News from our Secondary Principal, Craig Randall
Dear Parents,
This week we have been busy putting together the course schedules for next year. We are excited to grow in the way we do course selection and scheduling. Changes for this year have included, for the first time, an all-electronic scheduling. As I am sure you know, your children filled out their schedule requests in Plus Portals and then after they submitted their requests, you as parents submitted your approval of their course selections. At this point in the process a number of other things are happening:
Upon completion of these steps, we then use Plus Portals and their scheduling algorithm to determine our actual schedule of which classes run which periods. There are many factors that challenge us as we try to develop an optimal schedule for our students. We try to create common planning times for teachers so they can work collaboratively to create increasingly effective lessons for students. For instance we work to schedule our middle school core teachers (math, science, English and social studies) so they have at least one common period where they are not teaching. We strive to do this with all of our high-school subject teachers as well. Other challenges include working as best we can to make the schedule accommodate IB students who wish to take a second science or social studies course. We also really work to make sure scheduling decisions for our students who receive either English Language Learner or Learning support are factored into decisions. An addtional factor in scheduling is making sure every teacher has one planning period per day.
I think at heart we must all be math/science nerds because we all, strangely, really enjoy this process.
Regards,
Craig Randall
Secondary School Principal
This week we have been busy putting together the course schedules for next year. We are excited to grow in the way we do course selection and scheduling. Changes for this year have included, for the first time, an all-electronic scheduling. As I am sure you know, your children filled out their schedule requests in Plus Portals and then after they submitted their requests, you as parents submitted your approval of their course selections. At this point in the process a number of other things are happening:
- We are looking at the number of students signed up for each course.
- We are beginning the process of getting course requests from new students who have paid their deposit for next year.
- We combine these numbers to determine how many sections of each course will be offered next year. For example, we are projecting 91-100 students in high-school Biology 1 next year, which means we will offer four sections of Biology 1.
- We share the number of course sections with each department and, together, make decisions on who will teach which courses next year.
Upon completion of these steps, we then use Plus Portals and their scheduling algorithm to determine our actual schedule of which classes run which periods. There are many factors that challenge us as we try to develop an optimal schedule for our students. We try to create common planning times for teachers so they can work collaboratively to create increasingly effective lessons for students. For instance we work to schedule our middle school core teachers (math, science, English and social studies) so they have at least one common period where they are not teaching. We strive to do this with all of our high-school subject teachers as well. Other challenges include working as best we can to make the schedule accommodate IB students who wish to take a second science or social studies course. We also really work to make sure scheduling decisions for our students who receive either English Language Learner or Learning support are factored into decisions. An addtional factor in scheduling is making sure every teacher has one planning period per day.
I think at heart we must all be math/science nerds because we all, strangely, really enjoy this process.
Regards,
Craig Randall
Secondary School Principal
Orchestre de Paris
Our IB Diploma Music students were invited to attend an open rehearsal of the Orchestre de Paris on Sunday 17th April. A group of 11 students currently enrolled (or planning to begin in the new year) travelled to the incredible Emirates Palace Auditorium to catch a glimpse of one of the world’s greatest orchestras in action. They were given a short introduction to the music of Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Smetana before taking their seats to witness the 90 minute rehearsal under the direction of Paavo Järvi.
Analysis of orchestral music is a key component in the IB Music Diploma course and the chance to see how this music is rehearsed is a rare privilege and usually restricted to the professionals involved.
This incredible opportunity was made possible by the Community and Education Department of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2016. The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival (ADMAF) will continue to host events throughout April and further details can be found at http://www.abudhabifestival.ae/en.
Analysis of orchestral music is a key component in the IB Music Diploma course and the chance to see how this music is rehearsed is a rare privilege and usually restricted to the professionals involved.
This incredible opportunity was made possible by the Community and Education Department of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2016. The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival (ADMAF) will continue to host events throughout April and further details can be found at http://www.abudhabifestival.ae/en.
Secondary School Instrumental Concert
Join us in celebrating the outstanding work of our Secondary School Instrumentalists in our Second Semester Concert this month.
