News from Head of School - Kathy Miner
A great first week!
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 39 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 under 2,000 students this year with 475 in the Kindergarten program, 820 in the Elementary School and 670 in the Secondary School.
Our GAAPA and Booster Club parents 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 weekly newsletter each Thursday. My weekly article will help to keep you informed and up-to-date with information and news around the school.
Mark Your Calendars!
You’ll learn more about our programs and practices with these informative sessions designed to keep you informed, engaged and an important partner in your child’s learning.
Upcoming Parent Coffee Presentations & Events in September:
Grade 6 Parent Information Session
Date: September 7th,
Time:11:30am-12:15pm
Place: Auditorium
GAAPA Parent Coffee Morning
Date: September 14th
Time: 8:30am
Place: GAAPA room
Secondary Curriculum overview
Date: September 14th
Time: 11:30am-12:15pm
Place: Auditorium
Secondary Math Information session
Date: September 28th
Time: 11:30am-12:15pm
Place: Auditorium
*Each Secondary Parent Information Session will be followed by a presentation on how to access Plus Portals and Haiku by our Director of Technology, Mr. Brian Farrell.
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:
Parking
Thank you for your efforts to keep our parking lot safe and traffic flowing smoothly. You may not be aware that we do not own or control the parking lot areas. These areas are owned by the municipality, which means we cannot alter the traffic flow or design to better meet our needs.
Please remember to use the back parking lot for pick up and drop off and leave the front parking area for our KG parents. Take care where you park your car as city police have been issuing parking tickets for cars parking up onto the curb.
Above all, let us exercise patience and adhere to the GAA Culture of Kindness as we manage the daily parking lot experience.
Please Watch For Student Safety
Please do not remove the safety cone placed out in the back parking lot. The cone designates a safety zone, which allows visibility of small children. Removing the cone and parking in this space, results in reduced visibility of small children to drivers in the parking lot. Our security guards are on the alert to protect safety in the parking areas.
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School
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 39 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 under 2,000 students this year with 475 in the Kindergarten program, 820 in the Elementary School and 670 in the Secondary School.
Our GAAPA and Booster Club parents 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 weekly newsletter each Thursday. My weekly article will help to keep you informed and up-to-date with information and news around the school.
Mark Your Calendars!
You’ll learn more about our programs and practices with these informative sessions designed to keep you informed, engaged and an important partner in your child’s learning.
Upcoming Parent Coffee Presentations & Events in September:
Grade 6 Parent Information Session
Date: September 7th,
Time:11:30am-12:15pm
Place: Auditorium
GAAPA Parent Coffee Morning
Date: September 14th
Time: 8:30am
Place: GAAPA room
Secondary Curriculum overview
Date: September 14th
Time: 11:30am-12:15pm
Place: Auditorium
Secondary Math Information session
Date: September 28th
Time: 11:30am-12:15pm
Place: Auditorium
*Each Secondary Parent Information Session will be followed by a presentation on how to access Plus Portals and Haiku by our Director of Technology, Mr. Brian Farrell.
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.
Parking
Thank you for your efforts to keep our parking lot safe and traffic flowing smoothly. You may not be aware that we do not own or control the parking lot areas. These areas are owned by the municipality, which means we cannot alter the traffic flow or design to better meet our needs.
Please remember to use the back parking lot for pick up and drop off and leave the front parking area for our KG parents. Take care where you park your car as city police have been issuing parking tickets for cars parking up onto the curb.
Above all, let us exercise patience and adhere to the GAA Culture of Kindness as we manage the daily parking lot experience.
Please Watch For Student Safety
Please do not remove the safety cone placed out in the back parking lot. The cone designates a safety zone, which allows visibility of small children. Removing the cone and parking in this space, results in reduced visibility of small children to drivers in the parking lot. Our security guards are on the alert to protect safety in the parking areas.
Regards,
Kathryn Miner
Head of School
Late arrivals and early pick up procedure
With the first few days of school under our belt we have had the opportunity to practice our morning drop off and afternoon pick up procedures.
KG and Elementary parents are kindly reminded to sign students in or out of school at the Reception if they arrive after 7:45am or depart before 2.55pm. If a student is late arriving at school, parents must accompany their child/children to the Reception to sign in no matter which door is used to enter the school. Students should receive a late pass before entering the classroom. If a student is leaving school early, parents must inform the classroom teacher in advance via email and come to the Reception before collecting their child from the class. All students arriving to class past 7.45am are considered tardy.
Secondary Students should go directly to the Secondary Office (room 231) if they arrive late. Parents must notify the Secretary, Ms Lynne Brown by phone or email if their child is going to be absent or needs to leave school early.
Students will not be accepted or collected from their classroom without a late/early pick up slip.
We appreciate your continuous support and cooperation.
With the first few days of school under our belt we have had the opportunity to practice our morning drop off and afternoon pick up procedures.
KG and Elementary parents are kindly reminded to sign students in or out of school at the Reception if they arrive after 7:45am or depart before 2.55pm. If a student is late arriving at school, parents must accompany their child/children to the Reception to sign in no matter which door is used to enter the school. Students should receive a late pass before entering the classroom. If a student is leaving school early, parents must inform the classroom teacher in advance via email and come to the Reception before collecting their child from the class. All students arriving to class past 7.45am are considered tardy.
Secondary Students should go directly to the Secondary Office (room 231) if they arrive late. Parents must notify the Secretary, Ms Lynne Brown by phone or email if their child is going to be absent or needs to leave school early.
