News from our Head of School - Kathy Miner
Dear Parents,
We appreciate your valuable feedback! Throughout the year we gather parent input and ideas with a variety of informative sessions. And while we are working hard as a school to strengthen and improve our programs and practices, your feedback always helps us to monitor progress toward our goals.
Recently you have asked for improvements in several areas, such as morning drop off/afternoon pick-up congestion, US and IB Diploma preparation and parent engagement.
Be sure to watch this short video our students and teachers created to show how we’ve used your feedback to take action.
Here is the first edition video, “You asked. We answered.”
We appreciate your valuable feedback! Throughout the year we gather parent input and ideas with a variety of informative sessions. And while we are working hard as a school to strengthen and improve our programs and practices, your feedback always helps us to monitor progress toward our goals.
Recently you have asked for improvements in several areas, such as morning drop off/afternoon pick-up congestion, US and IB Diploma preparation and parent engagement.
Be sure to watch this short video our students and teachers created to show how we’ve used your feedback to take action.
Here is the first edition video, “You asked. We answered.”
Lockdown drill
We constantly revisit all safety procedures to ensure our staff and students are familiar with all processes. One of the procedures that GEMS American Academy will be practicing is a lockdown drill. This is a standard practice across many schools both in the UAE and beyond.
The purpose of practicing such a drill is to help students and staff to act quickly and automatically to the requirements of a lockdown drill.
A lockdown drill is slightly different to a fire drill, in that the children are kept inside the school and classrooms, when circumstances make it safer remain secure in the classroom rather than leaving the building. Just as we prepare our children to properly respond to a fire drill, they also need to be aware of the proper response to a lockdown drill. These drills should be treated with the same level of importance as fire drills.
During a lockdown drill, classroom doors are secured and the children remain inside the room until instructed by the teacher to resume their activities. All exterior doors are locked and no one is permitted to enter or leave the building.
Please be assured that staff at our school will spend time discussing the importance of this procedure with students prior to running a drill. We will also take time after the drill to remind them that it was only a practice and there was no danger.
Global educational accrediting bodies advise that drills are held annually. Going forward, you and the children will always be notified in advance of a lockdown drill. The importance of the practice will be explained to the children and they will be given lots of opportunity to ask any questions they may have in advance.
The lockdown drill will take place on Tuesday, Feb 28th.
Please take the time to speak with your son/daughter about this procedure and reinforce its importance, at the same reassuring your child that, like a fire drill, this is a practice that is designed to keep them safe.
**Please note that the school will be closed for a short time during this drill, including the main office, so that staff, children and any visitors can practice these safety procedures. Phones will not be answered during this time and this will take no more than 10 minutes of the school’s time. We approach this drill very calmly and matter-of-factly.
Please contact Elementary Vice Principal Louise Dunn ([email protected]), Secondary Vice Principal Peter Thorpe ([email protected]) or myself directly if you have any questions about lockdown drills. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Professional Development
At GAA, we are fully committed to providing our students with highly trained teachers who are knowledgeable about current teaching methodologies. We understand the important role professional development plays in terms of benefiting student learning and classroom practice. Our professional development aligns with our ADEC approved School Development Plan. These days have been planned by our senior leaders, teachers, and professional support team.
At GAA, our Professional Development is focused on Student Attainment and Teaching and Assessment. As a result our teachers have formed Professional Learning Communities to develop their understanding and implementation of:
If you would like to hear more about these Professional Learning Communities and how they benefit your child, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Senior Leadership Team Members.
To view our February PD Newsletter please click on the link below.
We constantly revisit all safety procedures to ensure our staff and students are familiar with all processes. One of the procedures that GEMS American Academy will be practicing is a lockdown drill. This is a standard practice across many schools both in the UAE and beyond.
The purpose of practicing such a drill is to help students and staff to act quickly and automatically to the requirements of a lockdown drill.
A lockdown drill is slightly different to a fire drill, in that the children are kept inside the school and classrooms, when circumstances make it safer remain secure in the classroom rather than leaving the building. Just as we prepare our children to properly respond to a fire drill, they also need to be aware of the proper response to a lockdown drill. These drills should be treated with the same level of importance as fire drills.
