DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS

Any outfits/costumes during spirit week must follow the GAA dress code regulations:

• No tight-fitting clothes (including leggings or yoga pants)

• No EXPOSED shoulders

• No exposed midriffs (even whilst wearing an abaya)

• Keep hood down when wearing hoodies

• No ripped jeans

• No offensive logos or expressions on clothing

• No hats

• IF wearing dresses, wear it knee-length

• IF shorts, wear it knee-length

High School students have been very busy in the last few months. Learning has occurred both experientially through field trips, participation in poetry competitions, athletic competitions and traditional books and discussion. What has been consistent is that our GAA Wildcats embody our core expectations of Being Kind, Being Caring, Being a Learner and Being Respectful. 

Ramadan Food Drive

Our 11th grade IB scholars embraced the focus of giving to charity during Ramadan. They collected food items and non-perishables to donate to our support staff as a token of appreciation for all that they do to tirelessly support GAA.  (see pics below)

End of year for scholars

Although this is the end of  the journey for our senior scholars, we want to help them be successful in accomplishing their academic goals by encouraging them to use the Approaches to Learning (ATLs) that we have instilled in them. Additionally, parents, this time is rather stressful for your scholars. Please support them in getting adequate rest, planning on how they will schedule their study time yet have life balance, and utilizing tools for ameliorating stress. A simple evening walk and talking about what brings joy can help significantly. 

Highlights from an article on addressing stress in high school from Harvard University:

If you’re a high school student feeling stressed, you may not even recognize the symptoms. 

In fact, many symptoms of stress might be considered normal for teens who are also dealing with natural hormonal and physical changes. For that reason, it’s important to consider whether behavioral changes can be linked in time to an external event. 

Signs of stress include:

• Feeling more agitated, anxious, short-tempered, or depressed  

• Getting sick more often

• Having more headaches, stomachaches, or other aches and pains

• Feeling more tired than usual

• Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much

• Skipping meals or overeating 

• Neglecting chores or hobbies 

• Trouble concentrating and forgetfulness (Reynolds)

Here are few ideas of how high school students can learn how to deal with stress at school: 

• Keeping a journal

• Getting plenty of exercise

• Eating healthy, regular meals

• Making sure you get enough sleep 

• Meditating

• Downloading an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness

• Limiting excess caffeine in soft drinks or coffee

• Reaching out to friends or family members who help you cope in a positive way

• Making time to do fun things

• Learning to recognize and prepare for stressful periods by doing all of the above (Reynolds)

Source: Reynolds, Pamela. “Managing Stress in High School.” Harvard Summer School, Harvard Division of Continuing Education, 10 Nov. 2022, https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/managing-stress-in-high-school/ 

If students need additional support, their GAA team of instructors, administrators and counselors are here for them.  Please make sure that they know that collectively we celebrate their successes.

Monica Martin

High School Vice Principal, Grades 11-12

Upcoming Key Dates:

• Book Fair April 22 - 26

• MAP test May 13 - June 6 

• Grade 11 DP1 Mock Exam I June 3 - June 14 (additional information forthcoming from the IB Coordinator) 

ATTENTION SENIORS!

"Dreams can become a reality when we possess a vision, a plan, and the courage to chase after it relentlessly." — Walt Disney

Eid Mubarak Seniors 

Welcome back from Spring Break.  This is the last two weeks of school for you and it is very important that you are available and in attendance for learning each day. The final day of instruction for Grade 12 students is Friday 28th April. During the calendared exams, students will only be required to come to school for their exams, and to submit projects to meet deadlines set by your teachers. This is the time for you to focus on your goals and commit to excellence.  Your teachers and administration are here to support you and help you stay on the path to success.  Below is some important information that you will need for the upcoming days.  Please make sure that you have calendared the necessary days and acted upon the requested google forms for exam conflict and early dismissal. 

The eight (8) days before End of Course and IB exams begin are scheduled class time which will be used to prepare students for their final exams and to complete coursework. Reassessments for which students are eligible can also be completed during this time. (documentation approved for reasons specified in the GAA Handbook).  Please attend all classes and arrive on time to each class.  Class starts promptly at 7:45 AM which means you should be in your seat at 7:40 AM.

