News from our Elementary Principal, Ben Voborsky
Hello GAA Community,
It was great to see so many parents at Back to School Night. GAA was not as busy with only K-5 parents in our fantastic learning spaces but that was welcomed by the parents and teachers that I have spoken with. If you did not have the opportunity to attend Back to School Night, please take sometime to review the presentations that were shared by our faculty. Being a reflective community focused on improvement, I would like to ask that you take the time to complete the following survey so we can make next years event even better!
Back to School Night Survey
I want to extend my biggest thanks and gratitude to our GAA Parents Association (GAAPA) for their support. GAAPA had a busy week this week hosting and supporting coffee morning, two Back to School Night events, and Teacher Meet and Greet. I appreciate all they do to make our community a better place! Please see any GAAPA parent with a red name tag if you are interested in joining them or volunteering.
Kindergarten Community Sharing kicked off on Wednesday and will be hosted every week on Wednesday morning in the auditorium. It was great to see our youngest learners take the stage and share a little bit of their classroom experience with us. They were great risk-takers in front of everyone! The songs they sang and the cheese crackers that they made in their Kitchen were awesome. Also in the auditorium on Thursday, the first Elementary Community Share was led by Grade 5 who demonstrated their engagement with their first Unit of Inquiry. Elementary Community Share will be hosted every Thursday morning.
Parent Engagement will be on the forefront this year at GAA. Following most community sharing events, a parent information session will be tacked on. Our curriculum leaders, will be putting on a morning and afternoon “curriculum and coffee” session to familiarize yourself with the Primary Years Programme and answer all the curricular questions you may have.
Sofia Lyons, Elementary Vice Principal, and Mike Hopaluk, PYP Coordinator, will facilitate “curriculum and coffee” on September 29th from 8am to 9am and then again at 2pm to 3pm.Sally Potts, KG Vice Principal, and Kristine Zydel, KG Coordinator, will follow on October 13th from 8am to 9am and then again at 2pm to 3pm.
Our students are anxiously awaiting to get outside more often as the weather cools down. If you are interested, you can read about the GAA Heat Warning Policy on p. 26 of the Elementary Community Handbook. When we do head outside remember the “No Hat, No Play” Policy. Hats and water bottles are essential!
If you child is in Grade 3, 4, or 5, the following Ecoventure information from Ralph Russell, Director of Athletics and Activities, is available.
Grade 3 Ecoventure
Grade 4 Ecoventure
Grade 5 Ecoventure
Have an excellent weekend,
Ben Voborsky
It was great to see so many parents at Back to School Night. GAA was not as busy with only K-5 parents in our fantastic learning spaces but that was welcomed by the parents and teachers that I have spoken with. If you did not have the opportunity to attend Back to School Night, please take sometime to review the presentations that were shared by our faculty. Being a reflective community focused on improvement, I would like to ask that you take the time to complete the following survey so we can make next years event even better!
Back to School Night Survey
I want to extend my biggest thanks and gratitude to our GAA Parents Association (GAAPA) for their support. GAAPA had a busy week this week hosting and supporting coffee morning, two Back to School Night events, and Teacher Meet and Greet. I appreciate all they do to make our community a better place! Please see any GAAPA parent with a red name tag if you are interested in joining them or volunteering.
Kindergarten Community Sharing kicked off on Wednesday and will be hosted every week on Wednesday morning in the auditorium. It was great to see our youngest learners take the stage and share a little bit of their classroom experience with us. They were great risk-takers in front of everyone! The songs they sang and the cheese crackers that they made in their Kitchen were awesome. Also in the auditorium on Thursday, the first Elementary Community Share was led by Grade 5 who demonstrated their engagement with their first Unit of Inquiry. Elementary Community Share will be hosted every Thursday morning.
Parent Engagement will be on the forefront this year at GAA. Following most community sharing events, a parent information session will be tacked on. Our curriculum leaders, will be putting on a morning and afternoon “curriculum and coffee” session to familiarize yourself with the Primary Years Programme and answer all the curricular questions you may have.
Sofia Lyons, Elementary Vice Principal, and Mike Hopaluk, PYP Coordinator, will facilitate “curriculum and coffee” on September 29th from 8am to 9am and then again at 2pm to 3pm.Sally Potts, KG Vice Principal, and Kristine Zydel, KG Coordinator, will follow on October 13th from 8am to 9am and then again at 2pm to 3pm.
Our students are anxiously awaiting to get outside more often as the weather cools down. If you are interested, you can read about the GAA Heat Warning Policy on p. 26 of the Elementary Community Handbook. When we do head outside remember the “No Hat, No Play” Policy. Hats and water bottles are essential!
