News from our Head of School - Kathy Miner
A Great Start!
There was a buzz of excitement throughout the hallways as students arrived and settled into their classrooms to begin the new school year. Thank you all for such a smooth and positive beginning!
How wonderful to see our new and returning families arrive on the first days of school. With 94 nationalities and 40 languages represented in our school this year, we are truly a vibrant and warm international school. Our community is a diverse cultural and linguistic blend, which will give our children an incredibly rich experience.
Our enrollment is just over 2,000 students this year with 415 students in the Kindergarten program, 825 in the Elementary School and 760 in the Secondary School.
Our GAAPA were on hand throughout the week to greet and welcome our new and returning families. We hope you consider joining this welcoming parent organization, a great way to meet fellow parents while supporting a great school.
Please look for news and information about GAA in our newsletter which will help to keep you informed and up-to-date with information and news around the school.
GAA School Development Priorities for 2017-2018
To keep the pace with the current best practice in education and the changing needs of learners, we are launching the school year with a renewed educational purpose emphasizing a laser sharp focus on high impact teaching and learning. An outstanding school continually improves its educational programs and practices to maximize student learning. See the link for our School Development Priorities for the coming year below.
There was a buzz of excitement throughout the hallways as students arrived and settled into their classrooms to begin the new school year. Thank you all for such a smooth and positive beginning!
How wonderful to see our new and returning families arrive on the first days of school. With 94 nationalities and 40 languages represented in our school this year, we are truly a vibrant and warm international school. Our community is a diverse cultural and linguistic blend, which will give our children an incredibly rich experience.
Our enrollment is just over 2,000 students this year with 415 students in the Kindergarten program, 825 in the Elementary School and 760 in the Secondary School.
Our GAAPA were on hand throughout the week to greet and welcome our new and returning families. We hope you consider joining this welcoming parent organization, a great way to meet fellow parents while supporting a great school.
Please look for news and information about GAA in our newsletter which will help to keep you informed and up-to-date with information and news around the school.
GAA School Development Priorities for 2017-2018
To keep the pace with the current best practice in education and the changing needs of learners, we are launching the school year with a renewed educational purpose emphasizing a laser sharp focus on high impact teaching and learning. An outstanding school continually improves its educational programs and practices to maximize student learning. See the link for our School Development Priorities for the coming year below.
gaa_school_development_priorities_2017-2018.pdf | |
File Size: | 337 kb |
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Our Successful Graduating Class of 2017
GAA seniors had a fantastic 2016-17 year with many students getting into their first choice university! This year is gearing up to be just as successful. As our American Diploma and IBDP continue to develop, students in grades 11 and 12 are being exposed to very challenging coursework and opportunities. This year’s seniors are already working on their college applications with many submitting early decision applications to places such as NYU Abu Dhabi, Cambridge, and Oxford as well as some highly competitive universities in the United States.
2017 Graduation Class size: 74
Percent Enrolled in IBDP: 56%
Percent Enrolled in American Diploma: 41%
Percent Enrolled in Combined Degree: 13%
Average IB score: 31 (above the world average of 29.94)
Number attending university directly: 66
Number taking a Gap Year: 2
Number joining their country’s military service: 6
Number of submitted applications: 308
Average Application Number per Student: 3.8
GAA Mean SAT Score: 1164
National Average SAT Score: 1083
GAA Mean Critical Reading Score: 579
NationalMean Critical Reading Score: 543
GAA Mean Math Score: 585
NationalMean Math Score: 541
Narrative Summary: GAA students’ IB Diploma scores are above the national mean of all IB Diploma test takers around the world with an average score of 31 with the highest score of 40.
We had several students elect to take the SAT2 subject tests, and the most notable score is a perfect 800 in the Literature subject test, a score of 790 in Molecular Biology, a score of 680 in Chemistry.
