News from Head of School - Kathy Miner
Dear GAA Parents,
Please join me in recognizing the celebrating the many accomplishments of our Secondary School Principal, Craig Randall, who will be departing at the end of the school year. The Randall Family is heading to a new and exciting adventure in Brazil, Mr. Randall has accepted a new appointment as the Secondary School Principal of the International School of Curitiba (ISC). The Randall Family is looking forward to joining the ISC community, learning Portuguese and exploring the wonders of South America and will most certainly miss the connections they’ve made throughout the GAA community.
Mr. Randall has accomplished much in the Secondary School since his arrival in 2014, leading the division in a number of significant improvements in curriculum development, the timetable schedule, course offerings, as well as support the ongoing development of the IB/DP Programme. In addition, Mr. Randall established a number of traditions that will certainly carry forward in the Secondary School for many years to come, such as Grade 8 Promotion, Grade 6 transition, Prom, and Senior Graduation. These improvements will serve as a critical and solid foundation in the Secondary School, upon which further development can be built.
The entire GAA community wishes the Randall Family a very warm and heartfelt farewell as they embark on a new and rewarding adventure as a family in Curitiba, Brazil!
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
Please join me in recognizing the celebrating the many accomplishments of our Secondary School Principal, Craig Randall, who will be departing at the end of the school year. The Randall Family is heading to a new and exciting adventure in Brazil, Mr. Randall has accepted a new appointment as the Secondary School Principal of the International School of Curitiba (ISC). The Randall Family is looking forward to joining the ISC community, learning Portuguese and exploring the wonders of South America and will most certainly miss the connections they’ve made throughout the GAA community.
Mr. Randall has accomplished much in the Secondary School since his arrival in 2014, leading the division in a number of significant improvements in curriculum development, the timetable schedule, course offerings, as well as support the ongoing development of the IB/DP Programme. In addition, Mr. Randall established a number of traditions that will certainly carry forward in the Secondary School for many years to come, such as Grade 8 Promotion, Grade 6 transition, Prom, and Senior Graduation. These improvements will serve as a critical and solid foundation in the Secondary School, upon which further development can be built.
The entire GAA community wishes the Randall Family a very warm and heartfelt farewell as they embark on a new and rewarding adventure as a family in Curitiba, Brazil!
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
Please welcome Katherine Banner, who will join GEMS American Academy in August, 2016, as the Secondary School Principal.
With 20 years in education, Katherine has over 10 years experience leading high quality high school and middle school programs. A former IB English teacher, Katherine knows the IB Programme, having established and developed strong MYP and DP Programmes in her schools. Her current school, West High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, which has a Nationally ranked IB Programme, was recently named the 4th Most Challenging School in Tennessee.
Katherine holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, a Masters of Arts degree in Public Administration and Policy Analysis and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science both from the University of Tennessee.
Please join the GAA Faculty & Staff in welcoming Katherine Banner to GAA!
With 20 years in education, Katherine has over 10 years experience leading high quality high school and middle school programs. A former IB English teacher, Katherine knows the IB Programme, having established and developed strong MYP and DP Programmes in her schools. Her current school, West High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, which has a Nationally ranked IB Programme, was recently named the 4th Most Challenging School in Tennessee.
Katherine holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, a Masters of Arts degree in Public Administration and Policy Analysis and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science both from the University of Tennessee.
Please join the GAA Faculty & Staff in welcoming Katherine Banner to GAA!
A note from Katherine Banner, new Secondary School Principal
Dear Parents
I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Katherine Banner and I am honored to be the new Secondary School Principal at GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi. I am delighted to join this amazing school where our mission is to promote excellence in academics and life-long learning by nurturing a desire to learn.
As an educator with over twenty years experience spanning grades 6-12, I have embraced the IB philosophy for many years. I spent the last five years as principal of an International Baccalaureate World School with 1400 students, grades 9-12 in the United States. My first exposure to the IB Diploma Programme was 17 years ago when I taught IB English. Over the last 14 years I have served in administrative leadership roles in IB schools in Florida and Tennessee. Additionally, my daughter earned her IB Diploma and graduated from Cornell University.
