News from our Head of School - Kathy Miner
Back-to-School Night
Please be sure to attend our Back-to-School Night events scheduled on:
Elementary School, KG-G5: Wednesday, September 27th, from 5:30pm
Secondary School, G6-G12: Thursday, September 28th, from 5pm
Back-to-School Night is an opportunity for parents to meet teachers and to learn about classroom expectations and routines. In depth information about curriculum is difficult to cover in this meet and greet format, however, you’ll see evenings dedicated to in depth curriculum topics planned for later in the month.
Students do not participate in Back-to-School Night, this is a time for parents and teachers to meet and connect.
Thank you for your participation in the parent information sessions held this week. We received a significant amount of positive feedback about the school year thus far and would like to thank you for your partnership.
We agree with our parents there is definitely something special here at GEMS American Academy. Our students represent 90 nationalities and speak 40 different languages- we are definitely a vibrant and international community!
We know that GAA provides a broad array of enriched opportunities and a fantastic facility. Our teachers are enthusiastic and caring professionals who are knowledgeable of successful practices in education. And, our supportive teaching assistants devote time and attention to each child.
The magic of our community can be found in the everyday interactions throughout the school- the warmth, the welcoming spirit and the relationships that are built and sustained throughout the year.
Visitors and families to our school immediately sense a Culture of Kindness, a signature of our school community that reflects our core values and philosophy of education.
We are all part of the something special at our school, the connections and relationships as we partner to support, care for and educate our children.
A few reminders for the week include:
Thank you to our supportive GAAPA team for hosting a very successful Parent Coffee this week to help our GAA parents to meet, connect and get involved in the GAA community.
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
Please be sure to attend our Back-to-School Night events scheduled on:
Elementary School, KG-G5: Wednesday, September 27th, from 5:30pm
Secondary School, G6-G12: Thursday, September 28th, from 5pm
Back-to-School Night is an opportunity for parents to meet teachers and to learn about classroom expectations and routines. In depth information about curriculum is difficult to cover in this meet and greet format, however, you’ll see evenings dedicated to in depth curriculum topics planned for later in the month.
Students do not participate in Back-to-School Night, this is a time for parents and teachers to meet and connect.
Thank you for your participation in the parent information sessions held this week. We received a significant amount of positive feedback about the school year thus far and would like to thank you for your partnership.
We agree with our parents there is definitely something special here at GEMS American Academy. Our students represent 90 nationalities and speak 40 different languages- we are definitely a vibrant and international community!
We know that GAA provides a broad array of enriched opportunities and a fantastic facility. Our teachers are enthusiastic and caring professionals who are knowledgeable of successful practices in education. And, our supportive teaching assistants devote time and attention to each child.
The magic of our community can be found in the everyday interactions throughout the school- the warmth, the welcoming spirit and the relationships that are built and sustained throughout the year.
Visitors and families to our school immediately sense a Culture of Kindness, a signature of our school community that reflects our core values and philosophy of education.
We are all part of the something special at our school, the connections and relationships as we partner to support, care for and educate our children.
A few reminders for the week include:
- We ask you to present your GAA Parent ID Card or Emirates ID Card at the Guard Gate each and every time you enter our campus.
- Students will receive their GAA Student ID cards next week, which they can use to purchase lunch in the cafeteria using our online cashier system. Details on how to charge your child’s account was sent to all parents via email and can be found in this week's newsletter.
- Be sure to mark your calendars for our upcoming Parent Presentations, such as " IB Diploma/College Night" and other important topics. See below for dates.
Thank you to our supportive GAAPA team for hosting a very successful Parent Coffee this week to help our GAA parents to meet, connect and get involved in the GAA community.
Kathryn Miner
Head of School and CEO
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 the below session. 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 the below session. Our Innovation and Technology Team will be happy to assist.
- Sunday September 24th 2pm-3pm (Planetarium)
How to contact us at GAA!
We hope that we have provided all the information and support necessary for you and you child.
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.
Below is a list of important email addresses. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need anything.
KG and Elementary
ES Principal, Dan Trimble: [email protected]
ES Vice Principal, Mike Hopaluk: [email protected]
ES Vice Principal, David Coats: [email protected]
KG Vice Principal, Heather Smith: [email protected]
ES Counselor KG & Grade 1, Latanya Weaver: [email protected]
ES Counselor Grade 2-5, Melanie Moses: [email protected]
ES Secretary, Leonie Van de Sluis: [email protected]
Secondary School
Principal, Katherine Banner: [email protected]
High School Vice Principal, Kain Klinkhammer: [email protected]
Middle School Vice Principal, Peter Thorpe: [email protected]
High School Counselor (Grade 11 & 12) Kathleen Leishear: [email protected]
High School Counselor (Grade 9 & 10) Philip Abraham: [email protected]
Middle School Counselor ( Grade 6-8) Cynthia Perez: [email protected]
Secondary Secondary, Lynn Brown: [email protected]
Ell/LS; Erik Smith: [email protected]
Director of Innovation and Technology; Ray Cunningham: [email protected]
We hope that we have provided all the information and support necessary for you and you child.