Students will not be accepted or collected from their classroom without a late/early pick up slip.
We appreciate your continuous support and cooperation.
Gate security access
The safety of our students, and the GAA community as a whole, is our greatest priority. Please review our campus security procedures. Your cooperation and compliance with our security procedures help us to ensure a safe school environment for all.
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 register by handing the Security Guards a valid ID (Emirates ID, Labor card, Driver’s License, passport) and receive a Visitor Card.
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.
New Parents, we would like to remind you of the importance of complying with our request to upload your photos onto the GEMS Learning Gateway so we may create your Parent ID badge. Please find attached the step-by-step guide to help you to upload your photo.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation.
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 register 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 of 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.
New Parents, we would like to remind you of the importance of complying with our request to upload your photos onto the GEMS Learning Gateway so we may create your Parent ID badge. Please find attached the step-by-step guide to help you to upload your photo.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation.
step_by_step_guide_for_parent_id_upload.pdf | |
File Size: | 533 kb |
File Type: |
Uniform Update:
Dear Parents,
We understand that not all parents have managed to get uniforms for their children from our new supplier Threads.
We would like to assure you that the school will allow all students to continue wearing uniforms from our previous supplier Zaks until it is outgrown or worn out.
If in the event you do not have either the Zaks or Threads uniform, the school will allow students to abide by the following dress code until they get a new uniform. The key is to find a similar alternative, similar color and style.
We are currently short on ties, Grades 1-5. Pants in larger sizes are not yet available.
Elementary school: PE kit for younger children. Alternatively, smart skirt/trousers and plain blouse/shirt. No tie if one has not been purchased.
Secondary school: Smart shirt/blouse and trousers/skirt. School-approved shoes.
Uniforms can be purchased in the following convenient places:
Please find the enclosed Uniform Guide to assist you in choosing the right combination of items and sizes for your child.
Dear Parents,
We understand that not all parents have managed to get uniforms for their children from our new supplier Threads.
We would like to assure you that the school will allow all students to continue wearing uniforms from our previous supplier Zaks until it is outgrown or worn out.
If in the event you do not have either the Zaks or Threads uniform, the school will allow students to abide by the following dress code until they get a new uniform. The key is to find a similar alternative, similar color and style.
We are currently short on ties, Grades 1-5. Pants in larger sizes are not yet available.
Elementary school: PE kit for younger children. Alternatively, smart skirt/trousers and plain blouse/shirt. No tie if one has not been purchased.
Secondary school: Smart shirt/blouse and trousers/skirt. School-approved shoes.
Uniforms can be purchased in the following convenient places:
- Ordering Online: Order from the comfort of your own home. Delivery will be made within one week of the order, subject to availability. Delivery is made by Aramex.
- Purchasing at GAA: Special arrangements have been made with our school to allow sales at GAA through August and September.
- Threads outlet: A Threads retail outlet will be set up in the coming months near GAA, more info to be announced.
Please find the enclosed Uniform Guide to assist you in choosing the right combination of items and sizes for your child.
gaa_uniform_guide.pdf | |
File Size: | 5604 kb |
File Type: |
“Yas Beach is pleased to announce the launch of RISE: Recreation, Imagination, Socialization and Education. “RISE your kids at Yas Beach In September” with many activities for kids and families.
Fun is everywhere in Yas Beach, on land or water you can have unforgettable moments with your loved ones in September.
Sand Castle Competition on every Friday: If you ever ask how to build a sand castle, Yas Beach is giving you the chance to discover it! Take your kid and allow yourself to become creative! Register at the reception and show us what a great and creative team you make together. Every Friday from 3 pm – 5 pm. If you forgot your hat or the sunblock you can find them in our shop! Exciting prizes will be awarded.
Kidoos World - Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: The magical place for your little ones to explore and engage in constructive and educational games, helping to develop their physical, social, mental and emotional skills. Inside the tent toddlers will be entertained by educational videos like “Baby Einstein” and Disney films (*Children must remain supervised at all times).
Sailing experience in the Omega or Hobie 18 at 50 % discount every Monday: Only children above age 4 can take part in sailing on the Omega or Hobie 18. *We will only accept children whose parents sign the waiver form. Children under ten years old must be accompanied by an adult.
In the windy days you can teach your child how to raise a kite (you can find them easily in our shop).
Kids rates:
Fun is everywhere in Yas Beach, on land or water you can have unforgettable moments with your loved ones in September.
Sand Castle Competition on every Friday: If you ever ask how to build a sand castle, Yas Beach is giving you the chance to discover it! Take your kid and allow yourself to become creative! Register at the reception and show us what a great and creative team you make together. Every Friday from 3 pm – 5 pm. If you forgot your hat or the sunblock you can find them in our shop! Exciting prizes will be awarded.
Kidoos World - Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: The magical place for your little ones to explore and engage in constructive and educational games, helping to develop their physical, social, mental and emotional skills. Inside the tent toddlers will be entertained by educational videos like “Baby Einstein” and Disney films (*Children must remain supervised at all times).
Sailing experience in the Omega or Hobie 18 at 50 % discount every Monday: Only children above age 4 can take part in sailing on the Omega or Hobie 18. *We will only accept children whose parents sign the waiver form. Children under ten years old must be accompanied by an adult.
In the windy days you can teach your child how to raise a kite (you can find them easily in our shop).
Kids rates:
- Free entrance below 8 years
- 50 % discount between 8-14 years