News from our Elementary Principal, Ben Voborsky
Hello GAA Community,
Another exciting week at GAA is in the books! Continuing to be proactive and highlighting our Culture of Kindness, GAA sponsored Anti-Bullying Week. There were four Bullying Prevention Units that were rolled out and well as “Upstander” assemblies and education. There were many special events held to educate and develop our students self-advocacy skill no matter where they are in the world. The pinky pledge was one of the fantastic ways to show everyone coming together to support this cause. I was lucky enough to take it twice; once during the G1 & 2 assembly and the second coat during the G3, 4, & 5 assembly. The campaign finished off with a sponge toss to assist in raising funds for Culture of Kindness initiatives. I want to that the Anti-Bullying Committee and all who contributed to making this week a success!
Next week, we have a few parent sessions that I would like to highlight. First, following on from the successful Elementary curriculum and coffee, Kindergarten will be hosting KG specific curriculum meting. The focus will once again be on the PYP framework and what sits beneath that. Sessions will run from 8-9am and 2-3pm and will also be available online for those parents who were unable to attend.
On the afternoon of the 21st, there will be the regular GAA “In-Touch” sessions where we invite parents on campus to have a round table conversation with Dr. Kathy Miner and other administrators and operations team members so we can collect your feedback. If you need additional information regarding this event please contact Naseera Timm - Holland <[email protected]> GAA PRE.
On October 22, G1-5 GAA Transition Reports and end of Unit of Inquiry 1 feedback will be sent home. On October 29, KG1 Transition Reports and KG2 Transition Reports and end of Unit of Inquiry 1 feedback will go home. This is a great lead into Three Way (Parent, Student, Teacher) Conferences in November.
Have a fantastic three day weekend with your family,
Ben Voborsky
Elementary Principal
Another exciting week at GAA is in the books! Continuing to be proactive and highlighting our Culture of Kindness, GAA sponsored Anti-Bullying Week. There were four Bullying Prevention Units that were rolled out and well as “Upstander” assemblies and education. There were many special events held to educate and develop our students self-advocacy skill no matter where they are in the world. The pinky pledge was one of the fantastic ways to show everyone coming together to support this cause. I was lucky enough to take it twice; once during the G1 & 2 assembly and the second coat during the G3, 4, & 5 assembly. The campaign finished off with a sponge toss to assist in raising funds for Culture of Kindness initiatives. I want to that the Anti-Bullying Committee and all who contributed to making this week a success!
Next week, we have a few parent sessions that I would like to highlight. First, following on from the successful Elementary curriculum and coffee, Kindergarten will be hosting KG specific curriculum meting. The focus will once again be on the PYP framework and what sits beneath that. Sessions will run from 8-9am and 2-3pm and will also be available online for those parents who were unable to attend.
On the afternoon of the 21st, there will be the regular GAA “In-Touch” sessions where we invite parents on campus to have a round table conversation with Dr. Kathy Miner and other administrators and operations team members so we can collect your feedback. If you need additional information regarding this event please contact Naseera Timm - Holland <[email protected]> GAA PRE.
On October 22, G1-5 GAA Transition Reports and end of Unit of Inquiry 1 feedback will be sent home. On October 29, KG1 Transition Reports and KG2 Transition Reports and end of Unit of Inquiry 1 feedback will go home. This is a great lead into Three Way (Parent, Student, Teacher) Conferences in November.
Have a fantastic three day weekend with your family,
Ben Voborsky
Elementary Principal
Grade One Visual Arts
Greetings from Grade One Art! We have an amazing group of young artists, busily working during art class. We have been focusing on one of the elements of art, Line, as we practice using many different kinds of art materials. Students have been drawing, coloring, and painting, letting the brush walk on “tippy toes,” so we can use our materials responsibly. We are cooperating with others as we share supplies and ideas and we are learning to reflect on our art, as we think about what we did well and what we might like to change. Parents, an art area in your home is lovely way to encourage young artists to explore ideas and materials. Here is a poem the first graders have learned-have them read it to you and show you the motions!