If you child is in Grade 3, 4, or 5, the following Ecoventure information from Ralph Russell, Director of Athletics and Activities, is available.
Grade 3 Ecoventure
Grade 4 Ecoventure
Grade 5 Ecoventure
Have an excellent weekend,
Ben Voborsky
Hajj Celebration at GAA
The PYP Perspective
with the GAA PYP Coordinator Mike Hopaluk
What a night we had on Monday! The 2015-2016 Back to School Night was a great opportunity for new and returning parents of GAA students to meet some of their children’s teachers and visit the learning environments they have been hearing about for the last couple weeks.
From my perspective, it was wonderful to see the fruition of the collaboration teachers have been working on in preparing for the short, but informative, presentations. Walking through the corridors and hearing many small parts of many of the presentations confirmed for me that the teachers at GAA are passionate about their jobs and excited to be teaching your children. The numerous smiles I saw on parents’ faces, coupled with the conversations I had with parents in between presentations, also confirmed for me that this very important part of the GAA community is connected and enthusiastic to become engaged in the wonderful learning that will happen this year.
I am looking forward to all the upcoming opportunities for the parents at GAA to become more engaged with our teachers and the learning taking place here at GAA. Keep an eye and ear open for notices about the upcoming Community Shares, Parents Coffees and requests for parental expertise that can be integrated into our Units of Inquiry.
Regards,
Mike Hopaluk
PYP Coordinator, Elementary
From my perspective, it was wonderful to see the fruition of the collaboration teachers have been working on in preparing for the short, but informative, presentations. Walking through the corridors and hearing many small parts of many of the presentations confirmed for me that the teachers at GAA are passionate about their jobs and excited to be teaching your children. The numerous smiles I saw on parents’ faces, coupled with the conversations I had with parents in between presentations, also confirmed for me that this very important part of the GAA community is connected and enthusiastic to become engaged in the wonderful learning that will happen this year.
I am looking forward to all the upcoming opportunities for the parents at GAA to become more engaged with our teachers and the learning taking place here at GAA. Keep an eye and ear open for notices about the upcoming Community Shares, Parents Coffees and requests for parental expertise that can be integrated into our Units of Inquiry.
Regards,
Mike Hopaluk
PYP Coordinator, Elementary
Swimming Tryouts for Elementary and Gr.6 GAA teams:
Dear Parents,
From October 7th through to the beginning of June 2016, GAA will host advanced swimming training for students from Gr.1-6.
These are competitive swimming teams and are for students interested in representing GAA in competitions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Due to limited spaces, swimmers will be required to meet specific skills and endurance requirements to participate in this opportunity.
Tryouts days are:
Sunday 27th and Tuesday 29th tryouts for Gr.1-2 Time: 3:10-4:30
Tuesday 29th Sept. and Thursday 1st of October Gr.5-6 Time: 3:10-4:30
Thursday 1st and Sunday 4th of October Gr.3-4 Time: 3:10-4:30
Entrance Expectations (at coaches discretion)*
Skill requirements for Gr.1-2 team: Freestyle with good side breathing, Backstroke and 4 laps (100 meters) continuous swim.
Grade 3 and 4: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke with proper whip kick and 300meters continuous swim.
Grade 5 and 6: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and 400 meters continuous swim.100 meter IM continuous.
* given the limited space and high numbers, the strongest and fastest swimmers will be selected if there are too many. Students will be timed on 25 meters for each stroke.
Training days starting from 7th of October – 10th of December:
Gr.1-2 Sunday and Tuesday - Coach Mr. Francis Carvalho Time: 3:05-4:05
Gr.3-4 Tuesday and Thursday - Coach Mrs.Sharolyn and Mr. Walter Duhaime Time: 3:05- 4:15
Gr.5-6 Monday and Thursday – Coach Ms.Virginia Ingle Time: 3:05-4:30
If you have any further questions or need clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact me.
GAA Aquatic Director Ms.Iliana Jaltova: [email protected]
Dear Parents,
From October 7th through to the beginning of June 2016, GAA will host advanced swimming training for students from Gr.1-6.
These are competitive swimming teams and are for students interested in representing GAA in competitions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Due to limited spaces, swimmers will be required to meet specific skills and endurance requirements to participate in this opportunity.