The evening will include performances by both Middle School Concert Bands, High School Concert Band, High School Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and a special appearance by the student led ‘Lunchtime Boys’. In addition to the instrumental offering, there will be an opportunity to hear solo performances by the students of our first IB Diploma Music Class.
Details of the event:
Date: Monday, 25th April 2016
Call time for students: 18:30
Performance starts: 19:00 (approximately 80 minutes)
In an attempt to remain environmentally conscious, the program will be distributed digitally and projected on stage as the performance takes place.
The evening will include performances by both Middle School Concert Bands, High School Concert Band, High School Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and a special appearance by the student led ‘Lunchtime Boys’. In addition to the instrumental offering, there will be an opportunity to hear solo performances by the students of our first IB Diploma Music Class.
Details of the event:
Date: Monday, 25th April 2016
Call time for students: 18:30
Performance starts: 19:00 (approximately 80 minutes)
In an attempt to remain environmentally conscious, the program will be distributed digitally and projected on stage as the performance takes place.
Good afternoon and Happy Thursday to everyone!
Yesterday we had our Senior swim meet in the GAA pool. A total of 3 schools participated, over 90 swimmers and more than 40 spectators for our event. Our school won a trophy for 1st place. Well done GAA swimmers and coaches.
Congratulations to the following students for their excellent performance yesterday:
Gr. 6 - Nika Vredenbregt, Melanie Osley, Robert Turkama and Alice Freitas.
Gr.7 –Mark Follinus, Alexander Golubkov and Adie Aiman Nazri.
Gr.8 – Craig Randall, Anthea Meijer, Cassidy Pistun, Acalia Randall, Ingrid Ciobanu and Jaemin Yang.
Gr.9- Skye Totton, Donghyan Cho and Nina Brisbane.
Gr.10- Peyton Karlsen, Madison Roby, Jong Yeon Park(Ryan), Dominica Krzymowska, Ishmeet Singh and Alexander Meijer.
I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank the staff below and all Secondary staff which came to support our event:
Kirsten Baillie – Under 14 Swimming Coach.
Shari Duhaime – Official announcer.
Jac Schreuder – Starter.
Janine Collinson – Official Placing Judge.
Walt Duhaime – Lane Assistant.
Virginia Ingle – Award presenter.
Shafeeq – Our Lifeguard on duty.
Johnpaul (JP) – Making sure all sound systems were set and working.
Ralph – Camera man.
Our nurse on deck, making sure we are all safe.
Biju and Mathew with all maintenance people for organizing to move and set the equipment up safely.
Booster club Ladies for keeping the concession stand open late in the afternoon.
Thank you,
GO WILDCATS GO!!!
Iliana Jaltova
Aquatic Director
Yesterday we had our Senior swim meet in the GAA pool. A total of 3 schools participated, over 90 swimmers and more than 40 spectators for our event. Our school won a trophy for 1st place. Well done GAA swimmers and coaches.
Congratulations to the following students for their excellent performance yesterday:
Gr. 6 - Nika Vredenbregt, Melanie Osley, Robert Turkama and Alice Freitas.
Gr.7 –Mark Follinus, Alexander Golubkov and Adie Aiman Nazri.
Gr.8 – Craig Randall, Anthea Meijer, Cassidy Pistun, Acalia Randall, Ingrid Ciobanu and Jaemin Yang.
Gr.9- Skye Totton, Donghyan Cho and Nina Brisbane.
Gr.10- Peyton Karlsen, Madison Roby, Jong Yeon Park(Ryan), Dominica Krzymowska, Ishmeet Singh and Alexander Meijer.
I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank the staff below and all Secondary staff which came to support our event:
Kirsten Baillie – Under 14 Swimming Coach.
Shari Duhaime – Official announcer.
Jac Schreuder – Starter.
Janine Collinson – Official Placing Judge.
Walt Duhaime – Lane Assistant.
Virginia Ingle – Award presenter.
Shafeeq – Our Lifeguard on duty.
Johnpaul (JP) – Making sure all sound systems were set and working.
Ralph – Camera man.
Our nurse on deck, making sure we are all safe.
Biju and Mathew with all maintenance people for organizing to move and set the equipment up safely.
