News from Head of School - Kathy Miner
On behalf of the GAA Faculty & Staff,
Ramadan Kareem
Learning continues at GAA during the Holy Month of Ramadan with interesting and engaging projects and activities.
The last day of instruction will be Thursday, July 2.
Dear GAA Parents,
As we wrap up the year, I’d like to recognize the support of our parents in helping us grow and develop as a school this year. We have made great strides in organizing our procedures, improving communication and in developing our academic programs. We appreciate the partnership and support we have received from our parent community. We are a strong school with a vibrant community and we are excited as we look ahead to the future of our school and see continued growth and improvements. Thank you for a great year!
Our last newsletter this week includes information about new Leadership Team members of as well as new Faculty members arriving to GAA in August 2015. We have some very strong teachers who will add to our already strong faculty. And, we all know that exceptional leaders are the key to any successful school.
Below you will find brief introductions of our new leaders joining GAA in August.
In this issue, you will also find important dates and information to help launch the 2015-2016 school year. Enjoy your summer holiday with friends and family, we look forward to starting a new school year in August, 2015.
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
As we wrap up the year, I’d like to recognize the support of our parents in helping us grow and develop as a school this year. We have made great strides in organizing our procedures, improving communication and in developing our academic programs. We appreciate the partnership and support we have received from our parent community. We are a strong school with a vibrant community and we are excited as we look ahead to the future of our school and see continued growth and improvements. Thank you for a great year!
Our last newsletter this week includes information about new Leadership Team members of as well as new Faculty members arriving to GAA in August 2015. We have some very strong teachers who will add to our already strong faculty. And, we all know that exceptional leaders are the key to any successful school.
Below you will find brief introductions of our new leaders joining GAA in August.
In this issue, you will also find important dates and information to help launch the 2015-2016 school year. Enjoy your summer holiday with friends and family, we look forward to starting a new school year in August, 2015.
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
Meet our New Senior Leaders at GEMS American Academy
Derek Lea, Vice Principal Secondary School
After over 20 years as an educator (10 as a teacher and 10+ as an administrator), I am still passionate about teaching and learning. I have a BSc in Applied Ecology, a B.Ed. in Secondary Education and a MEd in Educational Leadership and Aboriginal Education. I believe in the potential of each student, and work to use my experiences as a father, an educator, a learner, an athlete and a leader to engage students in the pursuit of excellence. Outside of school, I enjoy time with my family, running, soccer, music, and travel. I am excited to be a part of the GAA team and look forward to learning with you.
After over 20 years as an educator (10 as a teacher and 10+ as an administrator), I am still passionate about teaching and learning. I have a BSc in Applied Ecology, a B.Ed. in Secondary Education and a MEd in Educational Leadership and Aboriginal Education. I believe in the potential of each student, and work to use my experiences as a father, an educator, a learner, an athlete and a leader to engage students in the pursuit of excellence. Outside of school, I enjoy time with my family, running, soccer, music, and travel. I am excited to be a part of the GAA team and look forward to learning with you.
Peter Thorpe, Vice Principal, Secondary School
I started my teaching career in Alberta, Canada, where I worked for seven years as a music, math and science teacher in the Edmonton area. After discovering the wonders of international schools, I accepted a position in Germany. I spent eight years in Germany, completing my Masters in International Education Administration and successfully transitioning into a principal position. I have spent the last six years in various leadership roles at an international school in Qingdao, China. My family and I are very excited to begin our next adventure in Abu Dhabi
I started my teaching career in Alberta, Canada, where I worked for seven years as a music, math and science teacher in the Edmonton area. After discovering the wonders of international schools, I accepted a position in Germany. I spent eight years in Germany, completing my Masters in International Education Administration and successfully transitioning into a principal position. I have spent the last six years in various leadership roles at an international school in Qingdao, China. My family and I are very excited to begin our next adventure in Abu Dhabi
Louise Dunn, Vice Principal, Elementary School
I am originally from the UK and have spent the past 28 years living and working as an expatriate. My husband and I have two sons who graduated high school in the Middle East and who then moved onto college and work in the US. I graduated from Vermont College of Norwich University V.T. with my BA, and Endicott College MA, with an M.Ed.
