News from our Head of School - Kathy Miner
Congratulations to Elementary School Principal, Ben Voborsky
There are opportunities for growth and development at all levels at GAA and within the GEMS network. I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution that Ben Voborsky has made in his role as Elementary Principal at GAA and announce that Ben Voborsky has been appointed to the Deputy Superintendent position at Dubai American Academy beginning August 2017. Please join me in congratulating Ben, and his wife Sarah Shannon, as they embark on a new and challenging chapter of their international lives in Dubai.
In his fourth year at GAA, Ben has certainly been a leader in developing, not only the elementary program, but many K-12 areas of the school. Ben has helped to bring a solid vision to fruition in the elementary program and has been a strong contributor in bringing GAA to a better place. Last year Ben participated in the GEMS Aspiring Heads Program and continued to grow and develop as a leader and is now ready to take this big step in his career.
In keeping with his commitment to GAA, Ben will continue to focus on the elementary program through the school year and, in particular, work hard to manage the transition to new leadership and plan for the coming year. We are fortunate to have so many strong faculty members who are well versed in the GAA strategic plan and are well prepared to carry on the vision of a stellar elementary program. GAA congratulates the Voborsky-Shannon Family!
Announcing New Elementary School Principal, Daniel Trimble
I would like to announce that Daniel Trimble will be joining GEMS American Academy as the Elementary Principal beginning in August 2017. Carol Trimble will also be joining the elementary faculty in G5 and brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, literacy and learning coach and staff developer.
Dan Trimble currently serves as an elementary principal in Saint George, Utah, where he leads a dynamic school community focused on a holistic approach to education with a strong commitment to the arts, music and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education . His school is recognized as a very high performing academic school and hosts the magnate program for Gifted & Talented students throughout the school district.
Teachers at his school emphasize inquiry-based and project-based learning instructional strategies and are serious about their collaborative work in their Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s), aimed at meeting the needs of all students.
Dan’s education includes a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish and German, a Master’s in Education as well as coursework and licensing endorsements in Administration, English as a Second Language and School Counseling.
With many years of elementary teaching G4, Dan served a number of years as an instructional coach, staff developer and English as a Second Language teacher/coordinator before entering school administration. Earlier in his career, Dan taught middle school Spanish and served as a high school counselor.
With a rich and varied educational background which includes teaching, instructional coaching and school counseling, Dan is uniquely able to understand the complexities of a diverse K-12 school that emphasizes a culture of kindness.
Dan is described as genuine, a strong listener, a collaborator, a caring leader who isn’t afraid to tackle difficult issues, and an educator who is focused on meeting the needs of all students. He is described as someone who is always willing to help out in anyway he can. He is passionate about providing a holistic education in which all students can find their niche for success.
There are opportunities for growth and development at all levels at GAA and within the GEMS network. I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution that Ben Voborsky has made in his role as Elementary Principal at GAA and announce that Ben Voborsky has been appointed to the Deputy Superintendent position at Dubai American Academy beginning August 2017. Please join me in congratulating Ben, and his wife Sarah Shannon, as they embark on a new and challenging chapter of their international lives in Dubai.
In his fourth year at GAA, Ben has certainly been a leader in developing, not only the elementary program, but many K-12 areas of the school. Ben has helped to bring a solid vision to fruition in the elementary program and has been a strong contributor in bringing GAA to a better place. Last year Ben participated in the GEMS Aspiring Heads Program and continued to grow and develop as a leader and is now ready to take this big step in his career.
In keeping with his commitment to GAA, Ben will continue to focus on the elementary program through the school year and, in particular, work hard to manage the transition to new leadership and plan for the coming year. We are fortunate to have so many strong faculty members who are well versed in the GAA strategic plan and are well prepared to carry on the vision of a stellar elementary program. GAA congratulates the Voborsky-Shannon Family!