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.
Below is a list of important email addresses. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need anything.
KG and Elementary
ES Principal, Dan Trimble: [email protected]
ES Vice Principal, Mike Hopaluk: [email protected]
ES Vice Principal, David Coats: [email protected]
KG Vice Principal, Heather Smith: [email protected]
ES Counselor KG & Grade 1, Latanya Weaver: [email protected]
ES Counselor Grade 2-5, Melanie Moses: [email protected]
ES Secretary, Leonie Van de Sluis: [email protected]
Secondary School
Principal, Katherine Banner: [email protected]
High School Vice Principal, Kain Klinkhammer: [email protected]
Middle School Vice Principal, Peter Thorpe: [email protected]
High School Counselor (Grade 11 & 12) Kathleen Leishear: [email protected]
High School Counselor (Grade 9 & 10) Philip Abraham: [email protected]
Middle School Counselor ( Grade 6-8) Cynthia Perez: [email protected]
Secondary Secondary, Lynn Brown: [email protected]
Ell/LS; Erik Smith: [email protected]
Director of Innovation and Technology; Ray Cunningham: [email protected]
News from our Director of Arabic Studies, Samah Awad
Dear GAA Parents,
On behalf of the Arabic staff at GAA, we are delighted to welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year! We look forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential.
We will continue to focus this year to improve the Arabic language for our students. We will work on the four language learning skills and build bridges between the curriculum in the classroom and their social life which will motivate them to learn the Arabic language and use it in their day- to- day life.
We will continue to focus this year on enhancing our Arabic Reading program by having new Arabic software for Guided reading, and new reading series of Arabic books.
We are working also to enrich our Arabic library by purchasing new resources, and if your child has any Arabic reading books they no longer use please don’t hesitate to let us know or send us these books to add to our library.
Similarly, we will continue helping our students to make everyday connections in Islamic studies and UAE social studies.
We are excited this year to Integrate the Moral Education and My Identity program to our GAA curriculum to prepare our students to the adult life, and establish loyalty and belonging toward the UAE among all students.
The Arabic staff and I feel privileged to be a part of this school family, we thank you for your support and look forward to meeting you during our Back to School night.
If you have any questions regarding our Arabic curriculum or instruction, please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange an appointment.
My email address: [email protected]
Sincerely,
Director of Arabic Studies
Samah Awad
On behalf of the Arabic staff at GAA, we are delighted to welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year! We look forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential.
We will continue to focus this year to improve the Arabic language for our students. We will work on the four language learning skills and build bridges between the curriculum in the classroom and their social life which will motivate them to learn the Arabic language and use it in their day- to- day life.
We will continue to focus this year on enhancing our Arabic Reading program by having new Arabic software for Guided reading, and new reading series of Arabic books.
We are working also to enrich our Arabic library by purchasing new resources, and if your child has any Arabic reading books they no longer use please don’t hesitate to let us know or send us these books to add to our library.
Similarly, we will continue helping our students to make everyday connections in Islamic studies and UAE social studies.
We are excited this year to Integrate the Moral Education and My Identity program to our GAA curriculum to prepare our students to the adult life, and establish loyalty and belonging toward the UAE among all students.
The Arabic staff and I feel privileged to be a part of this school family, we thank you for your support and look forward to meeting you during our Back to School night.
If you have any questions regarding our Arabic curriculum or instruction, please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange an appointment.
My email address: [email protected]
Sincerely,
Director of Arabic Studies
Samah Awad
أَولياءُ الأمُور الكِرام
تحيّةٌ طيّبةٌ وبعد
تتَصافح الأيدي وتتعانق القُلوب في ميادينِ العلّم والاجتهاد، آمالنا عريضة وطُموحنا كبيرٌ في دعمِ طلابنا خلال العام الدّراسيّ الجديد
يَسرُّ قسم اللُّغة العربيّة في أَكاديميّةِ جيمس الأمريكيّة أن يتقدم بأحرالتّهاني والتبريكات بمناسبة رأس السّنة الهجريّة أعادها الله علينا وعلى الأمة الإسلاميّة بالخير واليُمن والبركات، كما يُشرفنا العمل معكم في دعمِ المسيرة التّعليميّة التَّعلُّميّة لما فيه مصلحة طُلابنا الأعزاء
كِمِا يُشرِّفنا أن نعمل على تأمين أفضل الوسائل لتطبيق المناهج التّعليميّة للنّهوض باللّغة العربيّة من خلال صقل المهارات الأساسيّة وبناء جسور تواصل بين المناهج التّعليميّة والواقع الّذي نعيشه، بالإضافة إلى خَلق دافع وجداني لدى الطّلاب لحثهم على تعلُّم هذه اللّغة واستخدامها.