I am originally from the UK and have spent the past 28 years living and working as an expatriate. My husband and I have two sons who graduated high school in the Middle East and who then moved onto college and work in the US. I graduated from Vermont College of Norwich University V.T. with my BA, and Endicott College MA, with an M.Ed.
Sofia Lyons, Vice Principal, Elementary School
I gained my Bachelor’s degree and Qualified Teacher Status from Durham University in the UK and then began my teaching career in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Originally I started my overseas teaching career in Ghana, West Africa as a Voluntary Services Overseas Teacher and that is where I met my husband, Paddy. Being in international teaching, our family have been fortunate to travel and experience diverse cultures around the world, including postings in Thailand, Bali and now Abu Dhabi. This year, I have enjoyed collaborating with the Elementary Faculty in my role as PYP Coordinator, focusing on strengthening our Primary Years Programme. Next year, I will be working very closely with our new PYP Coordinator, Mr. Mike Hopaluk, in my role as Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction.
I gained my Bachelor’s degree and Qualified Teacher Status from Durham University in the UK and then began my teaching career in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Originally I started my overseas teaching career in Ghana, West Africa as a Voluntary Services Overseas Teacher and that is where I met my husband, Paddy. Being in international teaching, our family have been fortunate to travel and experience diverse cultures around the world, including postings in Thailand, Bali and now Abu Dhabi. This year, I have enjoyed collaborating with the Elementary Faculty in my role as PYP Coordinator, focusing on strengthening our Primary Years Programme. Next year, I will be working very closely with our new PYP Coordinator, Mr. Mike Hopaluk, in my role as Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction.
Sally Potts, Vice Principal, Kindergarten
I am a Canadian educator with 15 years of experience as a principal. Recently I have been the lead principal for sixty schools focusing on working with families and educators to support children with special education needs. With a passion for working with early learners, I was lead coordinator of a project that focused on oral language, play and responsive learning environments in Kindergarten classrooms. I am lucky enough to be the mother of two adult children. I have attended schools in Spain, Turkey and England and have taught in England. This year, I was a 2015 recipient of one of Canada’s Outstanding Principal awards. I am looking forward to being part of a team with the vision to “Inspire, Educate, Lead, Innovate!”
I am a Canadian educator with 15 years of experience as a principal. Recently I have been the lead principal for sixty schools focusing on working with families and educators to support children with special education needs. With a passion for working with early learners, I was lead coordinator of a project that focused on oral language, play and responsive learning environments in Kindergarten classrooms. I am lucky enough to be the mother of two adult children. I have attended schools in Spain, Turkey and England and have taught in England. This year, I was a 2015 recipient of one of Canada’s Outstanding Principal awards. I am looking forward to being part of a team with the vision to “Inspire, Educate, Lead, Innovate!”
Ralph Russell, Athletic & Activities Director
Originally from Southern California. I have taught and coached in Europe and in the UAE for the past 33 years, working with all grade levels. I have been Head of PE for a number of years, and currently teach Middle School PE at Dubai American Academy. I have been married to Helen for 33 years and have 3 grown up daughters.
Originally from Southern California. I have taught and coached in Europe and in the UAE for the past 33 years, working with all grade levels. I have been Head of PE for a number of years, and currently teach Middle School PE at Dubai American Academy. I have been married to Helen for 33 years and have 3 grown up daughters.
Samah Awad, Director of Arabic Studies
My name is Samah Awad, I am Palestinian from Lebanon. I am a High Honour Graduate of Beirut Arab University from the Arabic Language and Literature Faculty. I have been teaching Arabic for native and non-native speakers for eight years. I have been at GAA for two years as a secondary Arabic coordinator.
My name is Samah Awad, I am Palestinian from Lebanon. I am a High Honour Graduate of Beirut Arab University from the Arabic Language and Literature Faculty. I have been teaching Arabic for native and non-native speakers for eight years. I have been at GAA for two years as a secondary Arabic coordinator.
Brian Farrell, Director of Technology
Originally from the Toronto area, I began teaching in Canadian public schools before working in international schools in Japan and Korea. I completed a masters degree in educational technology, and have been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator and Google Education Trainer. I have presented at a number of regional technology conferences, and have worked with students of all ages from pre-kindergarten to adults at the graduate level.
Originally from the Toronto area, I began teaching in Canadian public schools before working in international schools in Japan and Korea. I completed a masters degree in educational technology, and have been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator and Google Education Trainer. I have presented at a number of regional technology conferences, and have worked with students of all ages from pre-kindergarten to adults at the graduate level.
Meet our New Curriculum Leaders at GEMS American Academy
Jennifer Parker, Secondary School Curriculum Coordinator
Jennifer Parker (B.Ed. Queen’s University, B.Sc. University of Guelph)
Although I am originally from Canada, I have spent my education career overseas in various international American AP and IBDP schools. I am a certified teacher of all subjects from Gr.1-8 and of mathematics and sciences from Gr.6-IBDP. This will be my fifth year at GAA and I am looking forward to the wonderful new things that our growth brings.
Jennifer Parker (B.Ed. Queen’s University, B.Sc. University of Guelph)
Although I am originally from Canada, I have spent my education career overseas in various international American AP and IBDP schools. I am a certified teacher of all subjects from Gr.1-8 and of mathematics and sciences from Gr.6-IBDP. This will be my fifth year at GAA and I am looking forward to the wonderful new things that our growth brings.
Paddy Lyons, Secondary School DP Coordinator
After school undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK, one of my first teaching experiences was as a volunteer at a state boarding school in rural Ghana. Most subsequent experience has been back in the UK although I have now taught in five countries on three continents. At my last posting in Bali, I developed and led an alternative High School programme for free-thinking, independent learners. For the last five years I have been privileged to teach the IB Diploma and am very excited to take on the role of Diploma Coordinator at GAA.
Mike Hopaluk, PYP Coordinator, Elementary School
I am a Canadian and have been living and teaching abroad for the last thirteen years. After teaching in IB schools for the better part of a decade in South Korea, I joined the GAA community last year as the Grade 5 Coordinator. This coming school year, I will find himself outside the classroom environment and welcome the challenge of continuing the growth of teaching and learning at GAA as the PYP Coordinator.
I am a Canadian and have been living and teaching abroad for the last thirteen years. After teaching in IB schools for the better part of a decade in South Korea, I joined the GAA community last year as the Grade 5 Coordinator. This coming school year, I will find himself outside the classroom environment and welcome the challenge of continuing the growth of teaching and learning at GAA as the PYP Coordinator.
Kristine Zydel, KG PYP Curriculum Coordinator
I am very excited to be joining GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi as the new KG Curriculum Coordinator beginning August 2015.
I am a passionate early childhood specialist and mother to a 5-year-old named Grace. I hold a Masters of Science in Child Development/Early Childhood Education, a Masters of Science in Education in Early Childhood Leadership, and a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education.
I have 18 years of experience as an early childhood classroom teacher, program coordinator, and instructional coach. I have extensive knowledge of pedagogy, best practices, curriculum, assessment, and teaching. Over my career, I have worked with several curriculum frameworks, and assessment tools such as the PYP, ECERS, Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia, and The Common Core State Standards. I have taught in international schools in Egypt, Hong Kong, Tanzania, and Ukraine.
I believe in working in collaboration with others, transparency and creating a strong team through building relationships with colleagues where people feel valued and empowered. My daughter and I look forward to meeting you all and becoming an active part of the GAA community.
I am very excited to be joining GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi as the new KG Curriculum Coordinator beginning August 2015.
I am a passionate early childhood specialist and mother to a 5-year-old named Grace. I hold a Masters of Science in Child Development/Early Childhood Education, a Masters of Science in Education in Early Childhood Leadership, and a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education.