Lines
Lines that wiggle
Lines that bend
Wavy lines from end to end.
Lines that tickle
Lines that sprout
Bugs have lines that stick right out.
Lines to trap
Lines to hide
Two lines running, side by side.
Lines that curve
Lines that curl.
Underwater lines that swirl.
Lines that criss-cross
Lines that mend.
Lines with doggies at the end.
Lines that scurry
Lines in threes,
Lines in leaves that grow on trees.
By Candace Whitman
Greetings from Grade One Art! We have an amazing group of young artists, busily working during art class. We have been focusing on one of the elements of art, Line, as we practice using many different kinds of art materials. Students have been drawing, coloring, and painting, letting the brush walk on “tippy toes,” so we can use our materials responsibly. We are cooperating with others as we share supplies and ideas and we are learning to reflect on our art, as we think about what we did well and what we might like to change. Parents, an art area in your home is lovely way to encourage young artists to explore ideas and materials. Here is a poem the first graders have learned-have them read it to you and show you the motions!
Lines
Lines that wiggle
Lines that bend
Wavy lines from end to end.
Lines that tickle
Lines that sprout
Bugs have lines that stick right out.
Lines to trap
Lines to hide
Two lines running, side by side.
Lines that curve
Lines that curl.
Underwater lines that swirl.
Lines that criss-cross
Lines that mend.
Lines with doggies at the end.
Lines that scurry
Lines in threes,
Lines in leaves that grow on trees.
By Candace Whitman
Last week Class 1A had the opportunity to experience story-telling wonder in the Planetarium! Drama students from the secondary school had been learning how to perform a story to a young audience; becoming the characters, using costumes and having audience participation. 1A students were very excited to have a special venue such as the Planetarium be the location and were very enthusiastic about participating in the stories.
Special thanks to Mr. Carlin for inviting us along to experience his students’ amazing stories!
Special thanks to Mr. Carlin for inviting us along to experience his students’ amazing stories!
Grade 2
For the Who We Are unit, second graders have been exploring ideas of beliefs and values, and how we can express those ideas in the Visual Arts. Our goal has been to reflect on the identity of our students and help them to see that although we are from all over the world, we share many beliefs and values. We are completing a collage piece of art which contains elements from our identity and home country.
For the Who We Are unit, second graders have been exploring ideas of beliefs and values, and how we can express those ideas in the Visual Arts. Our goal has been to reflect on the identity of our students and help them to see that although we are from all over the world, we share many beliefs and values. We are completing a collage piece of art which contains elements from our identity and home country.
Grade 3
In Grade 3 Visual Arts, students have been exploring the medium of scratch art. One of the characteristics of scratch art is that it requires a lot of preparation before the creative fun begins, giving students some insight into the life of a practicing artist. The focus of our unit is How We Express Ourselves, and in particular, we will be investigating historical pottery from around the world, and using ideas we see in patterns and imagery as inspiration for our own work.
In Grade 3 Visual Arts, students have been exploring the medium of scratch art. One of the characteristics of scratch art is that it requires a lot of preparation before the creative fun begins, giving students some insight into the life of a practicing artist. The focus of our unit is How We Express Ourselves, and in particular, we will be investigating historical pottery from around the world, and using ideas we see in patterns and imagery as inspiration for our own work.
Grade 4
In Grade 4 Visual Art our theme is Who We Are. We have looked at how we use systems within Art. We have explored how arts materials work in order to use them in a healthy, responsible and functional way. Techniques are interdependent and most have underlying structure which works in conjunction with other materials. Students have understood composition and used selected principles of design. Students have used oil pastel to create movement. During this project we have explored in depth the work of artists who study movement such as Keith Haring and skeletal systems such as Leonardo DaVinci.
Visual Art Announcement!! We will begin our popular Drawings by Me project next week.
For more information please see Grade 4 PYP Art The Launcher page.
