Dear GAA Families,

It was a pleasure seeing so many families at our Back to School Night question and answer period last week. We look forward to continued opportunities to connect throughout the year. Some of our important upcoming events can be found below:

• September 26-30 - IBDP Mock exams

• September 28 - MS / HS Program at GAA Presentation @ 5:00 pm (UAE time) Zoom Meeting Link: https://gemseducation.zoom.us/j/85873742382

• October 5 - Senior College Night @ 6:00 pm

• October 12 - IBDP/ College Night @ 6:00 pm

IB Mock Exams

Ms. Martin has sent a message to IB students via ManageBac regarding IB Mock exams. Please check this message and refer any questions to Ms. Martin at m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com

PCR Testing

This week, we partnered with the Department of Health to conduct over 700 PCR tests. Once results are received, please Upload your results here. You may also use this link to upload vaccination records for students 16 and older.

IMPORTANT: Starting from September 28, unvaccinated students, ages 12-15 must present proof of a negative PCR test every 7 days!

High School Counselors

Our High School Counseling Team of Ms. Bradford and Ms. Sciolis have created a College and Career Google Classroom to prepare students for live beyond GAA. If you have not already done so, please CLICK HERE to visit the site and receive updates.

This week, our counselors met with students to discuss the services that our offered through our counseling team. Please ask your students about these conversations to learn more.

Student Expectations

This week, we have spent time reviewing student behavior expectations with our students via grade level meetings. Our Middle School Student Handbook can be found HERE. The High School Student Handbook can be found HERE. After reviewing the document, please complete the Google Form to acknowledge receipt and cooperation with our school policies.

• Be Safe Students are taught that physical and emotional safety are prioritized. Students can only learn and play once their safety is secure.

• Be Respectful Being respectful involves treating others the way you want to be treated, having a positive regard for peers and adults and valuing differences in culture.

• Be a Learner The principle “Be a Learner” essentially relates to valuing the learning process and learning community.

• Be Kind Fostering a Culture of Kindness is a top priority at GAA. Students are taught values of kindness and are expected to treat others with kindness at all times.

Regards,

Ms. Lumpkins

High School Vice Principal

Calling High School Wildcats,

GAA will soon open the gym up for Indoor Recreational Activity

• Dates: Beginning on Monday, 27 September

• Days: Mondays & Wednesdays (possible Friday afternoons if enough interest is shown)

• Times: 4:45 - 6:00 p.m.

Depending on how many students sign up we'll configure the gym for basketball, badminton, volleyball and/or indoor football.

This will be a recreational opportunity for students to get extra training if they would like!

Mr. Coulter will also begin a training program for SERIOUS ATHLETES to enhance their physical skills on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mornings before and after school (you pick which one you want to attend…or both!) as well as on Saturdays. Look for a separate registration form.

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A RIDE HOME! THERE WILL BE NO LATE BUS.

REGISTER HERE if you are willing to outwork your opponents!

Welcome to GAA Secondary Library website! Your access to the library collection, research databases, learning resources and more!

SECONDARY LIBRARY WEBSITE

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

• September 26-30: IB Mock Exams

• September 28: Curriculum Night at 5 pm (for both MS and HS) Zoom Meeting Link: https://gemseducation.zoom.us/j/85873742382

• October 5: College Night

• October 12: IB Night