Announcing New Elementary School Principal, Daniel Trimble
I would like to announce that Daniel Trimble will be joining GEMS American Academy as the Elementary Principal beginning in August 2017. Carol Trimble will also be joining the elementary faculty in G5 and brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, literacy and learning coach and staff developer.
Dan Trimble currently serves as an elementary principal in Saint George, Utah, where he leads a dynamic school community focused on a holistic approach to education with a strong commitment to the arts, music and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education . His school is recognized as a very high performing academic school and hosts the magnate program for Gifted & Talented students throughout the school district.
Teachers at his school emphasize inquiry-based and project-based learning instructional strategies and are serious about their collaborative work in their Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s), aimed at meeting the needs of all students.
Dan’s education includes a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish and German, a Master’s in Education as well as coursework and licensing endorsements in Administration, English as a Second Language and School Counseling.
With many years of elementary teaching G4, Dan served a number of years as an instructional coach, staff developer and English as a Second Language teacher/coordinator before entering school administration. Earlier in his career, Dan taught middle school Spanish and served as a high school counselor.
With a rich and varied educational background which includes teaching, instructional coaching and school counseling, Dan is uniquely able to understand the complexities of a diverse K-12 school that emphasizes a culture of kindness.
Dan is described as genuine, a strong listener, a collaborator, a caring leader who isn’t afraid to tackle difficult issues, and an educator who is focused on meeting the needs of all students. He is described as someone who is always willing to help out in anyway he can. He is passionate about providing a holistic education in which all students can find their niche for success.
Please join me in welcoming Dan Trimble to GAA. You will have the opportunity to meet with both Ben Voborsky and Dan Trimble on Wednesday, March 15 at 300-4:00 pm in the Parent Café.
GAA to host jazz icon; Wynton Marsalis
We are delighted to announce that GAA will host the American Jazz icon; Wynton Marsalis. Wynton and his band are among the headline artists set to perform at the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival in March. Whilst in the UAE, Wynton has offered to lead an interactive workshop with the students here at GAA.
Wynton Marsalis is a nine-time Grammy Award winner and the only person to achieve 5 consecutive awards (between 1983-1987). He has produced over 80 albums that span the jazz and classical sphere and has been awarded 25 honorary degrees from America’s leading academic institutions including Columbia, Harvard, Howard, Princeton and Yale.
In 1987, Wynton co-founded the jazz program at the Lincoln Centre in New York. He currently serves as Manager and Artistic Director for the established Jazz at the Lincoln Centre, which has become a mecca for learning as well as a hub for performance.
In addition to performing and talking about music, Wynton and members of his ensemble will spend some time working with the combined GAA Big Band and High School Jazz Band. This will be an incredible opportunity to learn from an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader, educator and leading advocate for American culture.
GAA will also be inviting music students from our GEMS network and across the UAE to attend this event as we take this opportunity to engage and collaborate with the wider community.
In 2016, music students from GAA visited Emirates Palace to watch an open rehearsal with the Orchestre de Paris under a similar initiative.
GAA to host jazz icon; Wynton Marsalis
We are delighted to announce that GAA will host the American Jazz icon; Wynton Marsalis. Wynton and his band are among the headline artists set to perform at the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival in March. Whilst in the UAE, Wynton has offered to lead an interactive workshop with the students here at GAA.
Wynton Marsalis is a nine-time Grammy Award winner and the only person to achieve 5 consecutive awards (between 1983-1987). He has produced over 80 albums that span the jazz and classical sphere and has been awarded 25 honorary degrees from America’s leading academic institutions including Columbia, Harvard, Howard, Princeton and Yale.
In 1987, Wynton co-founded the jazz program at the Lincoln Centre in New York. He currently serves as Manager and Artistic Director for the established Jazz at the Lincoln Centre, which has become a mecca for learning as well as a hub for performance.
In addition to performing and talking about music, Wynton and members of his ensemble will spend some time working with the combined GAA Big Band and High School Jazz Band. This will be an incredible opportunity to learn from an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader, educator and leading advocate for American culture.