My family and my life experiences have shaped how I think. I am blessed with two extraordinary grown daughters who make me proud every day. They would tell you that the same love of learning I instilled in them, will guide my work at GAA. My husband would add that I am defined by curiosity and a need to bring excellence to whatever I endeavor.
I look forward to continuing our commitment in respecting a diverse student body from cultures throughout the world and providing the opportunity to foster global understanding. It is my sincere desire to provide expanded opportunities for our students to acquire the knowledge and skills to become insightful and productive citizens in a vastly changing world. Through a close and collegial partnership with the students, parents and staff at GAA, I am confident our school will continue to be a model of excellence where all students will learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Katherine Banner
I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Katherine Banner and I am honored to be the new Secondary School Principal at GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi. I am delighted to join this amazing school where our mission is to promote excellence in academics and life-long learning by nurturing a desire to learn.
As an educator with over twenty years experience spanning grades 6-12, I have embraced the IB philosophy for many years. I spent the last five years as principal of an International Baccalaureate World School with 1400 students, grades 9-12 in the United States. My first exposure to the IB Diploma Programme was 17 years ago when I taught IB English. Over the last 14 years I have served in administrative leadership roles in IB schools in Florida and Tennessee. Additionally, my daughter earned her IB Diploma and graduated from Cornell University.
My family and my life experiences have shaped how I think. I am blessed with two extraordinary grown daughters who make me proud every day. They would tell you that the same love of learning I instilled in them, will guide my work at GAA. My husband would add that I am defined by curiosity and a need to bring excellence to whatever I endeavor.
I look forward to continuing our commitment in respecting a diverse student body from cultures throughout the world and providing the opportunity to foster global understanding. It is my sincere desire to provide expanded opportunities for our students to acquire the knowledge and skills to become insightful and productive citizens in a vastly changing world. Through a close and collegial partnership with the students, parents and staff at GAA, I am confident our school will continue to be a model of excellence where all students will learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Katherine Banner
GAA Community News
Sports Awards Photos
Dear Parents,
Please use this link to access the photo library for our Varsity and JV Awards Night. Feel free to select and download as many copies as you wish. There is no charge for photos thanks to our Booster Club.
Awards Night Photos
Please use this link to access the photo library for our Varsity and JV Awards Night. Feel free to select and download as many copies as you wish. There is no charge for photos thanks to our Booster Club.
Awards Night Photos
School Routines and Hours During the Holy Month of Ramadan
ADEC will notify schools as to when the Holy Month of Ramadan will begin. Half-days will begin on either Sunday, June 5th or Monday, June 6th.
Hours for Students: 7:45am - 12pm
Hours for all GAA staff: 7:30am- 1:30pm
Bus service will continue as usual, with a 12:15 pm departure time from school. Teachers have engaging, project-based learning planned for their students, June 6th through June 23rd. Learning will continue at GAA during the Holy Month of Ramadan, we encourage our families and students to continue attending during Ramadan.
Food and drink
Food will not be served in the cafeteria during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and the consumption of food or drink in the classroom will be prohibited. Students in the KG program will continue their snack routines as usual in the classroom.
GAA supports whatever your family decision is regarding fasting. Non-fasting students may bring a snack and water bottle to school. There will be designated snack and water areas appropriate for each grade level; these snack and water areas will be located separate from the classrooms.
The parent café will be closed.
Students need to be mindful that eating and drinking in public is discouraged and I ask that this is confined to designated areas in the school, so as to avoid offense.
Access to Prayer
Muslim students will have access to the prayer room and fasting students will also have access to a quiet reading area of the library during break times.
Appropriate Dress
It is appropriate that students arrive to school during the Holy Month of Ramadan neat and tidy in appearance and follow the dress code expectations.
Recess and Activities
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, recess periods will be shortened and PE activities will be limited and low key, keeping in mind that students do not play outdoors in June due to the heat.