Please see the attached college profile, which includes a complete list of college acceptances for the Graduating Class of 2017:
GAA seniors had a fantastic 2016-17 year with many students getting into their first choice university! This year is gearing up to be just as successful. As our American Diploma and IBDP continue to develop, students in grades 11 and 12 are being exposed to very challenging coursework and opportunities. This year’s seniors are already working on their college applications with many submitting early decision applications to places such as NYU Abu Dhabi, Cambridge, and Oxford as well as some highly competitive universities in the United States.
2017 Graduation Class size: 74
Percent Enrolled in IBDP: 56%
Percent Enrolled in American Diploma: 41%
Percent Enrolled in Combined Degree: 13%
Average IB score: 31 (above the world average of 29.94)
Number attending university directly: 66
Number taking a Gap Year: 2
Number joining their country’s military service: 6
Number of submitted applications: 308
Average Application Number per Student: 3.8
GAA Mean SAT Score: 1164
National Average SAT Score: 1083
GAA Mean Critical Reading Score: 579
NationalMean Critical Reading Score: 543
GAA Mean Math Score: 585
NationalMean Math Score: 541
Narrative Summary: GAA students’ IB Diploma scores are above the national mean of all IB Diploma test takers around the world with an average score of 31 with the highest score of 40.
We had several students elect to take the SAT2 subject tests, and the most notable score is a perfect 800 in the Literature subject test, a score of 790 in Molecular Biology, a score of 680 in Chemistry.
Please see the attached college profile, which includes a complete list of college acceptances for the Graduating Class of 2017:
college_profile_2017.pdf | |
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Health & Safety at GAA
Your child’s safety is our priority at GAA. Please be sure to wear and display your Parent ID badge at the gate. Our guards are instructed to not allow anyone through the gates without proper identification.
We are proud to share that GAA was awarded a 94.4% rating in a recent comprehensive and rigorous Health & Safety Inspection. Led by the GEMS Health, Safety & Environment audit team, which recognized GAA for holding high standards for student safety. Our swim program and pool was recently designated as a high quality exemplar in GEMS and Abu Dhabi by Hamilton Aquatics safety inspectors.
Inspectors highlighted our safe, organized and orderly swim program as well as our safe and clean pool environment. Our Health & Safety Committee, comprised of teachers, administrators and facilities team members meet formally each month to monitor systems and procedures and to take action on any Health & Safety concerns or topics brought forward from the GAA community.
Process for Handling Concerns
We hope that we have provided all the information and support necessary for your child and family during this first week of school.
Our aim is that each child has a successful start to the school year and that every parent feels assured and heard. Please know that we are all here to help and support your child. Our hearts, ears and doors are open.
Should you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact:
Regards,
Kathy Miner
Head of School and CEO
Your child’s safety is our priority at GAA. Please be sure to wear and display your Parent ID badge at the gate. Our guards are instructed to not allow anyone through the gates without proper identification.
We are proud to share that GAA was awarded a 94.4% rating in a recent comprehensive and rigorous Health & Safety Inspection. Led by the GEMS Health, Safety & Environment audit team, which recognized GAA for holding high standards for student safety. Our swim program and pool was recently designated as a high quality exemplar in GEMS and Abu Dhabi by Hamilton Aquatics safety inspectors.
Inspectors highlighted our safe, organized and orderly swim program as well as our safe and clean pool environment. Our Health & Safety Committee, comprised of teachers, administrators and facilities team members meet formally each month to monitor systems and procedures and to take action on any Health & Safety concerns or topics brought forward from the GAA community.
Process for Handling Concerns
We hope that we have provided all the information and support necessary for your child and family during this first week of school.
Our aim is that each child has a successful start to the school year and that every parent feels assured and heard. Please know that we are all here to help and support your child. Our hearts, ears and doors are open.
Should you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact:
- Your child’s teacher for support and assistance.
- If your concern is not resolved, you would then contact the elementary or secondary vice principal or principal. Then, the Head of School.