GAA will also be inviting music students from our GEMS network and across the UAE to attend this event as we take this opportunity to engage and collaborate with the wider community.
In 2016, music students from GAA visited Emirates Palace to watch an open rehearsal with the Orchestre de Paris under a similar initiative.
Reminder: Student-Parent-Teacher conferences
We are looking forward to your participation at Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 15th and 16th. It is important to understand that during this Conference your child, and you, as parents, attend. Your child will be provided with the opportunity to share their learning with you and the class teacher. They will be responsible for reflecting upon and communicating to you work samples that have been previously selected with guidance and support from their teacher. You will also have ten minutes at the end of the conference to directly speak with your child’s teacher.
*Please note that only Kindergarten and Elementary require appointment, see below for more details.
Kindergarten and Elementary School (KG – Grade 5)
All teachers in KG and Elementary will host 30-minute student led conferences with families in the classroom. Parents are able to book conference times by selecting from the available spaces on the conference schedule. The link to the schedule was sent to parents via SeeSaw.
KG and ES Specialist teachers
Parents can find KG specialist teachers in the KG area where students can demonstrate their learning. Your child will receive a GAA Passport and they can lead you to their specialist teachers learning space. Please feel free to spend 10 minutes with a specialist teacher to learn more about our programs that support Arts, PE, Arabic, Library, Music, Dance, Drama and Cooking.
*There is no need to book ahead for a conference time with a specialist teacher.
Secondary School Grade (6- 12)
Secondary have a walk-in conference arrangement in which all Secondary teachers are seated at desks in the Gym. You and your child will meet with each of your child’s teachers, as they are available for a brief 10-minute conference. Students are encouraged to attend with their parents.
*There is no need to book ahead for a conference time.
Please note that there will NOT be regular classes on these two days (March 15th & 16th). We recommend students attend the conferences with their parents
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
We are looking forward to your participation at Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 15th and 16th. It is important to understand that during this Conference your child, and you, as parents, attend. Your child will be provided with the opportunity to share their learning with you and the class teacher. They will be responsible for reflecting upon and communicating to you work samples that have been previously selected with guidance and support from their teacher. You will also have ten minutes at the end of the conference to directly speak with your child’s teacher.
*Please note that only Kindergarten and Elementary require appointment, see below for more details.
Kindergarten and Elementary School (KG – Grade 5)
- Wednesday March 15th, 11:30am – 7:30pm
- Thursday March 16th, 7:30am- 3:30pm
All teachers in KG and Elementary will host 30-minute student led conferences with families in the classroom. Parents are able to book conference times by selecting from the available spaces on the conference schedule. The link to the schedule was sent to parents via SeeSaw.
KG and ES Specialist teachers
Parents can find KG specialist teachers in the KG area where students can demonstrate their learning. Your child will receive a GAA Passport and they can lead you to their specialist teachers learning space. Please feel free to spend 10 minutes with a specialist teacher to learn more about our programs that support Arts, PE, Arabic, Library, Music, Dance, Drama and Cooking.
*There is no need to book ahead for a conference time with a specialist teacher.
Secondary School Grade (6- 12)
- Wednesday March 15th, 11:30am – 7:30pm
- Thursday March 16th, 7:30am- 3:30pm
Secondary have a walk-in conference arrangement in which all Secondary teachers are seated at desks in the Gym. You and your child will meet with each of your child’s teachers, as they are available for a brief 10-minute conference. Students are encouraged to attend with their parents.
*There is no need to book ahead for a conference time.
Please note that there will NOT be regular classes on these two days (March 15th & 16th). We recommend students attend the conferences with their parents
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
News from our Registrar, Dina Morad
Dear Parents,
Kindly be reminded to re-enroll your child for the 2017-18 school year before April 10th to avoid disappointment.
If you do not re-enroll your child before the dead line, we will offer your child’s place to a student on our waiting list.
