The last quarter is upon us! We have rounded out a great C3 with many events and activities in middle school. 

Our middle school arts production of The Little Mermaid was absolutely phenomenal. I hope each and every one of you were able to attend to see the talent on the stage and the talent that helped create the sets, costumes and choreography. We were very lucky to have our elementary students support us to create an amazing show. Well done to all students, parents and staff there. Students are still talking about it, and we had to do one last shout-out to everyone in this!

We also had some changes to the day with Ramadan, Eid holiday and Spring break. But within the classroom learning was still a priority. Classrooms were focused and students worked diligently through all the changes. We can all appreciate the work the teachers are doing to create fun and interesting learning opportunities. This last month classes have been doing projects, group work, labs, games and adventure tasks. The students have shared that they have really been enjoying the classroom time and their excitement for the school day has been felt! 

Additionally we want to thank Ms. Ana Chainho, the grade 7 Head of Grade who worked exceptionally hard to plan a special trip for our 7th graders. An overnight camping and adventure trip. Students left Thursday and returned Friday afternoon. During this time students get to have a break from learning in class to focus on community, leadership and problem-solving. This is something that grade 7 needs as an extra focus to prepare for grade 8 next year. The students enjoyed the down time of a campfire and watching a movie under the stars. Thank you to the grade 7 teachers who accompanied the group and supported our students. Thank you to the parents for allowing your children to attend this epic trip! We hope to repeat this each year (or something similar) to help the grade 7s prepare for the next step of grade 8. 

To round out the year we will be having multiple more activities. Both grade 6 and grade 7 will have field trips in May, with more details to come. The Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony and Grade 8 party will be June 16th and we are excited to celebrate all of our grade 8s as they make a huge step in finishing in middle school and preparing to move on to high school. It will be a very happy and rewarding day for all of our grade 8s. More details to follow. We can also look forward to a MS exclusive author talk with Darren Shan, a well respected and published young adult writer! Thank you Ms. Anna Parente, our secondary librarian for organizing this.

Monday begins the end of your academic journey at GAA.  I have been honored to be your Vice Principal.  Please know that I am very proud of you all and celebrate your greatness and future successes.  

Please note that attendance for your EOC is mandatory and submission dates for projects must be strictly observed.  You must respect the dress code of the school and not wear tight or revealing clothing and observe the start times of the EOCs. 

In order to make the EOC process as seamless and positive as possible, please review a few housekeeping functions that must take place.

1. Review and familiarize yourself with your due dates for projects and assessments.  See schedule below.

• AM EOCs begin PROMPTLY at 7:45 AM in their designated rooms and PM EOCs begin PROMPTLY at 12:00 PM in their designated rooms.

• Request for makeups  must be made HERE.  I will respond with your scheduled date.  Please note the reasons for a request for a make up EOC.  

2. Request for Early dismissal will be made here Early Dismissal Form 

• Emails to the secretary will not be honored. I need to have clear understanding of where students are and your documented wishes.  I will only review the data captured here.  The form closes Sunday 12:00 PM.

• Please note that all students must either leave promptly (permission granted by parent) after EOC dismissal, schedule revision time with their instructor (they will either be teaching classes or proctoring exams and need to prepare for your time together) or work quietly in the library or in front of the library on projects that are upcoming. 

• Students are NOT allowed to roam the campus and visit teachers.  This is a safety concern and disrupts the learning environment.  Students not in adherence to these policies will be asked to leave. 

3. Purchases from the café are permissible as long as before or between EOCs or as you exit the school.  Only water will be permitted in the examination room. 

4. No phones or smart technology will be allowed to be on or worn in the examination room.  

5. If a student is late, the exam will have started and they will not be allowed to recoup the time or reschedule.  Please plan accordingly and set your alarms.  

6. Think positively and study hard.  Congratulations the year is almost over – celebrate yourself on the weekends ❤

In Creative Writing classes, students have written and designed writing guides. They share their knowledge of narrative techniques, elements of writing, and tips on writing poetry, thrillers, sci-fi, and romantic stories. Of course, they showcase authored written pieces as well.

Here are some truly impressive pieces. Enjoy reading them!

• May 5: GAAPA Annual General Meeting @8:00am Planetarium

• May 25: Sports Gala @5:30

• May 29: Senior Graduation Rehearsal

• May 30: Senior Graduation @Zayed University

• June 26: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL