News from our Secondary Principal, Craig Randall
Dear Parents,
Thank you to all of you for what has (overall) been a very smooth start to the year in the Secondary School. It has been such a pleasure to meet so many of you, the new students, and our rising 6th graders.
Speaking of 6th graders, we are very happy with the success of our first 'soft start'. During the soft start, students were able to spend time bonding as well as learning about what it means to be a Middle School student. They have learned how to log into their email accounts, create Google docs, share files and folders, log into their Haiku (electronic versions of their classes), learn how to use locks and lockers as well as how to do the changing routine for PE classes. The kids had a fun start and teachers have reported that they are already beginning to act like Middle School students.
We will be holding a 6th grade Parent Information Session from 11:30am to 12:15pm in the Auditorium. This session will allow us to share more specifics relating to the curriculum for our Middle School learners.
Some important information:
I thank you again for a great first week.
Craig Randall
Secondary School Principal
Thank you to all of you for what has (overall) been a very smooth start to the year in the Secondary School. It has been such a pleasure to meet so many of you, the new students, and our rising 6th graders.
Speaking of 6th graders, we are very happy with the success of our first 'soft start'. During the soft start, students were able to spend time bonding as well as learning about what it means to be a Middle School student. They have learned how to log into their email accounts, create Google docs, share files and folders, log into their Haiku (electronic versions of their classes), learn how to use locks and lockers as well as how to do the changing routine for PE classes. The kids had a fun start and teachers have reported that they are already beginning to act like Middle School students.
We will be holding a 6th grade Parent Information Session from 11:30am to 12:15pm in the Auditorium. This session will allow us to share more specifics relating to the curriculum for our Middle School learners.
Some important information:
- Locks: Thank you for making sure you purchase locks for your children and practice with them over the weekend. This is the best way to ensure the safety of valuables.
- Snacks: Every day of the week students have at least two breaks of at least twenty minutes and we encourage students to bring and eat healthy snacks during these time slots.
- Proper course placement: Some courses, like math beginning in 7th grade as well as world languages and some arts courses will have mixed grades in each course as we place students in the course that best suits their current ability level. So, if you hear your child speak about different grade students in their classes, this is the reason.
I thank you again for a great first week.
Craig Randall
Secondary School Principal
News from our Secondary Vice Principal, Peter Thorpe
Sixth Grade Soft Start
Entering Middle School for the first time is not easy. Students can find it quite intimidating as they leave the safety of their Elementary School homeroom environment and enter the twisting and turning hallways of Middle School, wandering from class to class trying to remember the name of their next teacher and if they had any homework due today.
At GAA we recognize that our new Middle School students need support, coping strategies and time to successfully adjust to their new setting. In order to help get them started off on the right path, our Grade Six students spent the first two days of school taking part in a “Soft Start” schedule. Students still went to their scheduled classes to meet all off their new teachers and classmates, but instead of having subject specific lesson, the students took part in many different activities to help familiarize them with Middle School life.
There were various ice-breakers allowing students to get to know their new classmates, as well as team-building activities to promote collaboration and school spirit. Students were assigned lockers and shown how to log into their school Gmail, Gradebook and Haiku accounts. Various role playing activities were used to teach students about bullying, cooperation and school rules relating to dress code and the use of technology. The students received a tour of the building on day one and took part in a scavenger hunt on day 2. It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm our new middle school students brought to the secondary floor. There was a lot of laughter and fun to start the year, culminating in a frozen Snickers treat for all of the students at the end of the day Monday. As the Grade Six students begin their regular lessons we understand that they will still require assistance and patience as they continue to adjust to Middle School, but we are confident that the foundation laid in the first two days will go a long way toward their growth and success at GAA.
Regards,
Peter Thorpe
Secondary Vice Principal
Entering Middle School for the first time is not easy. Students can find it quite intimidating as they leave the safety of their Elementary School homeroom environment and enter the twisting and turning hallways of Middle School, wandering from class to class trying to remember the name of their next teacher and if they had any homework due today.
At GAA we recognize that our new Middle School students need support, coping strategies and time to successfully adjust to their new setting. In order to help get them started off on the right path, our Grade Six students spent the first two days of school taking part in a “Soft Start” schedule. Students still went to their scheduled classes to meet all off their new teachers and classmates, but instead of having subject specific lesson, the students took part in many different activities to help familiarize them with Middle School life.
There were various ice-breakers allowing students to get to know their new classmates, as well as team-building activities to promote collaboration and school spirit. Students were assigned lockers and shown how to log into their school Gmail, Gradebook and Haiku accounts. Various role playing activities were used to teach students about bullying, cooperation and school rules relating to dress code and the use of technology. The students received a tour of the building on day one and took part in a scavenger hunt on day 2. It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm our new middle school students brought to the secondary floor. There was a lot of laughter and fun to start the year, culminating in a frozen Snickers treat for all of the students at the end of the day Monday. As the Grade Six students begin their regular lessons we understand that they will still require assistance and patience as they continue to adjust to Middle School, but we are confident that the foundation laid in the first two days will go a long way toward their growth and success at GAA.