During a lockdown drill, classroom doors are secured and the children remain inside the room until instructed by the teacher to resume their activities. All exterior doors are locked and no one is permitted to enter or leave the building.
Please be assured that staff at our school will spend time discussing the importance of this procedure with students prior to running a drill. We will also take time after the drill to remind them that it was only a practice and there was no danger.
Global educational accrediting bodies advise that drills are held annually. Going forward, you and the children will always be notified in advance of a lockdown drill. The importance of the practice will be explained to the children and they will be given lots of opportunity to ask any questions they may have in advance.
The lockdown drill will take place on Tuesday, Feb 28th.
Please take the time to speak with your son/daughter about this procedure and reinforce its importance, at the same reassuring your child that, like a fire drill, this is a practice that is designed to keep them safe.
**Please note that the school will be closed for a short time during this drill, including the main office, so that staff, children and any visitors can practice these safety procedures. Phones will not be answered during this time and this will take no more than 10 minutes of the school’s time. We approach this drill very calmly and matter-of-factly.
Please contact Elementary Vice Principal Louise Dunn ([email protected]), Secondary Vice Principal Peter Thorpe ([email protected]) or myself directly if you have any questions about lockdown drills. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Professional Development
At GAA, we are fully committed to providing our students with highly trained teachers who are knowledgeable about current teaching methodologies. We understand the important role professional development plays in terms of benefiting student learning and classroom practice. Our professional development aligns with our ADEC approved School Development Plan. These days have been planned by our senior leaders, teachers, and professional support team.
At GAA, our Professional Development is focused on Student Attainment and Teaching and Assessment. As a result our teachers have formed Professional Learning Communities to develop their understanding and implementation of:
- Inquiry based teaching
- Data informed instruction
- Assessment for Learning
- Writer’s Workshop
- Technology in the classroom
- Approaches to Learning Skills
- Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies
- Understanding by Design Unit Development
- Differentiation
If you would like to hear more about these Professional Learning Communities and how they benefit your child, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Senior Leadership Team Members.
To view our February PD Newsletter please click on the link below.
february_pd_newsletter.compressed.pdf | |
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Tuition Fees for 2017-2018
Although we have not received this information formally from ADEC, it is likely that tuition fees for GEMS American Academy will remain the same for the 2017-2018 school year, with no increase in school tuition fees.
International Food Festival
Tomorrow, Thursday Feb 24th, from 5pm-7pm, we will hold our annual International Food Festival organized by GAAPA, our Parent Association. I would like to thank GAAPA and all those volunteering to help out with the event. Please be encouraged to come along and enjoy the festivities. This event brings us together as a community, enjoying great food with great company.
Please remember to wear your Parent ID's to this event. Those without their Parent ID's will have to sign in at security and leave their Emirates ID at the gate to get a visitors badge.
I would like to give a huge thank you in advance to all our parents who will be spending their weekend cooking and organizing this special event - we couldn't do it without you!
Please come ready to enjoy a variety of wonderful international foods. If you are not part of organizing a country table, adults will need to pay 30AED to join in. Children and students are free.
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
Although we have not received this information formally from ADEC, it is likely that tuition fees for GEMS American Academy will remain the same for the 2017-2018 school year, with no increase in school tuition fees.
International Food Festival
Tomorrow, Thursday Feb 24th, from 5pm-7pm, we will hold our annual International Food Festival organized by GAAPA, our Parent Association. I would like to thank GAAPA and all those volunteering to help out with the event. Please be encouraged to come along and enjoy the festivities. This event brings us together as a community, enjoying great food with great company.
Please remember to wear your Parent ID's to this event. Those without their Parent ID's will have to sign in at security and leave their Emirates ID at the gate to get a visitors badge.
I would like to give a huge thank you in advance to all our parents who will be spending their weekend cooking and organizing this special event - we couldn't do it without you!
Please come ready to enjoy a variety of wonderful international foods. If you are not part of organizing a country table, adults will need to pay 30AED to join in. Children and students are free.