The re-enrollment form is available through the OASIS system. It will provide parents the opportunity to pay online with a credit card, or you may pay at the school accounts office.
For your convenience, there will be a GAA re-enrollment table open in the foyer during student-parent conferences next week. You may choose which ever is easiest for you: visit the re-enrollment table during conferences or log into OASIS.
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 to re-enroll your child for the 2017-18 school year before April 10th to avoid disappointment.
If you do not re-enroll your child before the dead line, we will offer your child’s place to a student on our waiting list.
The re-enrollment form is available through the OASIS system. It will provide parents the opportunity to pay online with a credit card, or you may pay at the school accounts office.
For your convenience, there will be a GAA re-enrollment table open in the foyer during student-parent conferences next week. You may choose which ever is easiest for you: visit the re-enrollment table during conferences or log into OASIS.
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
step_by_step_re-enrolment_guide[20172018].pdf | |
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TEDx at GAA
Members of the GAA community,
Gems American Academy is holding their first ever TEDxYouth@GAA event in June 2017. We aim to optimize this opportunity and are looking for individuals that are willing to receive the proper training to take part in this prestigious event.
The TEDx event theme: Creative Frontiers, is inspired by modernization. Modernization has now become the norm and it can only be fulfilled by innovation and creativity. New discoveries are being made every day, in every field. In order to continue to flourish and succeed, this era of modernization and discovery will be in need of imaginative and inventive minds.
We have the following eight options for the central theme and subsequent topics: Architecture, Technology, Scientific and Mathematical Theories, Music and Dance, Emotions of the Unknown/Psychology, Finding Solutions to Global Issues, The Effect of Diversity and Globalization on the Presence of Culture. We hope to feature these eight ideas and more as they will educate and propose new solutions for global issues to the audience.
If the above theme interests you, please keep a watch on your emails. We will be sending a google form shortly. Expressing your ideas, opinions and innovations is what we are looking for. You may either speak or perform (singing/drama/instruments). Propose your ideas related to the topics at the auditions! They will be held on Thursday, March 9th and Tuesday, March 14th from 3:15-4:30pm after school hours at the auditorium.
For further information about the event, contact us via email ([email protected]) or please visit our official TEDx website at https://sites.google.com/gaa-ad.com/tedxyouthgaa/home
Gems American Academy is holding their first ever TEDxYouth@GAA event in June 2017. We aim to optimize this opportunity and are looking for individuals that are willing to receive the proper training to take part in this prestigious event.
The TEDx event theme: Creative Frontiers, is inspired by modernization. Modernization has now become the norm and it can only be fulfilled by innovation and creativity. New discoveries are being made every day, in every field. In order to continue to flourish and succeed, this era of modernization and discovery will be in need of imaginative and inventive minds.
We have the following eight options for the central theme and subsequent topics: Architecture, Technology, Scientific and Mathematical Theories, Music and Dance, Emotions of the Unknown/Psychology, Finding Solutions to Global Issues, The Effect of Diversity and Globalization on the Presence of Culture. We hope to feature these eight ideas and more as they will educate and propose new solutions for global issues to the audience.
If the above theme interests you, please keep a watch on your emails. We will be sending a google form shortly. Expressing your ideas, opinions and innovations is what we are looking for. You may either speak or perform (singing/drama/instruments). Propose your ideas related to the topics at the auditions! They will be held on Thursday, March 9th and Tuesday, March 14th from 3:15-4:30pm after school hours at the auditorium.
For further information about the event, contact us via email ([email protected]) or please visit our official TEDx website at https://sites.google.com/gaa-ad.com/tedxyouthgaa/home
*** Attention all 6 to 14 year old Students ***
WIN a trip to the Pinar Art Week in Istanbul or 1 of 29 Samsung Tablets.
Simply create a work of art that best represents the theme of Health and Sports. All works must be done on A3 paper with the art materials of your choice.