Regards,
Peter Thorpe
Secondary Vice Principal
From the IB Diploma Coordinator, Patrick Lyons
For the majority of the Grade 11 class, their first day back this year was spent getting acquainted with their IB Diploma Programme. Combining classes from our expanded options, the Junior students have the opportunity to build an individualised programme of study that will prepare them for University and beyond.
During the course of the day, students were exposed to important elements of the programme through a variety of activities and allowed to explore their questions and concerns. A lot of focus was given to organizational skills and self-management. There was a noticeable sigh of relief when one of our Grade 12 Diploma students let them know “If you manage your time, yes, it is possible to have a life.”
A number of teachers gave their free time to explain Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and other key elements of the programme but the students didn’t escape without a little homework. They need to form a research question for their Extended Essay by the end of the month so parents should expect deep and meaningful conversations around the dinner table for some time to come.
Have a great weekend,
Patrick Lyons
For the majority of the Grade 11 class, their first day back this year was spent getting acquainted with their IB Diploma Programme. Combining classes from our expanded options, the Junior students have the opportunity to build an individualised programme of study that will prepare them for University and beyond.
During the course of the day, students were exposed to important elements of the programme through a variety of activities and allowed to explore their questions and concerns. A lot of focus was given to organizational skills and self-management. There was a noticeable sigh of relief when one of our Grade 12 Diploma students let them know “If you manage your time, yes, it is possible to have a life.”
A number of teachers gave their free time to explain Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and other key elements of the programme but the students didn’t escape without a little homework. They need to form a research question for their Extended Essay by the end of the month so parents should expect deep and meaningful conversations around the dinner table for some time to come.
Have a great weekend,
Patrick Lyons
From our Secondary School Counselor, Kathleen Leishear
Hello Parents!
Welcome to the 2015-2016 year at GAA! My name is Katie Leishear, and I will be one of the secondary school counselors this year for grades 6-12.My focus will be primarily on the personal/social aspects of their life, but I will also be assisting Ms. Welch with academic and college/career support. I will be interacting with students in a variety of ways. I utilize both individual and group counseling as well as frequent quick “check ins” with students. I will be helping develop advisory lessons for students that will cover a variety of topics that range from developing social and interpersonal skills to academic skills, such as test taking tips. In addition I will be developing programs that are aimed at transitioning new students and programs that support our culture of kindness.
Our students come from all over the world and it’s imperative that we are accepting and tolerant of other’s differences, cultures and way of life. I encourage you to take the time and speak with your child about all the wonderful differences they notice in the school community, and how they can embrace those differences and continue to show kindness to all.
I am so excited to be here, and I can’t wait to meet your children. If you would like to contact me the best way is via email at [email protected] .
Kind regards
Katie
Hello Parents!
Welcome to the 2015-2016 year at GAA! My name is Katie Leishear, and I will be one of the secondary school counselors this year for grades 6-12.My focus will be primarily on the personal/social aspects of their life, but I will also be assisting Ms. Welch with academic and college/career support. I will be interacting with students in a variety of ways. I utilize both individual and group counseling as well as frequent quick “check ins” with students. I will be helping develop advisory lessons for students that will cover a variety of topics that range from developing social and interpersonal skills to academic skills, such as test taking tips. In addition I will be developing programs that are aimed at transitioning new students and programs that support our culture of kindness.
Our students come from all over the world and it’s imperative that we are accepting and tolerant of other’s differences, cultures and way of life. I encourage you to take the time and speak with your child about all the wonderful differences they notice in the school community, and how they can embrace those differences and continue to show kindness to all.
I am so excited to be here, and I can’t wait to meet your children. If you would like to contact me the best way is via email at [email protected] .
Kind regards
Katie
We are currently offering the following trips for Spring Break 2016. Presentations on the trips are currently being shown to students. Please sign up by next Thursday to secure your child’s spot. If you would like more information about a specific trip, please contact the appropriate person below.
International Options for Spring Break 2016
International Options for Spring Break 2016
- Paris, France (Current Grades 7-12: 10,965 aed) This trip is for students who are currently taking French. Lorna Newman <[email protected]>
- Switzerland -(Current Grades 7-12: 11,500 aed) This trip is for any student who wants to learn how to ski or snowboard or enjoys skiing or snowboarding. Jonathan Ames <[email protected]>
- Russia - (Current Grades 10-11 (IB History Trip): 8,990 aed) This trip if for grade 11 and 12 IB History students only. Alexandra Fatu <[email protected]>
- Andalucía, Spain (Current Grades 7-12:10,150 aed) This trip is for students who are currently taking Spanish. Cynthia Beck [email protected]
- London, England (Current Grades 7-12: 9,200 aed). This trip is for High School Art and Choir students or Middle School students who are in Advanced Choir. Whitney Meininger <[email protected]>
- Uganda (Current Grades 7-12: 8,700 aed). This trip is for any student who is interested in community service, wildlife, preservation, and adventure. Kelse Risner <[email protected]
Here is our Community and Secondary School Calendar - Scroll through the months to see what's planned for this year at GAA
Please make sure you check this calendar regularly for updates and new events