Tryouts days are:
Sunday 27th and Tuesday 29th tryouts for Gr.1-2 Time: 3:10-4:30
Tuesday 29th Sept. and Thursday 1st of October Gr.5-6 Time: 3:10-4:30
Thursday 1st and Sunday 4th of October Gr.3-4 Time: 3:10-4:30
Entrance Expectations (at coaches discretion)*
Skill requirements for Gr.1-2 team: Freestyle with good side breathing, Backstroke and 4 laps (100 meters) continuous swim.
Grade 3 and 4: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke with proper whip kick and 300meters continuous swim.
Grade 5 and 6: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and 400 meters continuous swim.100 meter IM continuous.
* given the limited space and high numbers, the strongest and fastest swimmers will be selected if there are too many. Students will be timed on 25 meters for each stroke.
Training days starting from 7th of October – 10th of December:
Gr.1-2 Sunday and Tuesday - Coach Mr. Francis Carvalho Time: 3:05-4:05
Gr.3-4 Tuesday and Thursday - Coach Mrs.Sharolyn and Mr. Walter Duhaime Time: 3:05- 4:15
Gr.5-6 Monday and Thursday – Coach Ms.Virginia Ingle Time: 3:05-4:30
If you have any further questions or need clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact me.
GAA Aquatic Director Ms.Iliana Jaltova: [email protected]
Update from the ICT Team
Technology is embedded in the PYP across every unit of inquiry. To support this authentic use of digital learning tools, elementary and KG students have access to iPads and laptops when it is appropriate and fits with their inquiry. Our technology team has been busy getting systems set up and rolling out hardware to classrooms, but is looking forward to working more closely with classroom teachers in the coming weeks to support the authentic use of technology.
This year saw the launch of our optional Bring Your Own Device MacBook program in grade five, and we’re excited to see this progressing. As you may already know, secondary students at GAA are required to bring a laptop to school each day, and so starting this program in grade five is helping to prepare our students for their transition next year. We have focused on supporting MacBooks in particular because these are the same shared devices that students are already using in the elementary school, and having one common platform means that teachers and students can stay focused on teaching and learning rather than on technical troubleshooting. Students who elect to not bring their own MacBook in grade five will still have access to shared grade level laptops.
Using technology responsibly continues to be an important focus of our program, and so you may soon receive a copy of our technology responsible use policy. This will be used in each grade level as students begin to work more with school technology tools, and is an important part of the discussion that we’d encourage you to have with your children about what it means to be an effective digital citizen.
We’re always happy to answer questions and provide support to parents, so please feel free to drop by our elementary ICT office (room 156), or contact our team by email.
Elementary ICT (Technology) team:
Brian Farrell ([email protected])
Richard Ballard ([email protected])
Alain Milot ([email protected])
Technology is embedded in the PYP across every unit of inquiry. To support this authentic use of digital learning tools, elementary and KG students have access to iPads and laptops when it is appropriate and fits with their inquiry. Our technology team has been busy getting systems set up and rolling out hardware to classrooms, but is looking forward to working more closely with classroom teachers in the coming weeks to support the authentic use of technology.
This year saw the launch of our optional Bring Your Own Device MacBook program in grade five, and we’re excited to see this progressing. As you may already know, secondary students at GAA are required to bring a laptop to school each day, and so starting this program in grade five is helping to prepare our students for their transition next year. We have focused on supporting MacBooks in particular because these are the same shared devices that students are already using in the elementary school, and having one common platform means that teachers and students can stay focused on teaching and learning rather than on technical troubleshooting. Students who elect to not bring their own MacBook in grade five will still have access to shared grade level laptops.
Using technology responsibly continues to be an important focus of our program, and so you may soon receive a copy of our technology responsible use policy. This will be used in each grade level as students begin to work more with school technology tools, and is an important part of the discussion that we’d encourage you to have with your children about what it means to be an effective digital citizen.
We’re always happy to answer questions and provide support to parents, so please feel free to drop by our elementary ICT office (room 156), or contact our team by email.
Elementary ICT (Technology) team:
Brian Farrell ([email protected])
Richard Ballard ([email protected])
Alain Milot ([email protected])
News from our KG Vice Principal, Sally Potts
Dear KG Parents,
Thank you so much to our KG parents as we continue to work as a team to support our students. We really appreciate families having their children here on time ready to learn. It was wonderful seeing so many of you at our Back to School night.
Healthy Lunches and Learning
At GAA we encourage students to eat healthy, nutritious foods. In our KG Kitchen-Lab the children learn to be “Risk-Takers” as they try new foods which they prepare. We encourage families to support the children in trying a variety of foods at home and in class as well. One way to do this is to involve the children in choosing or preparing healthy snacks and lunches for school.
