News from our Secondary Principal, Craig Randall
Dear Parents,
Every once in a while a product or device passes by me which is so impressive that I feel compelled to pass along the information. This week I had a friend share an app which I would like to tell you about. It is called Our Pact, www.ourpact.com. Basically it lets you control when your children can use wi-fi in your home. The website has a family agreement pact that everyone can sign to help ensure responsible use of internet. Next you can take your child’s devices and make selections for devices they may and may not use—blocking them if you will.
These are part of the parent controls built into the program. You will have the power to block apps, the entire internet and social media. You have the power to block things all the time or just at certain points during the day, like from 9:00 p.m. onwards until the morning. We will be experimenting with this over the weekend in our house and we encourage you to do the same. Good luck and I hope you enjoy.
As a reminder, the semester ended today and electronic report cards will be emailed to parents and students next Thursday after school.
Craig Randall
Secondary Principal
Every once in a while a product or device passes by me which is so impressive that I feel compelled to pass along the information. This week I had a friend share an app which I would like to tell you about. It is called Our Pact, www.ourpact.com. Basically it lets you control when your children can use wi-fi in your home. The website has a family agreement pact that everyone can sign to help ensure responsible use of internet. Next you can take your child’s devices and make selections for devices they may and may not use—blocking them if you will.
These are part of the parent controls built into the program. You will have the power to block apps, the entire internet and social media. You have the power to block things all the time or just at certain points during the day, like from 9:00 p.m. onwards until the morning. We will be experimenting with this over the weekend in our house and we encourage you to do the same. Good luck and I hope you enjoy.
As a reminder, the semester ended today and electronic report cards will be emailed to parents and students next Thursday after school.
Craig Randall
Secondary Principal
Understanding the NWEA MAP Reports
reading_the_nwea_map_report.pptx | |
File Size: | 1076 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
6 Tips for Supporting a Teen’s College Search
What every parent of a college-bound teen wants to know.
By Sara Villanueva, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at St. Edward’s University, Author of The Angst of Adolescence, How to Parent Your Teen and Live to Laugh About It
It’s a challenging test for parents that their teens’ college search happens during the most perplexing stage of their development, when they’re often unpredictable, moody and eager to distance themselves from Mom and Dad. They believe they know themselves and what’s best for their future, and parents know they still need guidance and support, as well as some boundaries and limits. How should parents give them the freedom to grow and make their own decisions and, at the same time, help them make a good college choice? Here are six tips:
Graduating from high school is a big step for your student. It’s also a major change for you.
You have so much on your mind as you think about your child’s future. How do you prepare her for the real world? How will your relationship change as she becomes a young adult? Will she be ready for college when the time comes? And which school will be the best fit?
As you guide your high school senior through the emotional rollercoaster and big life decisions this next year holds, it helps to remember that you’re not alone. Sara Villanueva, PhD, associate professor of Psychology at St. Edward’s University and author of The Angst of Adolescence, How to Parent Your Teen and Live to Laugh About It, offers some advice on making it through. Villanueva is not only an expert on adolescent development, she’s also the mother of a recent college graduate, a current college student and a college-bound teen.
1. Have conversations often and over time.
Ideally, you’ve been talking with your high school senior long before now about planning for college. If not, make a point of having ongoing discussions during the months ahead. Brief, frequent conversations focused on a few topics are much more productive than one agenda-packed family summit. Especially when your teen’s attention span and patience are in short supply. Talking often, over time will help your teen (and you) stay on track, catch problems early on and feel a lot less overwhelmed by the many decisions and actions preparing for college requires.
2. Be honest about what their experience means to you.
There’s no denying that we see our children’s behavior, achievements, mistakes — and yes, the college they choose — as a reflection of who we are and our parenting skills. Take a deep breath, and relax. It’s natural to feel that way. Own up to this reality. If you’re butting heads with your teen over college choices and majors, realize that you may be too emotionally or vicariously invested in their experience. The harsh truth is that this big step in your teen’s life is not about you, it’s about your child and what’s best for him or her. Give them the freedom to be responsible for their own college decisions. Think of it as essential training for when they leave home. You will all be glad you did.
3. Take your teen’s personality into account.
Everyone processes and shares information differently. What’s your teen’s style? Is he introspective, laid back and not inclined to reveal what he’s thinking? Or does he broadcast every thought and opinion on his mind? If your attempts to discuss college plans are constantly met with monosyllables or “Mom, Dad, I’ve got this!”, try a different approach. For example, leave a school’s brochure on his desk, or forward a college’s email or website link with a simple note: “Thought you might be interested in this.” Then, be patient. Casually ask him about it days later, after he’s had time to think about it at his own pace.
4. Know they’re listening, even when you think they’re not.
What happens when your gut tells you that your kid is targeting the wrong school for the wrong reasons, and they ignore you when you try to give advice? Don’t stop talking. Underneath the eye rolling, exasperated sighs and silence, you are still getting through. Approach conversations honestly and openly, and show them that you hear and value what they say. Guide them through exploring what they really want and the kind of school that would best help them achieve their goals. They may look as though they’re not listening and they don’t care about what you think. But it’s when they seem like they’re not paying attention that they actually need you most. Stay engaged. Oh, and don’t forget to listen too!
5. Tap into their intuition.
Our intuition flows from our most authentic selves. It harbors the important lessons and values we’ve learned from family, teachers and other key people in our lives. Encouraging teens to listen to their “inner voice” can help them make smart decisions in tricky and unfamiliar situations, and will likely play a role in the college they choose. During a campus visit, don’t be surprised if they announce on the spot: “This is the one. It’s the place that feels right for me.”