Missed assessments/retakes - last day for submission April 24

Students who have missed assessments due to an excused absence must complete all missing assessments PRIOR to exams. The grade book for missing assignments closes May 18. Graduation is the point of ratification.  No grades will be changed after grades are entered and finalized in the grade book. 

Failure Notice

Some students have received or will receive a further update about their current grade standing.  Please speak to your teachers about your grades if you currently have a D in the class.  It is imperative to note that one cannot graduate if you fail a core course:  English, Math, Science, Humanity, (Arabic and Islamic as is applicable) or you do not have the correct number of credits.  If you have questions - please speak to Ms. Martin or your assigned counselor. 

Exams will run from 25 April-17 May 

GAA Final Exams will align (for the most part) with the IB Exam schedule.  We will send these out after a final review.  Some of the American Diploma exams have changed dates.  This was done to limit a few larger conflicts.  The ordering of exams is so that all seniors are sitting similar assessments at the same time.  

There will be only one early dismissal form for ease of support for all stakeholders.  Students must submit the early dismissal approval on the google form  by the end of the day 20 April.  Please encourage students to complete the form by the deadline.

Assessment Conflicts: 

For students who have an assessment conflict, they are tasked to complete this form by 18 April.  They will receive a date for their reassessment by 20 April.  

Attendance:

Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled exams.  If you must miss an American Diploma exam, a doctor's note on their letterhead with the stamp must be provided before consideration to resit.  During the exam session, students will have their absences coded as SL for days 25 April – 17 May.  You are required to attend the itemized graduation events.  

Dress Code:

For the final days of class, including the exam period, you must wear the school uniform which is either the blue collared shirt and tie, the gray golf shirt with the optional sweater as it is chilly in the building) or your senior sweatshirt/letterman jacket, plain black shirt and slacks.  The gray sweatshirts have been retired for all students except for on spirit day or game day.   

Graduation requirements:

The MOE exams have been calendared for May 3 and May 8.  ALL Group 1 and 3 scholars must attend the compulsory Arabic and Islamic assessments or they will not be eligible to earn their GAA Diploma.  

1. Last day of instruction 

2. Study Leave is only the Exam Season

3. Early Dismissal Form

4. Request for Reassessment (American Diploma)

Key Dates:

• Last reassessment - April 24

• All senior exams start - April 25 

• MOE Exams - May 3 and 8

• Gradebooks close - May 18

Graduation Events:

• May 28 - Senior Gratitude and Walk

• May 29 - Graduation Rehearsal and Senior Brunch

• May 30 - Graduation Ceremony

Dear Seniors,

Your attention is required for inputting university applications/status/final destination decisions on Unifrog.  Please refer to the document linked below.

Please note that this process must be completed by every senior prior to transcripts/diplomas being released.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Agu19mWANLNYaFqnyST29auzJIFj5iNyGEJTV7MVe1Y/edit?usp=sharing 

Best,

HS Counselors

Dear Families,

Ok, I think that four weeks is officially enough time to stay at home. I am sure you are all ready to send the kids back on Monday.

Spirit week and the Book Fair will take place next week. See below for Spirit Week info.

• Monday- Teacher Student Swap

• Tuesday- Senior Citizen Dress Up

• Wednesday- Cartoon Day

• Thursday- Jersey

• Friday- Dress down day, but wear blue for Autism Awareness

Reminders:

• Monday April 22nd is a blue day, first block is E.

Ms. Williams 

MS Vice Principal

• April 22-26 - Bookworm Bookfair (extended)

• April 25 - May 17 - IB World Exams (Grade 12 IBDP students)

• April 26 - Whole School Dress Down Day - Wear Blue for Autism Awareness Month

• April 26 - Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club

• April 29 - GAA Graduation Pathways, Parent Info Session @6pm

• May 1 - Parent Support Group meeting with Ms. Jackie Wyncoll, K-12 Inclusion Director

• May 3 - GAAPA Monthly Board Meeting @9:00am

• May 17 - GAA Parent Association Annual General Meeting