- If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, please send a message to the Complaint Committee and your concern will be scheduled for a formal committee meeting which you will be invited to attend. [email protected]
Regards,
Kathy Miner
Head of School and CEO
News from our Registrar, Dina Morad
Dear New families,
As per the UAE law, we are required to register all students with the Abu Dhabi Education Council. For this reason we ask parents to bring in the below documents. ADEC set a specific deadline for this Mandatory information to be collected. To complete your children's registration, please remember to forward the documents below to the Admissions office within the first 30 days of school start.
Additional Requirements for Grade 2 -12:
To the families that have already submitted documents, Thank You! If you are in doubt, please come and check with the Admissions team.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Dina Morad- School Registrar [email protected]
Dina Morad
Registrar
As per the UAE law, we are required to register all students with the Abu Dhabi Education Council. For this reason we ask parents to bring in the below documents. ADEC set a specific deadline for this Mandatory information to be collected. To complete your children's registration, please remember to forward the documents below to the Admissions office within the first 30 days of school start.
- Your child Emirates ID card
- Both parents Emirates ID cards
Additional Requirements for Grade 2 -12:
- School Transfer Certificates (attested). This is ONLY for students who are coming from schools OUTSIDE Abu Dhabi.
- Final report card from the previous school
- Transcript of Records for Grade 10-12
To the families that have already submitted documents, Thank You! If you are in doubt, please come and check with the Admissions team.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Dina Morad- School Registrar [email protected]
Dina Morad
Registrar
Innovation and Technology at GAA
At GAA, we believe that we have a responsibility to fully prepare our students for life at university and in the professional world after graduation. In the 21st century, understanding technology is as essential as literacy and numeracy. Because of this, we use systems that support creativity and inquiry-based learning, the cornerstones of our educational philosophy.
Why is the inclusion of technology important in schools?
We value:
Google Apps for Education
Google Apps for Education allows teachers and students to collaborate while creating documents, spreadsheets, and more. Students also have access to mail, calendars, and unlimited online storage space for documents. Using Google Apps, students can easily work from desktops, tablets or laptops both at home or and school. With access to a controlled Gmail account, students have a messaging system that integrates with other online services and is appropriately managed for school communications between teachers and students.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program
Students in Grade 5 have the opportunity to participate in an optional BYOD program. Students in Grades 6 through 12 are required to bring a laptop to school daily. We do not require a specific laptop, and GAA does not sell or distribute laptops. Students may choose to bring either a Mac or a PC; the option is entirely up to each family. Equipment will be registered for Internet access on our system, and students are expected to follow a clearly articulated Acceptable Use Policy (which is found in our Student Handbooks).
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is available for download for each GEMS student. Here are the directions to download Office.
Middle School and High School Technology
GEMS Oasis
This is used in middle and high school for paying tuition fees, updating contact information and re-enrollment. GEMS Oasis can be accessed here.
PlusPortals
This is an online space where students and parents can see schedules, grades, assessment calendars and can communicate with teachers. This is the formal reporting program within our Secondary School. Plus Portals can be accessed here.
PowerSchool Learning (Formerly Haiku)
This is our Learning Management System (LMS). This is where class resources are placed in an effort to add context to the learning. With the help of BYOD, this space allows the learning to be extended outside of the classroom. Students log in through their Google accounts. Parents are sent activation codes from the IT department. PowerSchool Learning can be accessed here.
Managebac (Diploma Program Only)
Managebac is exclusively for Diploma Program students. This is where students and parents can see their grades, assessment calendar, CAS progress, Extended Essay Progress and communicate with teachers. Managebac can be accessed here.
We hope that this can give some clarity as to how these systems fit together. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
GAA Innovation and Technology Team
At GAA, we believe that we have a responsibility to fully prepare our students for life at university and in the professional world after graduation. In the 21st century, understanding technology is as essential as literacy and numeracy. Because of this, we use systems that support creativity and inquiry-based learning, the cornerstones of our educational philosophy.
Why is the inclusion of technology important in schools?