Visual Art Announcement!! We will begin our popular Drawings by Me project next week.
For more information please see Grade 4 PYP Art The Launcher page.
Grade 5 Art
In Grade 5 art we have been learning through the theme of Who We Are. We have learnt the skills in order to sketch an accurate self portrait. Using mirrors as reflection and perspective and paying particular attention to the scale and proportion of facial features. We have explored blind drawing is an excellent way to train the eye to draw what it really sees rather than what it thinks it sees. And can lead to some surprising results!
Next week students will continue with Form, Perspective and Value where we use gradation to create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface and will critique and make informed judgments about artworks. I am looking to see if students are 'understanding me’ and are observing their features and details to showcase their individuality.
Check out the snapshot of the learning happening in the classroom. Keep updated for the final self portraits. They are looking pretty spectacular already.
Visual Art Announcement!! We will also begin our popular Drawings by Me project next week.
For more information please see Grade 5 PYP Art The Launcher page.
Next week students will continue with Form, Perspective and Value where we use gradation to create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface and will critique and make informed judgments about artworks. I am looking to see if students are 'understanding me’ and are observing their features and details to showcase their individuality.
Check out the snapshot of the learning happening in the classroom. Keep updated for the final self portraits. They are looking pretty spectacular already.
Visual Art Announcement!! We will also begin our popular Drawings by Me project next week.
For more information please see Grade 5 PYP Art The Launcher page.
Also well done again Olivia, who won the Logo design competition for HAWS. I was very impressed with all students who participated.
Kind regards,
Ms. Jade Saba
PYP Grade 4 & 5 Art Educator/ Elementary Arts Coordinator
Kind regards,
Ms. Jade Saba
PYP Grade 4 & 5 Art Educator/ Elementary Arts Coordinator
Dear Parents and Students,
It is Drawings by Me time! This is a program where students can create a drawing which is then printed on products such as mugs, calendars etc. Last year it was a great success and the company was very organized and produced high quality items. The envelopes and the artwork that students have made in school will be sent home from Thursday October 29th 2015 or maybe a little earlier. Please see the display products behind reception if you would like more information.
If you DO NOT wish to purchase anything please keep the artwork at home.
If you DO wish to purchase something please complete the front of the envelope and send the artwork back to school, post the envelope outside accounts room 009. Artwork and money should be put in the sealed envelope provided, with the EXACT cash amount (no change given), OR a check made out to GEMS American Academy, by Monday 2nd November 2015 at the latest. In addition, it would be a big help to our office people if you could please make a note of your child’s I.D. number on the order form.
These dates should insure that the finished products are delivered in time for the winter holiday. For more information please see your grade level Art page on The Launcher.
Thank you,
The GAA Art Team
It is Drawings by Me time! This is a program where students can create a drawing which is then printed on products such as mugs, calendars etc. Last year it was a great success and the company was very organized and produced high quality items. The envelopes and the artwork that students have made in school will be sent home from Thursday October 29th 2015 or maybe a little earlier. Please see the display products behind reception if you would like more information.
If you DO NOT wish to purchase anything please keep the artwork at home.
If you DO wish to purchase something please complete the front of the envelope and send the artwork back to school, post the envelope outside accounts room 009. Artwork and money should be put in the sealed envelope provided, with the EXACT cash amount (no change given), OR a check made out to GEMS American Academy, by Monday 2nd November 2015 at the latest. In addition, it would be a big help to our office people if you could please make a note of your child’s I.D. number on the order form.
These dates should insure that the finished products are delivered in time for the winter holiday. For more information please see your grade level Art page on The Launcher.
Thank you,
The GAA Art Team
News from our KG Vice Principal, Sally Potts
Dear KG Community,
We are looking forward to working with parents at our Curriculum Learning workshop on October 20th. The same session is being delivered twice in order to meet the needs of more of our parents and will be available online following the workshop. Please join us from 8 – 9 a.m. or 2 – 3 p.m. in the library.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet with Kristine Zydel who is our PYP Co-ordinator and learn more about your child’s rich learning experience at GEMS American Academy.