6. Load up their “skillbox.”
We’ve all heard about college freshmen who land on campus with no clue of how to do laundry, fix a healthy snack or meal, budget their money, get to a doctor when they’re sick, or even set an alarm clock! Adapting to college has enough stress factors without having to learn basic life skills. Make sure your student has plenty to fall back on — a few top ones being good communication skills and study habits. Teach them how to be thoughtful communicators and to manage their time using a calendar planner. The more complete their “skillbox,” the more confident they’ll be away from home. And the more at ease you’ll be about their ability to stand on their own two feet.
A message of update for grade 11 and 10 students who took the PSAT in October: A paper Student Copy of the results will be sent home with students once they arrive.
COLLEGES VISITING CAMPUS for Seniors & Juniors
JANUARY
January 26 @ 9am-9:45am — Global Study UK University Fair. CANCELLED.
However, if students and families are interested in another opportunity to visit with UK universities, a Higher Education Fair sponsored by JnS Education will take place on January 31st from 4pm – 9pm at Le Royal Meridien Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Registration is free. If interested visit www.jnsedu.com/fair for more details.
FEBRUARY
February 1 @ 9am – 9:45am – Northumbria University
February 26 @ 10:40am – 11:15am – International Student Network Fair of US universities: Illinois State University, Oklahoma City University
Transylvania University, New York Institute of Technology, San Diego State University, University of South Florida, California State University at Bakersfield, Stephen F. Austin State University, Christian Brothers University
Snow College, University of San Diego, School of Law
GRADE LEVEL INFO
SENIOR Info (grade 12)
1) Follow up on university applications that were already submitted to ensure all documents have been received and processed.
2) Update your Naviance accounts.
3) Stay strong and focused in your studies as your final semester of high school begins.
JUNIOR Info (grade 11)
- The spring semester in college and university admission counseling is all about you.
- Save-the-Date for February 22, 2016 for an evening event, Junior College Info Night, for parents and students.
SOPHOMORE Info (grade 10)
- Students who registered for the PSAT 10
Key Points of PSAT 10
Who: grade 10 only
When & Where: Monday, February 22, 7:45am – 12:00pm; in the Auditorium
2) Academic Plans and discussions on course requests and high school diploma pathways: American diploma, International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, American diploma with IB courses; have occurred. Course Selection and counseling on course choices and diploma pathways will take place over the next weeks.
Ms. Welch will be available for small group and individual counseling during Advisory on February 3 and after school on February 7 from 3pm – 4pm.
FRESHMAN Info (grade 9)
Academic Plans and discussions on course requests and high school diploma pathways: American diploma, International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, American diploma with IB courses; have occurred. Counseling on course selection and course choices will take place over the next several weeks.
Join GEMS Education for Maker Day!
Sat. Feb. 6 from 10-3 at GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, Dubai
Sat. Feb. 6 from 10-3 at GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, Dubai
- Invent something with the Makey Makey
- Learn to build and program a Lego Robot
- Play with a Junkbot
- Drop in to the pop up makerspace to try 3D printing or laser cutting
- Join a workshop in robotics, circuitry, upcycling, knitting, coding, or jewellery making
- See the students' projects showcased from GEMS schools in Dubai (Rube Goldberg, fashion show, street food, musical performances, robotics, things that fly, and more!)
- and EVEN MORE FUN: Hourly raffle draws, Rocket launch, Drone demonstrations, Robot Parade, Amazing food, Bouncy castle
JV Soccer
Coach Haugland and I would like to make special mention of our fantastic GAA Junior Varsity Boys soccer team this morning. We travelled to ACS yesterday for a very difficult away game against one of the most established sporting schools in Abu Dhabi. It was always going to be a very demanding task but to make matters worse the squad is carrying a few injuries after a busy schedule of games recently and only 18 of our original 22 man roster were available to play. The boys showed tremendous heart, determination and skill throughout the game with every player doing their best for the team. We lead for the majority of the game as every player pushed themselves to the limit against a physically bigger & stronger ACS team. This remarkable game finished 2-2 after 70 minutes of breath taking action. Our players represented themselves and our school with distinction on the night and it was a pleasure to coach them.
Gerard Lovett
Junior Varsity Soccer Boys
Mohamed Jamal
Saif Tariq
Jade Albouz
Ali Siddiqui
Talal Quadah
Daniel Lee
Fernando Rangel
Ibraheem Uzbeck
Ali Hegazi
Ali Turaif
Ahmad Qadir
Ishmeet Singh
Mateo Neves
Nik Herrmann
Ahmad Boqambar
Abdulla Al Hameli
Suri Maniraj
Muhammad Fadhilah
Rashid Al Suwaidi
Julian Mejia
Gerard Lovett
Junior Varsity Soccer Boys
Mohamed Jamal
Saif Tariq
Jade Albouz
Ali Siddiqui
Talal Quadah
Daniel Lee
Fernando Rangel
Ibraheem Uzbeck
Ali Hegazi
Ali Turaif
Ahmad Qadir
Ishmeet Singh
Mateo Neves
Nik Herrmann
Ahmad Boqambar
Abdulla Al Hameli
Suri Maniraj
Muhammad Fadhilah
Rashid Al Suwaidi
Julian Mejia
Social studies
Research and investigation skill for middle school
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.