News from our Secondary Principal Craig Randall
Dear Parents,
Another busy week in the Secondary School has passed. We had three music concerts this week and all three concerts were very well attended by parents and other GAA students. Mr. Robertson and his bands played on Sunday night and performed wonderfully. The highlight for me was getting to see our sixth graders perform. There is never anything quite like that first middle school band performance. That was followed on Tuesday by our wonderful choirs hosted by Ms. Meininger. As I am sure your children have probably mentioned, the highlight for the students was watching our teacher choir boldly perform for our audience. Finally, last night Mr. Holland and his bands performed. Wow, what amazing improvement.
The only other performance for our musicians this year is next Thursday when Mr. Robertson’s HS band plays at Graduation.
In other news, a number of our 6th grade teachers and students hosted all of our 5th graders for a fun transition to Middle School event. The 5th graders were able to ask every question they had, find out answers, and hopefully have their fears disappear. They probably had new fears arise though as they realized they are no longer allowed to wear shorts in middle school. Students spent time in English class and in Science class performing experiments where they turned pennies into “gold” and made flowing lava like substances.
Today our seniors finished their last high-school final exams. This is truly a momentous occasion for them. Next week they will have their senior breakfast, a morning full of fun and awards. This will be followed by two afternoons of graduation rehearsal, and finally, the moment we have all been waiting for, our first Graduation Ceremony next Thursday in the Auditorium.
As a reminder, here is our grades 9-11 final exam schedule:
Another busy week in the Secondary School has passed. We had three music concerts this week and all three concerts were very well attended by parents and other GAA students. Mr. Robertson and his bands played on Sunday night and performed wonderfully. The highlight for me was getting to see our sixth graders perform. There is never anything quite like that first middle school band performance. That was followed on Tuesday by our wonderful choirs hosted by Ms. Meininger. As I am sure your children have probably mentioned, the highlight for the students was watching our teacher choir boldly perform for our audience. Finally, last night Mr. Holland and his bands performed. Wow, what amazing improvement.
The only other performance for our musicians this year is next Thursday when Mr. Robertson’s HS band plays at Graduation.
In other news, a number of our 6th grade teachers and students hosted all of our 5th graders for a fun transition to Middle School event. The 5th graders were able to ask every question they had, find out answers, and hopefully have their fears disappear. They probably had new fears arise though as they realized they are no longer allowed to wear shorts in middle school. Students spent time in English class and in Science class performing experiments where they turned pennies into “gold” and made flowing lava like substances.
Today our seniors finished their last high-school final exams. This is truly a momentous occasion for them. Next week they will have their senior breakfast, a morning full of fun and awards. This will be followed by two afternoons of graduation rehearsal, and finally, the moment we have all been waiting for, our first Graduation Ceremony next Thursday in the Auditorium.
As a reminder, here is our grades 9-11 final exam schedule:
Regards,
Craig Randall
Secondary Principal
Craig Randall
Secondary Principal
On behalf of all GAA 8th grade parents:
We would like to give our sincere thanks and appreciation to Joanna Ruderman and Scott Moat for their help in planning and putting together the 8th grade promotion ceremony and dance.
Thanks also to Anna Ramirez, Craig Randall, Timothy Fryer, Peter Stelzer and Matt Moye for helping with and speaking at the ceremony. Joanna Ruderman took on the huge task of photographing all the students as they came off the stage, plus taking more pictures at the dance afterwards.
Kudos to Phebe Bassey, Priyanka Kannan, Anthea Meijer, Kyle Varma, Bailey Head and Nicholas who helped with decorating the gym for the dance! Your help was greatly appreciated. A fantastic job by Ahmad Qadir as our resident DJ.
We would like to give our sincere thanks and appreciation to Joanna Ruderman and Scott Moat for their help in planning and putting together the 8th grade promotion ceremony and dance.
Thanks also to Anna Ramirez, Craig Randall, Timothy Fryer, Peter Stelzer and Matt Moye for helping with and speaking at the ceremony. Joanna Ruderman took on the huge task of photographing all the students as they came off the stage, plus taking more pictures at the dance afterwards.
Kudos to Phebe Bassey, Priyanka Kannan, Anthea Meijer, Kyle Varma, Bailey Head and Nicholas who helped with decorating the gym for the dance! Your help was greatly appreciated. A fantastic job by Ahmad Qadir as our resident DJ.
Special thanks to Broccoli Pizza and Pasta for their wonderful setup of pizza boxes and live pasta station at the dance. Please help support this business that generously donated delicious food for our school event. Our thanks also goes to Auntie M’s Cupcakes and Sunny’s Pop for the delicious desserts. You can find them both on Facebook.
From our Arts Department
Tuesday evening the auditorium was filled with families and friends of the 200 talented singers in the Secondary Choir Program. The students did a wonderful job showing the hard work and dedication that they have put in to grow as musicians this year! The songs ranged from Classical and Jazz to Disney and Pop music, and choreography was included in all performances- including some great jazz hands and solo performances from our GAA Staff Choir! Joana Barata (8th Grade) was named Outstanding Middle School Choral Musician of the year, and Gyeonjae Yoo (10th Grade) was named Outstanding High School Choral Musician of the year. A huge thank you to everyone who made this night possible!
Whitney Meininger
Secondary Vocal Music Director
Whitney Meininger
Secondary Vocal Music Director
Upcoming events for Secondary School
*Senior Breakfast
*Graduation June 11th
*Graduation Celebrations (TBA)
*Senior Breakfast
- Westin Hotel
- Date: Monday, June 8th
- Time: 10a.m. – 12p.m.
*Graduation June 11th
*Graduation Celebrations (TBA)
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