I have 18 years of experience as an early childhood classroom teacher, program coordinator, and instructional coach. I have extensive knowledge of pedagogy, best practices, curriculum, assessment, and teaching. Over my career, I have worked with several curriculum frameworks, and assessment tools such as the PYP, ECERS, Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia, and The Common Core State Standards. I have taught in international schools in Egypt, Hong Kong, Tanzania, and Ukraine.
I believe in working in collaboration with others, transparency and creating a strong team through building relationships with colleagues where people feel valued and empowered. My daughter and I look forward to meeting you all and becoming an active part of the GAA community.
School Trips 2015/2016
"This is a list of approximate costs of optional trips for 2015-2016. These trips are optional for parents and extend above and beyond our program, offering opportunities for enrichment. With the exception of MUN and ISTA, all of the trips are provided by external providers."
Tuition Fees for 2015-2016:
We have received word from ADEC regarding our school fees. Although we have not yet received this information formally in writing, we think it is important to forward on to our families at this time. If a fee increase is approved, the amount of increase would be 1%. It is also a possibilty that there will be no fee increase for the 2015- 2016 school year.
Schools may only raise tuition fees once every three years. GAA has not raised tuition fees in last four years. As announced in January, we applied for a tuition fee increase to help offset increased costs for staffing, operational and facilities upkeep. Such fee increases are subject to ADEC approval.
I understand that many of our parents have been trying to make financial decisions for their families and have been awaiting this information.
We have received word from ADEC regarding our school fees. Although we have not yet received this information formally in writing, we think it is important to forward on to our families at this time. If a fee increase is approved, the amount of increase would be 1%. It is also a possibilty that there will be no fee increase for the 2015- 2016 school year.
Schools may only raise tuition fees once every three years. GAA has not raised tuition fees in last four years. As announced in January, we applied for a tuition fee increase to help offset increased costs for staffing, operational and facilities upkeep. Such fee increases are subject to ADEC approval.
I understand that many of our parents have been trying to make financial decisions for their families and have been awaiting this information.
Uniform Update:
GEMS have engaged with a new supplier with effective Friday, May 1, 2015, Threads. The new GEMS American Academy uniform is similar in design and color as the previous uniform but is made of higher quality fabric made with natural fiber.
Students will still be allowed to wear the previous GAA uniform throughout 2015-2016 school year, basically until they grow out of the clothes. Because the new uniform is similar to the previous one, students shouldn’t feel that they stand out or look different than their peers.
Threads are also committed to improving the actual shopping experience for uniforms and wish to avoid at all times the potential issues of long queues, harried customers, and / or lack of stock. To ensure this quality of service, Threads uniforms can be purchased in the following convenient places:
Please find the enclosed Uniform Guide to assist you in choosing the right combination of items and sizes for your child. In recent weeks, we have added KG sun cap styles.
GEMS have engaged with a new supplier with effective Friday, May 1, 2015, Threads. The new GEMS American Academy uniform is similar in design and color as the previous uniform but is made of higher quality fabric made with natural fiber.
Students will still be allowed to wear the previous GAA uniform throughout 2015-2016 school year, basically until they grow out of the clothes. Because the new uniform is similar to the previous one, students shouldn’t feel that they stand out or look different than their peers.
Threads are also committed to improving the actual shopping experience for uniforms and wish to avoid at all times the potential issues of long queues, harried customers, and / or lack of stock. To ensure this quality of service, Threads uniforms can be purchased in the following convenient places:
- Ordering Online: Order from the comfort of your own home. Delivery will be made within one week of the order, subject to availability. Delivery is made by Aramex.
- Purchasing at GAA: Special arrangements have been made with our school to allow sales at GAA through August and September.
- Threads outlet: A Threads retail outlet will be set up in the coming months near GAA, more info to be announced.
Please find the enclosed Uniform Guide to assist you in choosing the right combination of items and sizes for your child. In recent weeks, we have added KG sun cap styles.
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