We value:
- the development of 21st century learning skills of communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem solving – all highly important in today’s world;
- learning that is engaging, relevant, and rigorous;
- flexibility for teachers to address different learning styles, including interventions for students with special educational needs and English Language Learners;
- formative and summative assessments that allow learners to truly show what they know;
- promotion of inquiry and critical thinking skills.
Google Apps for Education
Google Apps for Education allows teachers and students to collaborate while creating documents, spreadsheets, and more. Students also have access to mail, calendars, and unlimited online storage space for documents. Using Google Apps, students can easily work from desktops, tablets or laptops both at home or and school. With access to a controlled Gmail account, students have a messaging system that integrates with other online services and is appropriately managed for school communications between teachers and students.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program
Students in Grade 5 have the opportunity to participate in an optional BYOD program. Students in Grades 6 through 12 are required to bring a laptop to school daily. We do not require a specific laptop, and GAA does not sell or distribute laptops. Students may choose to bring either a Mac or a PC; the option is entirely up to each family. Equipment will be registered for Internet access on our system, and students are expected to follow a clearly articulated Acceptable Use Policy (which is found in our Student Handbooks).
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is available for download for each GEMS student. Here are the directions to download Office.
Middle School and High School Technology
GEMS Oasis
This is used in middle and high school for paying tuition fees, updating contact information and re-enrollment. GEMS Oasis can be accessed here.
PlusPortals
This is an online space where students and parents can see schedules, grades, assessment calendars and can communicate with teachers. This is the formal reporting program within our Secondary School. Plus Portals can be accessed here.
PowerSchool Learning (Formerly Haiku)
This is our Learning Management System (LMS). This is where class resources are placed in an effort to add context to the learning. With the help of BYOD, this space allows the learning to be extended outside of the classroom. Students log in through their Google accounts. Parents are sent activation codes from the IT department. PowerSchool Learning can be accessed here.
Managebac (Diploma Program Only)
Managebac is exclusively for Diploma Program students. This is where students and parents can see their grades, assessment calendar, CAS progress, Extended Essay Progress and communicate with teachers. Managebac can be accessed here.
We hope that this can give some clarity as to how these systems fit together. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
GAA Innovation and Technology Team
Dear Parents,
ADEC would like to have your opinion on Schools Transport. To fill the questionnaire please click on:https://adec.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cLX2o4G3tlGeYG9
Appreciate your attention.
ADEC would like to have your opinion on Schools Transport. To fill the questionnaire please click on:https://adec.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cLX2o4G3tlGeYG9
Appreciate your attention.
Approved 2017-2018 Calendar
Below you will find dates for the holiday breaks for the 2017-2018 school year. ADEC have released a calendar that outlines all of the major holidays for the 2017-2018 school year.
As you begin to plan for the coming year, I’m sure you’ll want to know the dates of upcoming holiday breaks to assist you in your family and vacation planning.
Kindly note the change of date for the Middle School and High School back to school night below. Due to the expected public holiday on September 21st the MS/HS back to school night will now be held on Thursday, September 28th.
As always, we recommend booking flexible tickets as we have learned that holiday dates can change.
Below you will find dates for the holiday breaks for the 2017-2018 school year. ADEC have released a calendar that outlines all of the major holidays for the 2017-2018 school year.
As you begin to plan for the coming year, I’m sure you’ll want to know the dates of upcoming holiday breaks to assist you in your family and vacation planning.
Kindly note the change of date for the Middle School and High School back to school night below. Due to the expected public holiday on September 21st the MS/HS back to school night will now be held on Thursday, September 28th.
As always, we recommend booking flexible tickets as we have learned that holiday dates can change.
2017-2018_parent_calendar_-_september_2017.pdf | |
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Dear Parents,
Please see below a list of information sessions scheduled for September and October:
Secondary School
IT Sessions
Parents needing assistance with IT setup (SeeSaw, Plus portals) are encouraged to come to one of the below sessions. Our Innovation and Technology Team will be happy to assist.