A healthy school lunch should include: a high quality protein, fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Healthy, fresh foods are the best options and processed packaged foods and juices should be avoided as they can be high in preservatives and sugar. A well-balanced lunch box will prepare your child for a full day learning! Bite-sized foods helps to keep our children safe.
Here are some suggestions to assist you in preparing lunches with your child:
Pair these healthy main portions with a daily fruit and vegetable:
Dear KG Parents,
Thank you so much to our KG parents as we continue to work as a team to support our students. We really appreciate families having their children here on time ready to learn. It was wonderful seeing so many of you at our Back to School night.
Healthy Lunches and Learning
At GAA we encourage students to eat healthy, nutritious foods. In our KG Kitchen-Lab the children learn to be “Risk-Takers” as they try new foods which they prepare. We encourage families to support the children in trying a variety of foods at home and in class as well. One way to do this is to involve the children in choosing or preparing healthy snacks and lunches for school.
A healthy school lunch should include: a high quality protein, fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Healthy, fresh foods are the best options and processed packaged foods and juices should be avoided as they can be high in preservatives and sugar. A well-balanced lunch box will prepare your child for a full day learning! Bite-sized foods helps to keep our children safe.
Here are some suggestions to assist you in preparing lunches with your child:
- Pre-select healthy options and allow your child to choose from these options.Example: “Would you like to take an apple or mango slices tomorrow?”
- Prepare fruits and vegetables ahead of time and store them ready to go.
- Choose filling whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat pita, bread and crackers).
- Use an insulated container such as a thermos to keep foods hot as microwaves are not in use in the KG section.
- Try to avoid sending high sugar food and drinks to school.
- Please remember we are a nut free school.
Pair these healthy main portions with a daily fruit and vegetable:
Please refer to the Elementary Community Handbook (page 11) for more information.
Have a wonderful Eid with your family.
Sally Potts
KG Vice Principal
Have a wonderful Eid with your family.
Sally Potts
KG Vice Principal
KG1G
This week in KG1G the students really got “moving!” Here’s a look at students taking a quick break to act out things they pulled out of the “move jar.” We often use brain breaks in KG1 to help students get moving physically after periods of learning where students may be stationary. Brain breaks can be educational and fun! This week we also took one of our first trips to the outside play ground, here’s a look of some of the kiddies at play!
This week in KG1G the students really got “moving!” Here’s a look at students taking a quick break to act out things they pulled out of the “move jar.” We often use brain breaks in KG1 to help students get moving physically after periods of learning where students may be stationary. Brain breaks can be educational and fun! This week we also took one of our first trips to the outside play ground, here’s a look of some of the kiddies at play!
KG1 I
KG1I have been busy exploring and discovering their classroom and participating in many activities along the way. We have focused on settling in, getting to know each other and our routines!
KG1I have been busy exploring and discovering their classroom and participating in many activities along the way. We have focused on settling in, getting to know each other and our routines!
KG2 E
KG2E have been very busy in the classroom.
- We have been using our research and thinking skills to make designs using shapes
KG2E have been very busy in the classroom.
- We have been using our research and thinking skills to make designs using shapes
- We have been doing some yoga to keep us balanced throughout the day
- We have been using our creative skills to create pictures and construct buildings
Specialists
KG Kitchen-Lab
In the Kitchen-Lab, our Mini Chefs have been learning to be independent and caring as they put on their own aprons and help each other to close the back. Our students are also learning to be principled, by washing their hands when they enter the Kitchen-Lab and tidying up when done. They have learned to make “Bubble Gloves” by covering all surfaces of their hands with bubbles during washing. The children have also been developing their fine motor skills by engaging in activities which require rolling, grasping, pinching and cutting. We look forward to cooking cheese crackers this week.
*Please note that we require the children to have their hair tied back on Kitchen-Lab days in order to maintain hygiene levels in the Kitchen-Lab.
KG Kitchen-Lab
In the Kitchen-Lab, our Mini Chefs have been learning to be independent and caring as they put on their own aprons and help each other to close the back. Our students are also learning to be principled, by washing their hands when they enter the Kitchen-Lab and tidying up when done. They have learned to make “Bubble Gloves” by covering all surfaces of their hands with bubbles during washing. The children have also been developing their fine motor skills by engaging in activities which require rolling, grasping, pinching and cutting. We look forward to cooking cheese crackers this week.
*Please note that we require the children to have their hair tied back on Kitchen-Lab days in order to maintain hygiene levels in the Kitchen-Lab.
Dance and Drama