News from our Secondary Principal, Kathrine Banner
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
News from our Secondary Counselor's, Kathleen Leishear and Phil Abraham
Welcome back GAA students and families!
There have been some changes in the counseling department that are quite important for you to note. First, you will notice that Ms. Welsh unfortunately no longer with us at GAA. However, Mr. Abraham, a seasoned GAA employee, has moved up from the elementary school to join the secondary school team. The other change that is extremely important to be aware of is that both Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Leishear will be splitting the high school with Mr. Abraham taking grades 7,9, and 11 and Mrs. Leishear taking 6, 8, and 10. Our senior class will be split based on the alphabet with Mr. Abraham taking all students with first names beginning with A-L, and Mrs. Leishear taking all students with first names beginning with M-Z. We will continue to post information in the newletter throughout the year, so please keep an eye out for our section! Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The best way to reach us is via email at [email protected] and [email protected]. If you would like to meet with us in person, kindly use the email addresses above to schedule a meeting. We are both very excited and looking forward to all the great things to come this year.
Important Parent Info for This Week: Since the school is about to start, the most helpful thing for parents to do is to double check your child’s schedule to make sure that they have all the ADEC required courses for their group level.
Best, Katie Leishear and Phil Abraham
There have been some changes in the counseling department that are quite important for you to note. First, you will notice that Ms. Welsh unfortunately no longer with us at GAA. However, Mr. Abraham, a seasoned GAA employee, has moved up from the elementary school to join the secondary school team. The other change that is extremely important to be aware of is that both Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Leishear will be splitting the high school with Mr. Abraham taking grades 7,9, and 11 and Mrs. Leishear taking 6, 8, and 10. Our senior class will be split based on the alphabet with Mr. Abraham taking all students with first names beginning with A-L, and Mrs. Leishear taking all students with first names beginning with M-Z. We will continue to post information in the newletter throughout the year, so please keep an eye out for our section! Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The best way to reach us is via email at [email protected] and [email protected]. If you would like to meet with us in person, kindly use the email addresses above to schedule a meeting. We are both very excited and looking forward to all the great things to come this year.
Important Parent Info for This Week: Since the school is about to start, the most helpful thing for parents to do is to double check your child’s schedule to make sure that they have all the ADEC required courses for their group level.
Best, Katie Leishear and Phil Abraham
Calculator requirements for High School students ( Grade 9-12)
Dear Students and Parents,
Please note that all High School students (Grades 9 to 12 for 2016/17) are required to own and bring an approved graphing calculator to every mathematics class. For your guidance I have attached a list of the approved and prohibited calculators. The
TI Nspire (non CAS) is highly recommended
Recommended for Middle and High School students: The Mathematics department would also suggest reviewing concepts and skills over the summer – just like sports and music, our talents and abilities are at their best with regular practice. Please follow the below link and refer to the table contained therein.
https://sites.google.com/a/grauerschool.com/grauermath/home/summer-math-packets
Note: Intro to HS Math and Business Math are not offered at GAA. While these packets are not required, they will help make next year all the more successful and easier.
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact the Curriculum Coordinator at [email protected] or the Math Department Coordinator Ms. Sami at [email protected].
Regards,
Ms. Farah Sami
Secondary Math Coordinator
Please note that all High School students (Grades 9 to 12 for 2016/17) are required to own and bring an approved graphing calculator to every mathematics class. For your guidance I have attached a list of the approved and prohibited calculators. The
TI Nspire (non CAS) is highly recommended
Recommended for Middle and High School students: The Mathematics department would also suggest reviewing concepts and skills over the summer – just like sports and music, our talents and abilities are at their best with regular practice. Please follow the below link and refer to the table contained therein.
https://sites.google.com/a/grauerschool.com/grauermath/home/summer-math-packets
Note: Intro to HS Math and Business Math are not offered at GAA. While these packets are not required, they will help make next year all the more successful and easier.
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact the Curriculum Coordinator at [email protected] or the Math Department Coordinator Ms. Sami at [email protected].
Regards,
Ms. Farah Sami
Secondary Math Coordinator
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Secondary Student Supplies List
The Secondary School is proposing to run the following trips for Grades 7-12 next spring break where prices will range from 8,000 to 12,000 AED, depending on student numbers, flight costs, and location.
The trips are as followed:
Sincerely,
The Spring Break Team
The trips are as followed:
- Community service trip to Borneo
- Community service and wildlife trip to Tanzania
- Marine conservation trip to Greece
- Ski trip to Switzerland
- Music trip, location to be confirmed
- Sport, art, and culture trip to Barcelona
Sincerely,
The Spring Break Team
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.