Please see below a list of information sessions scheduled for September and October:
Secondary School
- October 3rd: MS/HS Program
- October 17th: IB Diploma/College Night
- October 24th: ELL/LS Support Services
- November 7th: MS/HS Program
- November 14th: IB Diploma/College Night
IT Sessions
Parents needing assistance with IT setup (SeeSaw, Plus portals) are encouraged to come to one of the below sessions. Our Innovation and Technology Team will be happy to assist.
- Sunday September 17th 2pm-3pm
- Sunday September 24th 2pm-3pm
Gate Access
To gain access to the campus, you must have your GAA Parent ID Card. If you do not yet have a GAA Parent ID Card, you can gain access by handing the Security Guards a valid ID (Emirates ID, Labor card, Driver’s License, passport) and receive a Visitor Card.
During Pick up and Drop off times, all four gates are open. From 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, all school gates will be closed/locked and you will only be able to enter the premises from:
At 5:00pm, the KG front gate will be locked for the day. The tennis gate and back gate will be locked at 7:00pm. Visitors entering the school after hours must go to the front gate and register with the guard using the same process described above.
Parent ID's
You may obtain your Parent photo identity card by emailing a photo (jpeg format) along with the parent’s first and last name to [email protected]. Please also include your child/children’s full name and grade in the email as well. Once you have uploaded your photo/photos, you may collect your Parent identity card/s from the Main Reception after 5 business days.
Please Note: Parent identity cards will Only be issued to parents (Mother & Father), and will NOT be issued to domestic helpers, drivers and guardians.
To gain access to the campus, you must have your GAA Parent ID Card. If you do not yet have a GAA Parent ID Card, you can gain access by handing the Security Guards a valid ID (Emirates ID, Labor card, Driver’s License, passport) and receive a Visitor Card.
- The security guards have the right to ask all visitors and parents to present their GAA Parent ID Card or obtain a Visitor Card by presenting a valid ID. We ask that you comply with this request.
- Please wear your ID card at all times while you are in the school premises.
- For those with a Visitor Card, please exit using the same gate you entered in order to collect your ID and return the Visitor Card.
During Pick up and Drop off times, all four gates are open. From 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, all school gates will be closed/locked and you will only be able to enter the premises from:
- The main reception front gate
- The gate behind the tennis courts at the back parking lot
At 5:00pm, the KG front gate will be locked for the day. The tennis gate and back gate will be locked at 7:00pm. Visitors entering the school after hours must go to the front gate and register with the guard using the same process described above.
Parent ID's
You may obtain your Parent photo identity card by emailing a photo (jpeg format) along with the parent’s first and last name to [email protected]. Please also include your child/children’s full name and grade in the email as well. Once you have uploaded your photo/photos, you may collect your Parent identity card/s from the Main Reception after 5 business days.
Please Note: Parent identity cards will Only be issued to parents (Mother & Father), and will NOT be issued to domestic helpers, drivers and guardians.
Dear Parents,
Our GAA Little Wildcats soccer program starts the Week of October 1st. It is a 6 week all inclusive activity for students in Grades 4-6. Students will train once a week from 3:00- 4:15 and participate in games against schools in Abu Dhabi. All students are welcome regardless of ability. To register please click on the link below.
Grade 6 - STARTS SUNDAY OCTOBER 1st
Grade 5 - STARTS MONDAY OCTOBER 2nd
Grade 4 - STARTS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4th
2017-18 Little Wildcats Soccer Registration Gra...
Regards,
Ralph Russell
Director of Athletic and Activities
[email protected]
Our GAA Little Wildcats soccer program starts the Week of October 1st. It is a 6 week all inclusive activity for students in Grades 4-6. Students will train once a week from 3:00- 4:15 and participate in games against schools in Abu Dhabi. All students are welcome regardless of ability. To register please click on the link below.
Grade 6 - STARTS SUNDAY OCTOBER 1st
Grade 5 - STARTS MONDAY OCTOBER 2nd
Grade 4 - STARTS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4th
2017-18 Little Wildcats Soccer Registration Gra...
