Sunday September 26 - next checking of PCR test results for students below 12 years.

If you missed free in-school testing of September 19 or 21, please take your child to the designated testing location at Biogenix Lab in Masdar City (school code KS-9086). Students without recent PCR test results will not be able to enter the school premises. Please make sure your child has been tested on or after September 19th.

We are waiting for more instructions from ADEK regarding testing frequency, schedule, cost for upcoming month.

Uploading PCR Results to Parent Portal

Parents are still required to upload PCR results in the GEMS Parent Portal before school gates open at 7:30 am on Sunday, 26 September for all students aged below 12 attending school on campus. See instructions here: UPLOADING RESULTS ON PORTAL

PCR Result Sources

Parents must upload screenshot of:

• Al Hosn green screen with new PCR results; or

• PCR report PDF in Al Hosn; or

• SMS results; or

• PCR lab report.

Print out PCR results

To speed up the gate check of new PCR results, please send a print out of results to avoid using phones. It helps guards and staff quickly & easily read and check results.

Hello GAA Community,

As we close our fourth week of the school year, I would like to share a few reminders and updates.

Covid Testing

• We successfully tested most 600 students on Tuesday- all them testing negative

• Please come with a printed copy of the most recent negative test (within 14 days) on Sunday- printed copies will make school entrance much quicker

Meet KG-G5 Leadership

• Please join myself, Ms. Niamh Callanan (KG1 & KG2), Mr. Joe Aldus (G1& G2) and Mr. John O’Neill (G3, G4 & G5) this Monday September 27 at 4:30 for a “Meet the Leadership” Zoom session

• We will address seme common questions and share information on how we are going to ensure this is a great school year

• Zoom Link: https://gemseducation.zoom.us/j/86718240632

Drop-off and Pickup

• Please help your children to be on time in the morning so they can be in their classroom by the time the National Anthem plays at 7:45

• Please do not request an early pick up for your children early unless there is an emergency. We all value the instructional time teachers plan for and an early pickup can disrupt this learning time

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mike Hopaluk

Elementary Principal

email: esprincipal_gaa@gemsedu.com

Dear Parents,

This has been such a happy month. Seeing so many students in school, with less restrictions, has been such a joy to see. Your children have been very happy interacting with each other, going to the library and going to more activities in and around the school. This is not normal but it is a new normal that is much better than last year.

As we return to a more ’normal’ looking school year, our lives grow burier once again. Finding time for your children to keep good habits around study and school preparation can be difficult to juggle with your other responsibilities.

A good night’s sleep is essential for your children to have successful days at school. Below are a few key sleep facts for children that may help as we navigate this new, very busy, normal at school:

• Small children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night to support body and brain growth.

• Studies have shown that ’students who had more regular sleep patterns had better average school grades’ (Study International).

• The number of hours of sleep is important, the quality of sleep is also important.

We all care so much about the well being of the children in our community. Sleep can easily be overlooked but can have such a deep impact on student success in school. I want to thank you for all of your support as we started this school year and look forward to sharing more of your children’s success in GAA as the year moves forward.

Sincerely,

John O’Neill

Grade 3, 4 & 5 Vice Principal

In class 1C we are learning about all of the helpers we have in our community. Students had the opportunity to dress up as different community helpers this week. As a class we discussed how these people make our community better by helping us. As a class they decided, “Police officers are the most important in the community because they help to keep us safe.” In addition, we are learning about things we need and things we want.

Wow, what a great start to the school year it has been. In grade 5A, we have been focusing on fostering a positive learning community within the classroom. Over the past week we have been taking time to have fun, play and reflect on our self-management and social skills. We have gone to the maker space to try out a cup stacking challenge. Students worked together to stack cups without their hands. WOW, what a challenge that was! After many successes, we found ourselves stumped, stacking a tower of cups without talking or using our hands. Students used strong non-verbal communication to complete this tricky challenge. In the room, we heard students being supportive, building up their teammates. We saw students showing kindness and support as they collectively reached for their goal too.

Back in the classroom, we took time to learn and play some board games together. Students shared, took turns and taught each other how to play a variety of different games. As we move through the year, this positivity and support is sure to create a great atmosphere for learning and friendships.

Dear Parents,

We need YOUR help! Whether you are

• a nurse,

• mechanic,

• astronaut,

• custodian or

• business owner,

WE NEED YOU!

We are also looking for professionals to feature careers in:

• engineering,

• science,

• coding and technology,

• media and journalism,

• social activism and art.

We are seeking a variety of people interested in creating a short video or photo presentation talking to our students about their career.

Some other ideas could be to tell a personal story as to:

• How you came to such a career?

• What the career entails?

• A day in life,

• Words of wisdom,

or even a short demonstration of your career. For example, if you are a musician you may be willing to sing a song. If you are a nurse, the students may like to see some of the tools used, or if you are a chef, walk us through the steps on how to cook your speciality! Even just sharing an inspiring message or reading a book to the students would make a huge impact. These videos will then be compiled and shared to all of our first graders. Videos or presentations may be as long or short as you wish.

Many of our students are unaware of the career opportunities available to them and this is a fantastic way to provide them with first hand knowledge of potential career paths and to support their unit of inquiry of “How We Organize Ourselves”. This is also a great way for you to get involved in GAA and make an impact on the students’ future. If you are not interested but know someone who is, please give them (or us) the necessary contact information.

Your participation would be appreciated more than you know. We appreciate all your support.

Please contact your child’s homeroom teacher with any questions.

Sincerely,

The First Grade Teachers at GEMS American Academy

S.worley_gaa@gemsedu.com

• September 26-30: Stu Williamson Photoshoot for KG & Elementary

• September 27: Meet KG-Grade 5 Leadership @4:30 UAE time. Zoom Link: https://gemseducation.zoom.us/j/86718240632