The final after school activities session will finish on Thursday, June 2nd. There will be no after school clubs, activities or sports during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Hours of Staff and Faculty
For parents seeking assistance from faculty or staff members, working hours for faculty and staff will be 7:30 am -1:30 pm. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Naseera Timm-Holland, our Parent Relations Executive @ [email protected]
ADEC will notify schools as to when the Holy Month of Ramadan will begin. Half-days will begin on either Sunday, June 5th or Monday, June 6th.
Hours for Students: 7:45am - 12pm
Hours for all GAA staff: 7:30am- 1:30pm
Bus service will continue as usual, with a 12:15 pm departure time from school. Teachers have engaging, project-based learning planned for their students, June 6th through June 23rd. Learning will continue at GAA during the Holy Month of Ramadan, we encourage our families and students to continue attending during Ramadan.
Food and drink
Food will not be served in the cafeteria during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and the consumption of food or drink in the classroom will be prohibited. Students in the KG program will continue their snack routines as usual in the classroom.
GAA supports whatever your family decision is regarding fasting. Non-fasting students may bring a snack and water bottle to school. There will be designated snack and water areas appropriate for each grade level; these snack and water areas will be located separate from the classrooms.
The parent café will be closed.
Students need to be mindful that eating and drinking in public is discouraged and I ask that this is confined to designated areas in the school, so as to avoid offense.
Access to Prayer
Muslim students will have access to the prayer room and fasting students will also have access to a quiet reading area of the library during break times.
Appropriate Dress
It is appropriate that students arrive to school during the Holy Month of Ramadan neat and tidy in appearance and follow the dress code expectations.
Recess and Activities
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, recess periods will be shortened and PE activities will be limited and low key, keeping in mind that students do not play outdoors in June due to the heat.
The final after school activities session will finish on Thursday, June 2nd. There will be no after school clubs, activities or sports during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Hours of Staff and Faculty
For parents seeking assistance from faculty or staff members, working hours for faculty and staff will be 7:30 am -1:30 pm. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Naseera Timm-Holland, our Parent Relations Executive @ [email protected]
Surveys
Dear Valued Parent:
Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) cordially invites you to participate in the annual parent satisfaction survey 2016. Please use computer to access it at:
School’s Username: 37343
School’s Password: 1774
Arabic Survey: https://adec.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9vt8QMn2NkgODf7&Q_lang=AR
English Survey: https://adec.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9vt8QMn2NkgODf7
Please check your email for the details on how to access the GEMS Parent Survey. We thank you for taking time to complete both the ADEC and GEMS surveys.
*A reminder to check you junk mail incase you have not received the GEMS survey.
Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) cordially invites you to participate in the annual parent satisfaction survey 2016. Please use computer to access it at:
School’s Username: 37343
School’s Password: 1774
Arabic Survey: https://adec.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9vt8QMn2NkgODf7&Q_lang=AR
English Survey: https://adec.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9vt8QMn2NkgODf7
Please check your email for the details on how to access the GEMS Parent Survey. We thank you for taking time to complete both the ADEC and GEMS surveys.
*A reminder to check you junk mail incase you have not received the GEMS survey.
Yearbook Sales
A gentle reminder that the Yearbook pre-sales have begun. This is a fantastic opportunity to reserve your copy today and avoid disappointment!
The yearbook is a wonderful and tangible souvenir of your time at GAA, that commemorates the teachers, students and school events that made up the 2015-2016 academic year.
Reserve this lasting memory today for only 150AED by filling out the order form below and returning it with your payment to your homeroom teacher or advisor. You may also collect a copy of the order from the main reception at GAA.
A gentle reminder that the Yearbook pre-sales have begun. This is a fantastic opportunity to reserve your copy today and avoid disappointment!
The yearbook is a wonderful and tangible souvenir of your time at GAA, that commemorates the teachers, students and school events that made up the 2015-2016 academic year.
Reserve this lasting memory today for only 150AED by filling out the order form below and returning it with your payment to your homeroom teacher or advisor. You may also collect a copy of the order from the main reception at GAA.
May Menu
copy_of_gems-american_academy_may_2016_menu.xlsx | |
File Size: | 18 kb |
File Type: | xlsx |