Regards,
Ralph Russell
Director of Athletic and Activities
[email protected]
School Uniform Update
We understand that parents have had difficulty finding available sizes of certain uniform items and would lik to assure you that we are working with Threads to have this issue resolved ASAP. We thank you for your patience and if you have any questions please contact our PRE, Naseera at [email protected]
Please find attached the school uniform requirement for 2017/2018 as well as the Threads Website with all you need to know regarding the purchasing of the uniform. The school uniform is available for purchase at GAA but with limited hours of operation and available stock. To avoid disappointment we kindly request parents to visit Threads Store located at Dalma Mall. To view the uniform guide please go to the Threads website http://www.threadsme.com.
We understand that parents have had difficulty finding available sizes of certain uniform items and would lik to assure you that we are working with Threads to have this issue resolved ASAP. We thank you for your patience and if you have any questions please contact our PRE, Naseera at [email protected]
Please find attached the school uniform requirement for 2017/2018 as well as the Threads Website with all you need to know regarding the purchasing of the uniform. The school uniform is available for purchase at GAA but with limited hours of operation and available stock. To avoid disappointment we kindly request parents to visit Threads Store located at Dalma Mall. To view the uniform guide please go to the Threads website http://www.threadsme.com.
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Cashless system user guide ( Grade2-12)
Dear Parents, please click on the file below to download the Cashless System user guide . Parents who have students in Grade 2-12 are encouraged to use the cashless system for lunch orders as this system has many benefits, including convenience, safety and a daily limit .
Please click on the user guide below to help you get started.
Please note that any money left on the card from last academic year will remain. Students will be able to use their cards from last year at the start of this year.
Dear Parents, please click on the file below to download the Cashless System user guide . Parents who have students in Grade 2-12 are encouraged to use the cashless system for lunch orders as this system has many benefits, including convenience, safety and a daily limit .
Please click on the user guide below to help you get started.
Please note that any money left on the card from last academic year will remain. Students will be able to use their cards from last year at the start of this year.
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KG & Grade 1
Please see the attached presentation detailing the food order process for KG1, KG2 and Grade 1 students. Hot meals are provided by Keita catering and delivered to the classroom. This is not mandatory and parents are welcome to send students with a packed lunch.
KG and Grade 1 students have lunch in their classroom and not in the cafeteria therefore the order process is different to that of students Grade 2-12, who purchase food in the cafeteria using the cashless system.
Kindly note the following:
- For students to be able to receive meals in their classroom, it is mandatory that parents register them on the online system, make the payment and select the order of the meals. This can only be done online.
- We suggest parents order a week in advance to avoid any disappointments and to ensure on time delivery to your child. Deadline for orders is 4pm the day prior.
- Any orders via email, telephone or at the cafeteria will unfortunately not be accepted.
If you have any questions on how to place the order or experience any difficulty with this system, please contact the Keita IT Department at [email protected] or at 056 939 4250. For general information, please contact their customer service at [email protected] or 800 – KEITA.
Please see the attached presentation detailing the food order process for KG1, KG2 and Grade 1 students. Hot meals are provided by Keita catering and delivered to the classroom. This is not mandatory and parents are welcome to send students with a packed lunch.
KG and Grade 1 students have lunch in their classroom and not in the cafeteria therefore the order process is different to that of students Grade 2-12, who purchase food in the cafeteria using the cashless system.
Kindly note the following:
- For students to be able to receive meals in their classroom, it is mandatory that parents register them on the online system, make the payment and select the order of the meals. This can only be done online.
- We suggest parents order a week in advance to avoid any disappointments and to ensure on time delivery to your child. Deadline for orders is 4pm the day prior.
- Any orders via email, telephone or at the cafeteria will unfortunately not be accepted.
If you have any questions on how to place the order or experience any difficulty with this system, please contact the Keita IT Department at [email protected] or at 056 939 4250. For general information, please contact their customer service at [email protected] or 800 – KEITA.
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