Dear Parents,

Greetings and Ramadan Kareem, 

As we approach the much-anticipated spring break, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of making the most of this time with your children. Spring break offers a wonderful opportunity for families to bond, relax, and engage in activities together. However, it's also a chance to ensure that our children continue to develop their skills, particularly in math and reading. With a little creativity and planning, we can strike a balance between fun and learning during this break.

Incorporate Learning into Everyday Activities

Learning doesn't have to be confined to textbooks and worksheets. During spring break, encourage your children to engage in activities that naturally incorporate math and reading. Cooking together, for example, provides numerous opportunities to practice measuring ingredients, following recipes, and reading instructions. Take advantage of this time to involve your children in meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, turning these activities into valuable learning experiences.

Explore Nature and the Outdoors

Spring break is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore nature. Take family hikes, visit local parks, or simply spend time in your backyard. Encourage your children to observe the plants, animals, and natural surroundings, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to ask questions. You can turn these outdoor adventures into learning opportunities by discussing concepts such as plant life cycles, animal habitats, and the importance of environmental conservation.

Create a Reading Challenge

Challenge your children to participate in a spring break reading challenge. Set a goal for them to read a certain number of books or pages during the break, and reward their efforts with incentives such as a special outing or a small treat. Encourage them to explore different genres, authors, and topics, allowing them to discover new interests and expand their literary horizons. Consider organizing a family book club where everyone reads the same book and then discusses it together, fostering meaningful conversations and connections.

Embrace Technology

Incorporate technology into your spring break learning activities. There are countless educational apps, websites, and online resources available that make learning fun and engaging. Whether it's practicing math facts with interactive games or exploring virtual museums and libraries, technology can be a valuable tool for supplementing traditional learning methods. Just be sure to monitor screen time and choose age-appropriate and educational content.

Make Learning as a  Family

Learning is more enjoyable when done together as a family. Set aside dedicated time each day for family learning activities, whether it's working on a puzzle, playing educational board games, or completing a craft project. By involving the whole family, you not only create lasting memories but also demonstrate the value you place on education and lifelong learning.

Encourage Creativity and Imagination

Spring break is a time for children to unleash their creativity and imagination. Provide them with opportunities to express themselves through art, music, storytelling, and imaginative play. Encourage them to write their own stories, create artwork inspired by nature, or put on a play for the family. These creative activities not only foster self-expression but also develop important literacy skills such as writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

Spring break offers a valuable opportunity for families to spend quality time together while also fostering learning and growth. By incorporating math and reading into everyday activities, exploring the outdoors, embracing technology, and making learning a family affair, you can ensure that your children have a fun and fulfilling break while also staying engaged academically. Let's make the most of this time together and create lasting memories that will enrich our children's lives for years to come.

Wishing you a wonderful and enriching spring break, continued health and prosperity during Ramadan and Eid Mubarak ahead, 

Sincerely,

Leia Kraeuter

Elementary Principal

During this holy month of Ramadan we work together as a school community to honor and adhere to the changing schedules, times of contemplation, and focus on family. Thank you to our entire school community as we have navigated and celebrated the traditions of Ramadan this week. 

As a general reflection and a focus for next week we are asking families of our younger students in elementary (particularly new to fasting) to consider potential needs of your children throughout the day related to water and food. 

Many of our learners in elementary who are attempting to fast and finding it difficult have requested to call home for snacks.  We would ask that children are not calling home for snacks but rather have a back up plan or something packed for snack in the event they feel they can not tolerate fasting. Your teachers are happy to help monitor this for next week and can keep snacks aside if that works better for your needs. 

We are here to support the needs of your family but ask that children are not calling home during the day for food deliveries. 

On behalf of GAAPA and our school, we want to thank you for joining in our GAA Iftar last night! It was a heartwarming testament to the strong sense of community that exists within our school and such a beautiful way to start of this joyous season. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the parents who took the time to attend and participate in this meaningful event. Your presence not only added to the happy atmosphere, but also helped to reinforce the bonds that tie us together as a school-wide community. It is through events like these that we are able to come together, celebrate our diversity, and strengthen the sense of belonging for all members of our school family. It’s part of what I feel makes GAA such a special place- our community is my favorite part of Abu Dhabi! 

Attending the whole school Iftar is more than just a gesture of support – it is a tangible expression of our collective commitment to fostering a school environment where everyone feels valued and included. By coming together to break fast and share in the traditions of Ramadan, we demonstrate our solidarity and unity as a community. Your active participation sends a powerful message to our students, showing them that they are part of a larger, caring community that celebrates and respects each other's differences.

As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, it is important for our families to consider how they can support their young children during this time. One way to do this is by creating a nurturing and understanding environment at home where children feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their thoughts and feelings about Ramadan. Encourage open communication and take the time to explain the significance of fasting, prayer, and charity in a way that is appropriate for their age level.

Additionally, parents can involve their young children in age-appropriate Ramadan activities and rituals, such as preparing special meals together (Futoor), making decorations (like Ramadan lamps), or participating in acts of charity as a family (Zakat). These experiences not only help children develop a deeper understanding of their cultural and religious heritage but also foster a sense of connection to their community and instill important values such as empathy, compassion, and gratitude.

Finally, it is essential for parents to be mindful of their child's physical and emotional well-being during Ramadan, especially if they are fasting. Monitor their energy levels and mood, and encourage them to listen to their bodies and break their fast if they are feeling unwell. Above all, reassure your child that Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth and reflection, and that they are supported and loved no matter what. By providing guidance, understanding, and support, parents can help their young children navigate Ramadan with grace and reverence, while also building cherished family memories that will last a lifetime.

From my family to yours, Ramadan Kareem! 

Lauren Sargent Al Khalifah

Elementary VP

Exciting news from Pre-K B! Our little stars are shining bright as they dive into the world of self-expression. Whether it's during our morning check-ins, painting sessions, or music time, they're finding amazing ways to share their feelings and ideas.

During check-ins, they're learning to express emotions, while painting sessions turn our classroom into a vibrant canvas of self-expression. While in music time, they're expressing themselves through rhythm and melody.

Let's give a big cheer for our Pre-K stars as they show the world just how amazing they are!

Grade 4B has recently been exploring art. On February 27th, 4B had a delightful time visiting the Louvre, where we explored and enjoyed beautiful artwork. Additionally, we had the opportunity to create cultural masks. The students thoroughly enjoyed this trip, during which they saw famous pieces such as the Mona Lisa and work by famous artists like Leonardo Da Vinci.

Ramadan does not stop PE lessons at GAA. Played on a smaller court and with regular breaks, our reduced timings for the lessons ensure the quality remains high throughout. In Upper Elementary, the students have enjoyed expressing themselves with small-sided games of Soccer and Netball. Teamwork and communication have been crucial elements to ensure success on the court, as well as being responsible for refereeing their own games. 

Netball has been a new sport we’ve introduced this year and the children are really relishing the challenge of it. Even if the hoop is a long way up! Our Little Wildcat Netball teams will reap the benefits in the coming years as well as pupils gaining the immediate health advantages now.

• March 25: SPRING BREAK STARTS!

• April 15: First Day of Term 3