry presentation. For those of you who were not able to attend, students from 5A and 5B presented newscasts using the green screen rooms and other computer software where they reported on stories of natural disasters caused by changes in the earth. This was an excellent way to also exhibit Empathy which was our IB Attitude focus for this week. Our Elementary counselor, Mr. Abraham spoke about how important Empathy is in a school where new students are joining our school on a weekly basis. Being able to empathize with these students about how difficult it can be to transition into a new class is so important and focusing on this trait has encouraged many students to assist these new class members.
I was also impressed by a few Grade 4 students who asked to speak during today’s Community Share about the plight of local cats and kittens and how we can help them. These girls took action which is what we promote at GAA. These students created posters, did research and created an engaging presentation in order to raise awareness. Please visit your local vet or www.cloud9pethotel.com for more information.
Uniform Expectations reminder:
At this time, I would also like to send out a reminder of uniform expectations. Students are expected to wear their school uniform on all days they don’t have PE. This uniform must be complete with tie and black shoes. If the children are cold they should be wearing the school sweater. All of these items are available at Zaks in Al Raha Mall. During days when students have PE, they are able to wear athletic shoes of their choosing along with their PE uniform.
Have a lovely weekend
Josh Doubleday
It has been another busy week here in the Elementary school. In an effort to be more environmentally responsible, report cards will go out electronically for the first time today. An email will go out to assist any parent in accessing the report from the Gems Learning Gateway (GLG). Transition reports will go home for many of our newest students to give parents an insight as to how they are adjusting to life at GAA. Those receiving service in English Language Learning or Learning Support will receive a paper copy of their individualized report today.
During our community share this morning, I was impressed by the way our Grade 5 students had accessed and utilized the innovative technology that is available in our school and used it in their Unit of Inquiry presentation. For those of you who were not able to attend, students from 5A and 5B presented newscasts using the green screen rooms and other computer software where they reported on stories of natural disasters caused by changes in the earth. This was an excellent way to also exhibit Empathy which was our IB Attitude focus for this week. Our Elementary counselor, Mr. Abraham spoke about how important Empathy is in a school where new students are joining our school on a weekly basis. Being able to empathize with these students about how difficult it can be to transition into a new class is so important and focusing on this trait has encouraged many students to assist these new class members.
I was also impressed by a few Grade 4 students who asked to speak during today’s Community Share about the plight of local cats and kittens and how we can help them. These girls took action which is what we promote at GAA. These students created posters, did research and created an engaging presentation in order to raise awareness. Please visit your local vet or www.cloud9pethotel.com for more information.
Uniform Expectations reminder:
At this time, I would also like to send out a reminder of uniform expectations. Students are expected to wear their school uniform on all days they don’t have PE. This uniform must be complete with tie and black shoes. If the children are cold they should be wearing the school sweater. All of these items are available at Zaks in Al Raha Mall. During days when students have PE, they are able to wear athletic shoes of their choosing along with their PE uniform.
Have a lovely weekend
Josh Doubleday
IB Learner Profile of the month - February - Risk Taker
Students will have the confidence to try new things. They try to solve problems in a lot of ways. They have the courage to tell people what they think is right.
Activities for Parents:
If your child is feeling uneasy about trying something, encourage them to attempt it and then reflect on both whether they liked the activity and how it felt to try something new.
You child might want to set some short-term goals. Consider activities that make him/her nervous. What are realistic goals for the week? Your child might set a goal to:
- Offer an opinion in class
- one recess with someone they might not usually play with
- Order something different from the lunch menu
- Try an activity they haven’t tried before
- Be careful to explain to your child the difference between being a risk-taker by trying new things and doing dangerous things.
Students will have the confidence to try new things. They try to solve problems in a lot of ways. They have the courage to tell people what they think is right.
Activities for Parents:
If your child is feeling uneasy about trying something, encourage them to attempt it and then reflect on both whether they liked the activity and how it felt to try something new.
You child might want to set some short-term goals. Consider activities that make him/her nervous. What are realistic goals for the week? Your child might set a goal to:
- Offer an opinion in class
- one recess with someone they might not usually play with
- Order something different from the lunch menu
- Try an activity they haven’t tried before
- Be careful to explain to your child the difference between being a risk-taker by trying new things and doing dangerous things.
Kindergarten Corner
News from KG1
We have made a wonderful start to our new UOI in KG1, “Where we are in place and time”. We are focusing on homes around the world, including our own homes here in Abu Dhabi and in our home countries. It is interesting making comparisons between the houses, noticing their different forms and functions. Some houses have pointy roofs and some have flat roofs. Some houses are on stilts and others are made of mud or ice! KG1D has shown particular interest in mud huts and how they are formed. We did some research together and discovered the materials needed and the building process. We then created the foundation for a mud hut using popsicle sticks on black paper. The children did a fantastic job! We have some potential architects and designers in our midst!
We have made a wonderful start to our new UOI in KG1, “Where we are in place and time”. We are focusing on homes around the world, including our own homes here in Abu Dhabi and in our home countries. It is interesting making comparisons between the houses, noticing their different forms and functions. Some houses have pointy roofs and some have flat roofs. Some houses are on stilts and others are made of mud or ice! KG1D has shown particular interest in mud huts and how they are formed. We did some research together and discovered the materials needed and the building process. We then created the foundation for a mud hut using popsicle sticks on black paper. The children did a fantastic job! We have some potential architects and designers in our midst!
Kindergarten Sports Day
KG Swimming Update
Dear KG Parents,
We would like to inform you that swimming classes will begin again from 15th of February 2015. Each class will swim once a week until Spring break 26th of March.
Swimming gear needed for classes:
- Girls must wear a one-piece swimming suit; swimming cap and long hair to be tied back (no accessories and jewelry).
- Boys must wear swimming shorts or jammers.
- All students must bring a towel, a pair of flip-flops and goggles (optional).
- Your classroom teacher will give you more information regarding day and time when your child’s is swimming.
Reminder that if students cannot swim due to medical reasons they must bring a doctor's note, or parent's letter. All students are expected to participate in swimming class every week as part of the Physical Education Program. Please support us in encouraging the children to be safe in the water by allowing them to learn important water skills.We greatly appreciate your support in this matter.
If you have any questions regarding the swimming program, please feel free to send an email to our Aquatic director Ms.Iliana Jaltova at [email protected] or your child’s PE Teacher. We are looking forward to teaching our kindergarten swimmers in the pool.
Thanking you in advance,
Swimming Teachers: Ms.Claire, Ms.Rachelle and Ms.Iliana
We would like to inform you that swimming classes will begin again from 15th of February 2015. Each class will swim once a week until Spring break 26th of March.
Swimming gear needed for classes:
- Girls must wear a one-piece swimming suit; swimming cap and long hair to be tied back (no accessories and jewelry).
- Boys must wear swimming shorts or jammers.
- All students must bring a towel, a pair of flip-flops and goggles (optional).
- Your classroom teacher will give you more information regarding day and time when your child’s is swimming.
Reminder that if students cannot swim due to medical reasons they must bring a doctor's note, or parent's letter. All students are expected to participate in swimming class every week as part of the Physical Education Program. Please support us in encouraging the children to be safe in the water by allowing them to learn important water skills.We greatly appreciate your support in this matter.
If you have any questions regarding the swimming program, please feel free to send an email to our Aquatic director Ms.Iliana Jaltova at [email protected] or your child’s PE Teacher. We are looking forward to teaching our kindergarten swimmers in the pool.
Thanking you in advance,
Swimming Teachers: Ms.Claire, Ms.Rachelle and Ms.Iliana