If you have any questions, please contact Sally Potts or Kristine Zydel at the school.
Regards,
Sally Potts
Vice Principal KG
Dear KG Community,
We are looking forward to working with parents at our Curriculum Learning workshop on October 20th. The same session is being delivered twice in order to meet the needs of more of our parents and will be available online following the workshop. Please join us from 8 – 9 a.m. or 2 – 3 p.m. in the library.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet with Kristine Zydel who is our PYP Co-ordinator and learn more about your child’s rich learning experience at GEMS American Academy.
If you have any questions, please contact Sally Potts or Kristine Zydel at the school.
Regards,
Sally Potts
Vice Principal KG
KG Corner
KG1E
Hello KG Parents and families! J KG1 E just celebrated their first dress down day at school and started their first Unit of Inquiry “ Who We Are”. The central idea of this unit for the students is everyday I learn about myself. We created our own little people, and the children are learning how they are the same and different, what they look like and their individual interests. Terrific work girls and boys!
KG1E
Hello KG Parents and families! J KG1 E just celebrated their first dress down day at school and started their first Unit of Inquiry “ Who We Are”. The central idea of this unit for the students is everyday I learn about myself. We created our own little people, and the children are learning how they are the same and different, what they look like and their individual interests. Terrific work girls and boys!
Greetings KG Families!
Our Kindergarteners have recently started their unit of inquiry. Our class inquiry falls under the theme of “Who We Are” and the central idea is “Every day I learn about myself”. The children in KG1 F have been busy creating self-portraits and discussing how we are the same and different.
Our Kindergarteners have recently started their unit of inquiry. Our class inquiry falls under the theme of “Who We Are” and the central idea is “Every day I learn about myself”. The children in KG1 F have been busy creating self-portraits and discussing how we are the same and different.
KG Specialists
KG Art Specialist
Dear Parents and Students,
It is Drawings by Me time! This is a program where students from K - 5 can create a drawing which is then printed on products such as mugs, calendars etc. Last year it was a great success and the company was very organized and produced high quality items. The envelopes and the artwork that students have made in school will be sent home from Thursday October 29th 2015 or maybe a little earlier. Please see the display products behind reception if you would like more information.
If you DO NOT wish to purchase anything please keep the artwork at home.
If you DO wish to purchase something please complete the front of the envelope and send the artwork back to school, post the envelope outside accounts room 009. Artwork and money should be put in the sealed envelope provided, with the EXACT cash amount (no change given), OR a check made out to GEMS American Academy, by Monday 2nd November 2015 at the latest. In addition, it would be a big help to our office people if you could please make a note of your child’s I.D. number on the order form.
These dates should insure that the finished products are delivered in time for the winter holiday. For more information please see your grade level Art page on The Launcher.
Thank you,
The GAA Art Team
KG Art Specialist
Dear Parents and Students,
It is Drawings by Me time! This is a program where students from K - 5 can create a drawing which is then printed on products such as mugs, calendars etc. Last year it was a great success and the company was very organized and produced high quality items. The envelopes and the artwork that students have made in school will be sent home from Thursday October 29th 2015 or maybe a little earlier. Please see the display products behind reception if you would like more information.
If you DO NOT wish to purchase anything please keep the artwork at home.
If you DO wish to purchase something please complete the front of the envelope and send the artwork back to school, post the envelope outside accounts room 009. Artwork and money should be put in the sealed envelope provided, with the EXACT cash amount (no change given), OR a check made out to GEMS American Academy, by Monday 2nd November 2015 at the latest. In addition, it would be a big help to our office people if you could please make a note of your child’s I.D. number on the order form.
These dates should insure that the finished products are delivered in time for the winter holiday. For more information please see your grade level Art page on The Launcher.
Thank you,
The GAA Art Team