Booster club Ladies for keeping the concession stand open late in the afternoon.
Thank you,
GO WILDCATS GO!!!
Iliana Jaltova
Aquatic Director
Dear parents and guardians,
The Prom Committee would like to formally notify you of an upcoming event that has been planned and organized since the beginning of the school year.
Prom is a high school tradition that celebrates not only the success and completion of high school education, but also the transition into the next part of our lives. Thus, the students of GAA are highly enthusiastic and excited about such an event, and we are thrilled to announce that Prom will take place later this year. We are working hard to ensure a memorable experience, and we hope every student invited can participate and enjoy this celebratory occasion.
This year’s Prom will be held at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi on the 26th of May, 2016. Please be aware that this event will be supervised by chaperone teachers to ensure safety and responsibility.
This event is made possible through the purchase of tickets at the cost of 400 AED, and fundraisers held throughout the year. We welcome and appreciate any further donations by parents. We would also like to acknowledge the help from GAAPA and Booster Club, and thank them for their unconditional support.
Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our Prom Committee Advisors via email:
Ms. Alexandra Fatu: [email protected]
Ms. Kamila Shakarchi: [email protected]
Warm regards,
Prom Committee
The Prom Committee would like to formally notify you of an upcoming event that has been planned and organized since the beginning of the school year.
Prom is a high school tradition that celebrates not only the success and completion of high school education, but also the transition into the next part of our lives. Thus, the students of GAA are highly enthusiastic and excited about such an event, and we are thrilled to announce that Prom will take place later this year. We are working hard to ensure a memorable experience, and we hope every student invited can participate and enjoy this celebratory occasion.
This year’s Prom will be held at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi on the 26th of May, 2016. Please be aware that this event will be supervised by chaperone teachers to ensure safety and responsibility.
This event is made possible through the purchase of tickets at the cost of 400 AED, and fundraisers held throughout the year. We welcome and appreciate any further donations by parents. We would also like to acknowledge the help from GAAPA and Booster Club, and thank them for their unconditional support.
Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our Prom Committee Advisors via email:
Ms. Alexandra Fatu: [email protected]
Ms. Kamila Shakarchi: [email protected]
Warm regards,
Prom Committee
تحية طيبة الي اولياء الأمور و الطلبة، تود لجنة حفلة التخرج لأكادمية جيمس الأمريكية أن تعلن عن قدوم عشاء رسمي بمناسبة تخرج صف الثاني عشر.
يعتبر العشاء الرسمي جزء من عادات و تقاليد المدرسة الثانوية. هذا الإحتفال ليس فقط بنجاح و إجتهاد طلاب, و لكن هو أيضًا احتفال بإنتهاء جزء كبير من حياتهم اليومية و الإستعداد لبداية فصل جديد من قصة حياتهم الشيقة. وبالتاي طلاب أكادمية جيمس الأمريكية متحمسين ليعلنوا أن العشاء الرسمي سيقام في وق ٍت لاحق في هذا العام. نعمل بإجتهاد لضمان ذكريات لا تنسى.
هذه السنة ستكون حفلة التخرج في فندق الفيرمونت باب البحر، الموافق ل 26 من مايو 2016. أن حفلة التخرج )أو prom( هي حفلة مخصصة لطلاب الصف الأحدى عشر و الثاني عشر وليست لأولياء الأمور. لضمان الأمن و الأنضباط سيقوم المعلمون بمرافقة الطلاب أثناء الحدث.
ستتم تغطية تكاليف هذا الحدث من خلال شراء تذاكر بتكلفة 400 درهم، وجمع التبرعات التي جمعت من المتبرعين على مدار السنة. نحن نرحب ونقدر أي تبرعات أخرى من قبل الأهل. كما نريد أن نشكر gappa و GAA Booster club على دعمهم و مساعدتهم فى ترتيبات الحدث.
لأي من الاستشارات نرجوا التواصل مع مسؤولي الحفلة:
المعلمة ألكساندرا فاتو: s.fatu_gaa@gaaad.com المعلمة كاميلا شاكارتشي: k.shakarchi_gaa@gaaad.com
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.