Names and Contacts ( in English)
Please write the following information on the bottom-right corner of the paper’s back face.
The paintings with missing information will not be evaluated.
Name:
Surname:
Age:
School: Gems American Academy
Class: Year _____ Section ____
Home Address:
School Address: 3rd Street, PO BOX 145161, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi,
Information about Geographical Region: United Arab Emirats
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Name and Surname of Homeroom Teacher:
Blank A3 papers will be available through your child’s Art Teacher or at MAIN reception. All entries are to be dropped off at MAIN RECEPTION before THURSDAY, MARCH 16th.
Good luck to all participants!
WIN a trip to the Pinar Art Week in Istanbul or 1 of 29 Samsung Tablets.
Simply create a work of art that best represents the theme of Health and Sports. All works must be done on A3 paper with the art materials of your choice.
Names and Contacts ( in English)
Please write the following information on the bottom-right corner of the paper’s back face.
The paintings with missing information will not be evaluated.
Name:
Surname:
Age:
School: Gems American Academy
Class: Year _____ Section ____
Home Address:
School Address: 3rd Street, PO BOX 145161, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi,
Information about Geographical Region: United Arab Emirats
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Name and Surname of Homeroom Teacher:
Blank A3 papers will be available through your child’s Art Teacher or at MAIN reception. All entries are to be dropped off at MAIN RECEPTION before THURSDAY, MARCH 16th.
Good luck to all participants!
The GAA Secondary Theatre Program is set to present “LITTLE SHOP” GAA’s second ever, full scale Musical Theatre production.
“LITTLE SHOP” is a quirky and funny story of a meek and discouraged florist assistant named Seymour. Seymour, who is secretly in love with his co-worker Audrey, stumbles upon a new and unique plant during his experiments in his boss’s flower shop. For a brief time, Seymour’s new discovery propels him to success, fame, and helps his to get the attention of the girl he loves; but things start to take a turn for the worst as new plant continues to grow.
GAA Secondary Theatre’s “LITTLE SHOP” will be presented on the evenings of Monday March 13th and Tuesday March 14th of 2017 in the GAA auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 PM with show times at 7:00 PM. This large-scale production features a cast of 30 students, with behind the scenes support of over 50 other student and adult volunteers over the past 5 months.
Please come and join these proud students as they present this fun and exciting show for your entertainment. Tickets can be purchased in the GAA Main Lobby after school; or at the entrance to the school cafeteria during Secondary lunch. Tickets may also be purchased directly from Show Director, Ms. Yvette McGregor throughout the school day in room 160. Admission prices are as follows:
“LITTLE SHOP” is a quirky and funny story of a meek and discouraged florist assistant named Seymour. Seymour, who is secretly in love with his co-worker Audrey, stumbles upon a new and unique plant during his experiments in his boss’s flower shop. For a brief time, Seymour’s new discovery propels him to success, fame, and helps his to get the attention of the girl he loves; but things start to take a turn for the worst as new plant continues to grow.
GAA Secondary Theatre’s “LITTLE SHOP” will be presented on the evenings of Monday March 13th and Tuesday March 14th of 2017 in the GAA auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 PM with show times at 7:00 PM. This large-scale production features a cast of 30 students, with behind the scenes support of over 50 other student and adult volunteers over the past 5 months.
Please come and join these proud students as they present this fun and exciting show for your entertainment. Tickets can be purchased in the GAA Main Lobby after school; or at the entrance to the school cafeteria during Secondary lunch. Tickets may also be purchased directly from Show Director, Ms. Yvette McGregor throughout the school day in room 160. Admission prices are as follows:
- Advanced Admission: VIP Seating – 40 AED, Reserved Seating – 30 AED
- Admission at the door: VIP Seating – 45 AED, Reserved Seating – 35 AED
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 |
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
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_gaa_parents-_1[4][1].pdf | |
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Approved 2017-2018 Calendar
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.