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
ESM Sports: Basicball Academy at GAA
ESM Sports are delighted to bring the FIBA-Certified Basketball Coaches of the Basicball Academy to GAA. Basicball Academy is led by World Championship Gold medalist and Olympic Silver medalist Zoran Savic, and the focus of the academy is to develop physical and technical basketball skills alongside life skills that can be used off the court - such as working attitude, team spirit, self-confidence, and discipline. Basicball coaches are experienced in working with complete beginners all the way up to elite athletes and have a proven track record of developing basketball players in the UAE and beyond.
There will be a free taster session in the main gym on Tuesday 28th February at 3pm, and a 12 week program to follow every Tuesday at 3pm starting the following week. Sign-ups will be taken on the 28th and all are invited along to experience the coaching first hand. An early-bird rate will apply for those who sign up before the taster/sign up session on the 28th – to avail this please contact the coach at the details on the newsletter attached.
Thanks and see you on court!
Gareth Curtis
Sports Coordinator - Abu Dhabi
ESM | Academies
M: +971 55 437 3165
T: +971 4 369 7817
E: [email protected]
ESM Sports are delighted to bring the FIBA-Certified Basketball Coaches of the Basicball Academy to GAA. Basicball Academy is led by World Championship Gold medalist and Olympic Silver medalist Zoran Savic, and the focus of the academy is to develop physical and technical basketball skills alongside life skills that can be used off the court - such as working attitude, team spirit, self-confidence, and discipline. Basicball coaches are experienced in working with complete beginners all the way up to elite athletes and have a proven track record of developing basketball players in the UAE and beyond.
There will be a free taster session in the main gym on Tuesday 28th February at 3pm, and a 12 week program to follow every Tuesday at 3pm starting the following week. Sign-ups will be taken on the 28th and all are invited along to experience the coaching first hand. An early-bird rate will apply for those who sign up before the taster/sign up session on the 28th – to avail this please contact the coach at the details on the newsletter attached.
Thanks and see you on court!
Gareth Curtis
Sports Coordinator - Abu Dhabi
ESM | Academies
M: +971 55 437 3165
T: +971 4 369 7817
E: [email protected]
esm_uae_academy_guide_-_gaa_2016-2017_-_basketball.pdf | |
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Dear Parents and Students,
GAA will be hosting Innovation Day for all GEMS schools on Saturday, April 29th, 2017. We are looking for volunteers, both parents and students, to help make our event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the short form found in the link below. There will be incentives for the classes with the most volunteers! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbYFik180OD1lkNGTOqFYtTVAcQ7QF2e-oXC_7LrA6WRlTBg/viewfor Thank you for taking the time to help us make this Innovation Day a success! Warm regards, The Innovation Committee |
News from our Registrar, Dina Morad
Dear Parents,
Kindly be reminded that re-enrollment is now open for the 2017/2018 academic year. Re-enrollment is your opportunity to let us know whether your child will be returning next year or not. Below you will find a step by step guide to help you with this process which must be completed whether you plan to return or not. Please don’t hesitate to contact administration if you have any questions. Without this process being completed correctly you may lose your seat for next school year.
This year you must re-enroll by taking these 2 steps:
1. Completing the re-enrollment form on the Oasis page ( https://oasis.gemseducation.com/General/Home.aspx) by April 10th.
2. Paying a deposit of 5% of the tuition fee by May 1st.
The re-enrollment form will be available through the OASIS system today. It will provide parents the opportunity to pay online with a credit card, or you may pay at the school accounts office.
Your child/ren re-enrollment will not be successful if you did not complete the online form or paid the deposit, hence we will offer your child’s place to another student on our waiting list.
The 5% deposit will be deducted from the Term 1 fees when they are due in September 2017
If you require any further details regarding the re-registration, or have any questions regarding the process, please contact our admissions or accounts offices.
