Dear Wildcats Community,

Please take a moment to view Dr. Ethan's video message.

In line with the latest Distance Learning Policy issued by ADEK, GAA requests that all parents review the Distance Learning Code of Conduct and acknowledge its requirements.

This ensures that families can actively support a safe, respectful, and effective online learning environment for all students.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain high standards and a positive digital learning experience for our community.

Dear GAA Parents,

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC) and Sakina, ADEK is launching the Healthy Parental Bridges initiative, a series of awareness workshops designed to support families and promote student wellbeing.

The initiative aims to:

• Raise parents’ awareness of early signs of mental health challenges among children

• Promote healthy and supportive home environments

• Equip parents with practical strategies to support their children’s emotional wellbeing

We encourage all parents to participate in the upcoming virtual workshops:

Workshop Schedule

7 April 2026 - Positive Parenting and Its Impact on Children’s Mental Health

• Language: Arabic

• Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

• Platform: Microsoft Teams

• Link for Online Workshop

9 April 2026 - Children’s Mental Health: The Role of the Family in Understanding, Early Intervention, and Safe Treatment

• Language: English

• Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

• Platform: Microsoft Teams

• Link for Online Workshop

13 April 2026 - Addiction and its Impact on the Individual and Family - National Rehabilitation Center

• Language: English

• Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

• Platform: Microsoft Teams

• Link for Online Workshop

We highly encourage parents to register and attend these sessions to gain valuable insights and practical strategies that support children’s mental health and wellbeing.

At GAA, we know that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. During periods of distance learning, families often look to schools not only for academic guidance but also for support, structure, and wellbeing at home.

To help families during this time, GEMS Together: Family Platform has been launched - a parent resource hub designed to complement your child’s distance learning experience. This is not an additional programme or requirement, but a practical tool offering ready-to-use resources for families to strengthen connection, balance, and wellbeing at home.

What GEMS Together Offers

• Age-appropriate activities for independent or family participation

• Wellbeing and emotional support resources

• Suggested timetables and themed days to help structure time at home

• Interactive features where families can rate activities, share experiences, and provide feedback

The platform provides a bank of resources that families can access independently, easing pressure on schools while supporting learning at home. It is not exhaustive and will continue to grow over time, serving as an additional layer of support rather than a replacement for school-led initiatives.

Families can access the platform here: GEMS Together – A Place for Families

We hope GEMS Together provides a helpful addition to your child’s learning experience and a source of support for families during these unique times.

Family First March: “Design the Future – Fashion for a Cause” Winners Announced

In March, GAA students and families took part in our Family First initiative, “Design the Future – Fashion for a Cause”. This creative competition encouraged students to explore imagination, sustainability, and family collaboration across all grade levels, from Pre-KG to Grade 12.

We are delighted to announce the winners for March:

• Jana Sophia Saliba – Grade 1C

• Julie Saliba – Grade 6

• Ghala Alsheryani – Grade 12

Their submissions stood out for creativity, originality, and attention to detail, reflecting thoughtful design and strong effort. Each project beautifully demonstrated how students and families can collaborate to bring ideas to life.

Congratulations to all the winners, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated. Your enthusiasm and creativity continue to make GAA’s Family First initiatives truly special.

Family First April Initiative: “Through the Lens of My Family Home”

This April, GAA invites students to explore the theme “Through the Lens of My Family Home” by writing a poem that captures their thoughts, feelings, and experiences of family life.

Guidelines:

• Poems must be original and written by the student

• Typed submissions only (no handwritten entries)

• Maximum length: one page

• Include full name, class/section, and school name

• Submission deadline: 20th April 2026

Age Categories:

• Under 9 years

• Under 13 years

• Under 19 years

The top three finalists from each GEMS school will be featured in the Family First Anthology, celebrating your voices and perspectives on family and home. Winners and certificates will be announced on 27th April.

We look forward to reading your creative work and sharing your unique stories through the power of poetry!

Lamia Ghouli

Family First Champion

International Trips Update

At GAA, international trips form an important part of our students’ learning journey, offering opportunities for cultural exploration, independence, and personal growth beyond the classroom. After careful consideration and ongoing consultation with our travel partner, Lushscapes, the school made the difficult decision not to proceed with the international trips scheduled for this year, including destinations in Japan, Italy, France, Spain, and Austria.

While we remain optimistic about the continued return to normality, international travel programs require extensive logistical planning and certainty well in advance. Given the remaining uncertainties and the complexities involved in coordinating international travel within the available timeline, the decision was made with one guiding priority in mind: the safety and well-being of our students.

We recognize how much anticipation and preparation surrounded these experiences, and we sincerely thank our families and students for their understanding, flexibility, and continued trust during this time.

Austria Trip Reimbursement Update

Following extensive efforts by our travel partner, Lushscapes, a full reimbursement has been successfully secured. This will be refunded directly to families by Lushscapes. Parents will be contacted shortly to provide bank details and complete the transfer process.

For any refund-related communication from Lushscapes, families are kindly asked to contact Mr. Mohammad Yasin at Yasin@lushescapes.com, who will serve as the main point of contact.

We sincerely appreciate the patience, understanding, and support shown by our community throughout this process. We are very pleased to have reached a positive reimbursement outcome for our families.

Looking Ahead

Although this year’s trips will not take place, we are pleased to confirm that the international trips program will return next school year. These experiences remain a valued and meaningful part of student life at GAA, and we look forward to once again providing students with opportunities to explore the world together.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we navigate these exceptional circumstances as one community.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• Please check out Important Reminders and Procedures Page for policies, handbooks, and much more..

USEFUL LINKS:

• Frequently Asked Questions - covering key topics such as lunch routines, assessment practices, attendance expectations, curriculum support, academic competitions, communication channels, traffic flow, and student entry/exit procedures. This resource is designed to keep you informed and supported as partners in our school community.

• Welcome Pack: your go-to guide for starting the school year at GAA. It includes essential information on school timings, calendar updates, supplies, health forms, uniforms, cafeteria details, and admissions requirements. Families are encouraged to bookmark the link, as it will be regularly updated.

• GEMS Connect Parent Portal: Access student information, view attendance and assessment reports, pay tuition fees, register for bus, and much more...

• GAA Policies and Key Documents

• ADEK Policies - You can access all the authoritative ADEK policies guiding our educational system - including attendance rules, student administration, behavior standards, and more - by visiting the ADEK official policies page. This is your go-to resource for understanding the rules, regulations, and standards that drive schooling across Abu Dhabi, and that GAA aligns with.

• GAA Senior Leadership Bios - Learn more about the GAA Senior Leadership Team - their backgrounds, experience, and areas of responsibility - by visiting our Leadership Bios page. This resource introduces the Superintendent, Executive Team, and Divisional Principals who guide teaching, learning, and operations at GAA.

• Parent/Student Handbooks - The School Handbooks provide parents and students with essential information about expectations, routines, policies, and resources for each school division. They serve as a practical guide to help families navigate daily life at GAA.

• Mental Health Guides for Parents: In cooperation with Ministry of Education, ADEK and Department for Health, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority has developed a practical guide, with tips and resources about supporting your child's mental health: ENGLISH, ARABIC

• March 23 - April 17: Distance Learning

• May 26-29: Expected Public Holiday Eid Al Adha (no school in session)