وإيمانًا منّا بأهميّة القراءة في دعم تعلّم أي لغة نعمل هذه السّنة على تعزيز برنامج القراءة الموجهة والحرّة من خلال إثراء مكتبة المدرسة بالكثير من الكتب العربيّة، وتوفير منصّة إلكترونيّة جديدة لدعم وتطوير مهارة القراءة لدي طلابنا، كما يسرني مشاركتكم بأننا نعمل على إقتناء المزيد من الكتب العربيّة لإثراء مكتبة المدرسة، وفي حال توافر كتب أو قصص باللّغة العربيّة لم تعد ملائمة لعمر أو مستوى أبناءكم أرجو عدم التّردد في التّواصل معنا أو إرسالها لنا لتعمّ الفائدة ونعيد إحياء الكتاب العربيّ
على أمل اللّقاء القريب إن شَاءَ اللّه للإجابة على كَافة الاستفسارات وتقديم الشّروحات اللّازمة لدعم العمليّة التّربويّة ليلة العودة إلى المدرسة
أَرجو عدم التّردد في التّواصل معي عبر البريد الإلكتروني التّالي
[email protected]
مديرة قسم اللّغة العربيّة
سماح عوض
Dear Parents
It’s picture time again! Stu Williamson Photography will be Visiting GAA to take all student photos as well as class pictures. Please see dates below:
KG and Elementary (KG1- G5): October 1st- October 5th
Secondary (Grade G6-G12): October 29th- November 2nd
Stu Williamson is the leading school photographer in the UAE and is renowned for its quality photographs. The photo sessions will take place during the day and are planned to cause the least disruption to your child’s day.
The Stu Williamson online ordering system has been developed to make it easier and more flexible for you. A few days after your child has their photograph taken they will bring home a password card. This has a unique login code and URL details for you to be able to view and purchase your child’s photographs. Please register your details on the Stu Williamson site and when the photographs are live you will receive an email. The images will be available to purchase after the school has approved all the photographs.
Please ask your child’s teacher to find out the exact day and time of your child’s session and mark your calendars so you don’t forget. The schedule for Secondary students will be available during week commencing the 22nd October 2017.
Also – this year we will be offering a limited number of after-school slots for sibling photographs. If you’d like to schedule sibling photos, please contact Stu Williamson directly on:04 388 3382 and sign up for a slot.
You are under no obligation to purchase the photos, however taking a photo is mandatory. We need a photo of every student for our database and other school-related events. So, please be sure not to schedule doctor’s appointments or other conflicting events that day, and make sure your child is on time for school and in the correct GAA uniform. Thank you for your cooperation on your photo day.
If you do have any queries during any part of this process please contact Stu Williamson Photography on 04 388 3382 or email [email protected] and their customer service team will help.
It’s picture time again! Stu Williamson Photography will be Visiting GAA to take all student photos as well as class pictures. Please see dates below:
KG and Elementary (KG1- G5): October 1st- October 5th
Secondary (Grade G6-G12): October 29th- November 2nd
Stu Williamson is the leading school photographer in the UAE and is renowned for its quality photographs. The photo sessions will take place during the day and are planned to cause the least disruption to your child’s day.
The Stu Williamson online ordering system has been developed to make it easier and more flexible for you. A few days after your child has their photograph taken they will bring home a password card. This has a unique login code and URL details for you to be able to view and purchase your child’s photographs. Please register your details on the Stu Williamson site and when the photographs are live you will receive an email. The images will be available to purchase after the school has approved all the photographs.
Please ask your child’s teacher to find out the exact day and time of your child’s session and mark your calendars so you don’t forget. The schedule for Secondary students will be available during week commencing the 22nd October 2017.
Also – this year we will be offering a limited number of after-school slots for sibling photographs. If you’d like to schedule sibling photos, please contact Stu Williamson directly on:04 388 3382 and sign up for a slot.
You are under no obligation to purchase the photos, however taking a photo is mandatory. We need a photo of every student for our database and other school-related events. So, please be sure not to schedule doctor’s appointments or other conflicting events that day, and make sure your child is on time for school and in the correct GAA uniform. Thank you for your cooperation on your photo day.
If you do have any queries during any part of this process please contact Stu Williamson Photography on 04 388 3382 or email [email protected] and their customer service team will help.
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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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.
We have had many parents requesting parent ID's for nanny's, guardians and drivers. Unfortunately Parent ID's are for parents only. We are unable to issue Parent ID's to Drivers and nannies/guardians. Please assist us by ensuring that your drivers and/or nannies/guardians always sign in at security before entering the premises. This also means that they are not allowed to enter the school with your parent ID.
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.
We have had many parents requesting parent ID's for nanny's, guardians and drivers. Unfortunately Parent ID's are for parents only. We are unable to issue Parent ID's to Drivers and nannies/guardians. Please assist us by ensuring that your drivers and/or nannies/guardians always sign in at security before entering the premises. This also means that they are not allowed to enter the school with your parent ID.
School Uniform Update
We understand that parents have had difficulty finding available sizes of certain uniform items and would like 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 like 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.
Students should receive their student card in the next week or two. Students may use cash until they've received their student cards.
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.
Students should receive their student card in the next week or two. Students may use cash until they've received their student cards.
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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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