Regards,
Dina Morad
Kindly be reminded that re-enrollment is now open for the 2017/2018 academic year. Re-enrollment is your opportunity to let us know whether your child will be returning next year or not. Below you will find a step by step guide to help you with this process which must be completed whether you plan to return or not. Please don’t hesitate to contact administration if you have any questions. Without this process being completed correctly you may lose your seat for next school year.
This year you must re-enroll by taking these 2 steps:
1. Completing the re-enrollment form on the Oasis page ( https://oasis.gemseducation.com/General/Home.aspx) by April 10th.
2. Paying a deposit of 5% of the tuition fee by May 1st.
The re-enrollment form will be available through the OASIS system today. It will provide parents the opportunity to pay online with a credit card, or you may pay at the school accounts office.
Your child/ren re-enrollment will not be successful if you did not complete the online form or paid the deposit, hence we will offer your child’s place to another student on our waiting list.
The 5% deposit will be deducted from the Term 1 fees when they are due in September 2017
- For Kindergarten the 5% is AED 2515
- For grade 1 and above the 5% is AED 3505
If you require any further details regarding the re-registration, or have any questions regarding the process, please contact our admissions or accounts offices.
Regards,
Dina Morad
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NBAD GEMS Co-Brand Deadline Notification
Dear Parents
Kindly be informed The NBAD GEMS Co-Brand discount on tuition fees for the 3rd term is only available if parents make a payment on or before 10th March ’17(Last date for minimum discount).
Please contact Mr. Rao (+971 56 669 2729) & Mr. Jayachandran ( +971 56 687 9496) for NBAD GEMS Co-Brand card queries.
https://www.nbad.com/en-ae/personal-banking/cards/credit-cards/gems-titanium.html
Dear Parents
Kindly be informed The NBAD GEMS Co-Brand discount on tuition fees for the 3rd term is only available if parents make a payment on or before 10th March ’17(Last date for minimum discount).
Please contact Mr. Rao (+971 56 669 2729) & Mr. Jayachandran ( +971 56 687 9496) for NBAD GEMS Co-Brand card queries.
https://www.nbad.com/en-ae/personal-banking/cards/credit-cards/gems-titanium.html
Stu Williamson Class Photos Update
Stu Williamson undertook the class photography first week of February. They expect that it will take 4/5 weeks for the photos to become live. The password cards that were sent home with students is so that parents can register on the website and then receive notifications of when the Class photos are LIVE and ready for sale.
The password will be the same as the ones parents used for the individual photos so that when parents log in, they will have access to both the class photos and the individual photos should they want to repurchase them at any time.
The deadline for purchasing will be given once the photos are live.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Stu williamson directly. 04 388 3382
Stu Williamson undertook the class photography first week of February. They expect that it will take 4/5 weeks for the photos to become live. The password cards that were sent home with students is so that parents can register on the website and then receive notifications of when the Class photos are LIVE and ready for sale.
The password will be the same as the ones parents used for the individual photos so that when parents log in, they will have access to both the class photos and the individual photos should they want to repurchase them at any time.
The deadline for purchasing will be given once the photos are live.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Stu williamson directly. 04 388 3382
March menu and Cashless system user guide ( Grade2-12)
Dear Parents, please click on the file below to download the Cafeteria menu for the month of March. 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.
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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.
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_-__online_system_with_menu_selection.pdf | |
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2017-2018 Calendar Dates
Below you will find dates for the holiday breaks for the 2017-2018 school year. ADEC have released a calendar that outlines all of the major holidays for the 2017-2018 school year.
As you begin to plan for the coming year, I’m sure you’ll want to know the dates of upcoming holiday breaks to assist you in your family and vacation planning.
As always, we recommend booking flexible tickets as we have learned that holiday dates can change.
Below you will find dates for the holiday breaks for the 2017-2018 school year. ADEC have released a calendar that outlines all of the major holidays for the 2017-2018 school year.
As you begin to plan for the coming year, I’m sure you’ll want to know the dates of upcoming holiday breaks to assist you in your family and vacation planning.
As always, we recommend booking flexible tickets as we have learned that holiday dates can change.
2017-2018_calendar_gaa_parents-_1[4][1].pdf | |
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