January 21, 2021 ISSUE (next issue February 4)
Dear GAA Families,
As per decision of the Abu Dhabi National Crisis Committee, we will continue in the same mode of learning until February 7th. Distance learning presents new challenges for all, and now more than ever we understand the importance of creating and encouraging positive online learning environments.
The opportunities for face-to-face connections that have characterized GAA have been put on hold. I am reminded, pre-pandemic, of the bustling reception area full of parents that I witnessed on my visits to school last year. I saw parents at drop off, pick-up, an after school sports practice or rehearsal, sharing a coffee, talking, connecting. These impromptu gatherings were also a chance to meet with your child’s teacher or another member of the faculty and staff, and were instrumental in that they contributed to a sense of GAA community and unity.
Now, it is not as easy to share experiences and this detachment can lead you to feel that you do not know what your children are learning or why.
Teachers will continue to reach out and make contact and I encourage all parents, that have inquiries or questions regarding the program of study or a particular lesson, to contact the school. Ask your children more directed questions about their school day. Questions like; When did you notice yourself most interested and curious today? or When were you most creative today?
Most importantly, ask How did your teachers show they care?
I invite families to share any activity or accomplishment that your son or daughter is experiencing in the classroom or in an outside activity.
As we eventually transition back to more on campus learning, let’s continue to stay connected and share as a community.
Stay safe,
Robert Rinaldo
Head of School
A message from our Registrar,
Naseera Timm-Holland
Dear Parents,
We are happy to inform you that re-enrollment will open on February 11, 2021. Please check out Admissions Section for more info.
TRAINYAS with Wildcats!
January 19, 2021
What a turnout, Wildcats! We were happy to see many familiar and new faces! Here are some photos:
NEWS FROM FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Dear Parents,
Term 2 tuition fee invoice is now available. Payment can be made online through Parent Portal or in-school. Please note cash counters will be open Sunday through Thursday between 8 AM – 4 PM.
SAVINGS ON APPLE PRODUCTS
FOR GAA FAMILIES
Our preferred Apple provider, JTRS (Just The Right Solutions), has created an e-store from which you can purchase a number of Apple products below retail costs. JTRS Education is offering discounts on MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs and iPads, as well as add-ons, cases and extended warranties.
Below, you will find a document on how to locate and sign-up for the e-store to see the discounted products and make a purchase. Once purchased, JTRS Education will be in communication with you about when they will be delivered to the school. Once they have been delivered to GAA, you may pick your devices up from the ICT office here at the school.
GAA Abudhabi Estore PurchaseGuide.pdfGAA Abudhabi QRCODE DisplayPrint.pdfGAA AbuDhabi Estore Flyer.pdfYEARBOOK 2020-2021
ORDER FORM 2020-21.pdfWe can all agree that this year is very unique and our lives are very different than before.
The 2020/2021 yearbook will have a very personal feel to it and will capture the craziness of this school year.
Due to safety restrictions and considering that number of our students are still on full distance learning, we will not have Stu Williamson take student formal photos at school this year. In case things change, we may schedule the photoshoot for March 2021.
This is where we need our Parents and Students' help:
For KG/Elementary, we ask that parents send a recent picture of their child doing anything they like, eating, playing, exercising... clear face and good lighting.
For MS/HS, we ask that students send us a selfie, that can be funny but appropriate.
Homeroom and advisory teachers will reach out to their students/parents shortly with details. We hope to get the photos before the Winter Break.
Let's make a delicious lemonade out of the lemons, so generously given by 2020!
If you didn't get your copy of Yearbook 2019-2020, it is still available. Contact Ms. Fatma, Parent Relations Executive, at pre_gaa@gemsedu.com for payment details.
January 26 - Follow up Q&A Session with IBDP Coordinator. Zoom link here. Watch IB Info night video presentation here.
January 27-28 - KG and Elementary Spirit Days
January 27 - Virtual Coffee with Counsellors @12pm.
January 29 - GEMS UniConnect Global Fair
January 30 - TEDx
February 11 - Re-enrollment Opens!
SAVE ON SCHOOL FEES
Facility to pay by credit card is made available. You can avail fee discounts by paying the whole years’ fees using your FAB GEMS Co Brand Credit Card.
FAB Representative Mr. Mark Henry (mobile: 0543144146, email: Mark.Gabrah@bankfab.com) will be able assist, if you wish to register for the above mentioned facility.
IMPORTANT!: Coordinate with FAB representative to ensure FAB records GAA tuition payment transaction(s) with the "12 months 0% Easy Payment Plan and no processing fee." Alternatively text "EPP" to number 2121 and FAB representative will be contacting you to arrange for Easy Payment Plan.
Use of Bank Points to pay school fees (For Emirates NBD, Citibank & ADCB customers).
Over 60+ new offers on the app allowing parents to save from the comfort of their home
Apple E-shop, with a curated list of Apple products & accessories for students. Offers great discounts and 8 GEMS Points for every AED 100 spent
USEFUL APPS AND WEBSITES
Please make sure you have downloaded GEMS Connect parent portal app for your convenience:
Pay fees online
Track your child's bus transportation
School communication (emails, newsletter, etc)
Submit requests (re-enrollment, Transfer Certificates)
GEMS Ambassador program (refer a friend, get 4% discount on school fees)
and much more...
GEMS Alumni App
As the GEMS community, we understand that it is not just mere nostalgia that we associate our alma mater with, it is much beyond that. Our GEMS alumni across 80 countries are doing amazing things and we want to celebrate their successes every step of the way! Download and join the #GEMSAlumni App today by clicking on the links below:
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details…
App Store : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gems-alumni/id1496962338
IT DEPARTMENT:
Secondary School related:
Sandeep Pavithran, ext 284, email: s.pavithran_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary School related:
Miguel Angelo S Bernabe, ext 230, email: m.bernabe_gaa@gemsedu.com
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