Dear GEMS American Academy Community,

As we wrap up our first week of the new academic year, I want to recognize and celebrate the incredible start we’ve had together.

From the energy in the classrooms to the smiles in the hallways, it has been a joy to see our students reuniting with friends, building new connections, and diving into learning with great enthusiasm. Our dedicated teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and engaging environment, and their efforts have truly set the tone for a positive year ahead.

We are also thankful to celebrate tremendous progress in our building projects, with wholly renovated bathrooms, as well as changing rooms and the swimming pool that will soon be complete. In particular, the beautiful new atrium serves as a wonderful welcome and community center, showcasing our amazing campus.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Your trust and involvement are essential to the strength of our Wildcat community.

We are excited for the journey ahead and confident that, together, we will make this year one of growth, achievement, and memorable experiences.

Here’s to a fantastic year at GEMS American Academy!

Kindest regards,

Dr. Ethan Hildreth

Dear GEMS American Academy Families,

As we conclude the first week of this new school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful energy that has filled our halls. Walking through the classrooms and corridors, I’ve seen smiling faces, excited conversations, and a true sense of community returning to our campus. It is clear that our students are ready to learn, connect, and thrive.

At GEMS American Academy, our GEMS Core Values (Care, Excellence, One Team and Always Learning) guide everything we do, and this week I have seen “Always Learning” in action everywhere I turn. As educators, we firmly believe that learning never stops - not for students, and not for teachers either. This year, we are committed to enhancing our curriculum to better meet the needs of every learner, ensuring that lessons are engaging, challenging, and responsive. In addition, our focus on the development of our Teaching and Learning reflects our dedication to the highest standards of teaching practice, where innovative strategies and personal care come together to create exceptional learning experiences.

We know that education is most powerful when school and home work hand-in-hand. Research consistently shows that when parents are actively involved in their child’s learning, student achievement rises. In particular, studies indicate stronger academic performance, higher motivation, and improved social-emotional development. The same results are seen when students have exceptional school attendance (above 95%). At GEMS American Academy, we view this as a true partnership: students, parents, and educators forming “One Team” with a single goal - the success and well-being of every child.

As we embark on this exciting year together, I want to welcome our new GAA families and to welcome back our returning families. I wish every student a journey filled with engaging learning opportunities, meaningful friendships, and personal growth. With your support and our shared commitment to excellence, I am confident that 2025-2026 will be an outstanding year for our entire school community.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your enthusiasm. Together, we will ensure that every learner shines.

Warm regards,

Josh Doubleday

Deputy Superintendent

Dear GAA Parents,

I hope this message finds you and your families well and excited for a new academic year at GAA. As we step into this year together, our shared goal is to create a learning environment that nurtures not only academic excellence but also strong values, responsibility, and leadership skills in every student.

Education is not just about filling minds with knowledge, but about shaping hearts with values and building character for life.

This year, my main focus in my role will be to enhance the sense of national identity and belonging among our students. As part of this, we kindly remind parents to encourage students to stand respectfully during the National Anthem each morning, fostering pride and respect for our country and culture.

Another important priority is strengthening our Behaviour for Learning Policy. Together, we can help ensure that students develop the self-discipline, resilience, and positive habits they need to succeed. To support this, we would like to remind all students and parents of our key expectations:

• Uniform: Students should wear the correct GAA uniform with pride each day.

• ID Cards: IDs must be worn daily as part of safety and school identity.

• Positive Relationships: Respect, kindness, and cooperation are the foundations of a thriving school community.

By consistently practicing these expectations, our students learn responsibility, accountability, and leadership skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

In addition to behavior and values, we continue to prioritize academic excellence. We encourage parents to work closely with their children in setting clear, achievable goals, both academically and personally. Transparent and open communication with children about their progress, challenges, and aspirations is one of the most powerful ways to build their confidence and success.

We also emphasize the importance of transparent communication between school and families. Your active involvement, feedback, and collaboration are essential in ensuring that every student receives the support they need. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us or your child’s teachers to discuss goals, share concerns, or celebrate achievements.

As partners, let us inspire our students to embrace this year with determination, respect, and enthusiasm. Together, we will build a stronger community where every child feels a deep connection to their identity, grows academically, and develops the leadership qualities needed to thrive in life.

Thank you for your trust and commitment. I look forward to a year filled with growth, achievement, and pride in who we are as a GAA community.

Warm regards,

Samah Awad

Head of National Identity and Pastoral Care

أولياء الأمورالكرام،

تحية طيبة وبعد،

البدايات تشكل مضمون كل تجربة وبدايتنا معكم مليئة بالشغف والحماس كمجتمع واحد يعمل بجد ونشاط من أجل جيل بأكمله. ونحنفي هذه الرحلة معًا. فإن هدفنا المشترك هو خلق بيئة تعليمية تحفز علي  التميز الأكاديمي، وتُعزز القيم، وتُنمّي المسؤولية، وتُصقل مهارات القيادة في كل طالب.

التعليم ليس مجرد تزويد العقول بالمعرفة، بل هو بناء القيم في القلوب وصناعة شخصيات قادرة على القيادة والحياة.

نركز هذا العام  على تعزيز الهوية الوطنية والانتماء لدى أبنائنا الطلبة. ومن هذا المنطلق، نذكّر بضرورة وقوف الطلبة والأهالي بكل احترام عند عزف السلام الوطني يوميًا، بما يعكس الفخر والاعتزاز بوطننا وثقافتنا.

كما نولي اهتمامًا كبيرًا هذا العام إلى سياسة السلوك من أجل التعلّم، لضمان اكتساب الطلبة الانضباط الذاتي، والمرونة، والعادات الإيجابية اللازمة للنجاح. وانطلاقًا من ذلك، نؤكد على بعض التوقعات الأساسية:

الزي المدرسي: الالتزام الكامل بالزي الرسمي وارتداؤه بفخر يوميًا.

بطاقات الهوية المدرسية: ضرورة ارتداء البطاقة بشكل يومي حفاظًا على الأمن والانتماء.

العلاقات الإيجابية: الاحترام واللطف والتعاون هي الأسس التي يقوم عليها مجتمع مدرسي مزدهر.

إن المداومة على هذه الممارسات تعزز لدى طلبتنا المسؤولية والمحاسبة والقيادة، وهي مهارات أساسية تمتد آثارها إلى ما بعد جدران الصفوف الدراسية.

وبالتوازي مع القيم والسلوكيات، نؤكد أيضًا على أهمية التميز الأكاديمي. ونشجعكم كأولياء أمور على مساعدة أبنائكم في تحديد أهداف واضحة قابلة للتحقيق سواء أكاديمية أو شخصية. إن التواصل الصادق والشفاف مع الأبناء حول تقدمهم وتحدياتهم وطموحاتهم، يعد من أقوى الأدوات لبناء ثقتهم بأنفسهم وضمان نجاحهم.

كما نؤكد على أهمية التواصل الشفاف بين المدرسة والأسرة، إذ إن مشاركتكم الفاعلة، وملاحظاتكم، وتعاونكم أمر جوهري لنجاح كل طالب. لا تترددوا في التواصل مع المدرسة أو معلمي أبنائكم لمناقشة الأهداف أو طرح التساؤلات أو الاحتفاء بالإنجازات.

فلنلهم أبناءنا معًا ليبدأوا هذا العام بعزيمة، واحترام، وحماس، ولنواصل بناء مجتمع قوي يشعر فيه كل طالب بالانتماء، ويحقق فيه تقدّمًا أكاديميًا، وينمي مهارات القيادة التي تؤهله للنجاح في حياته.

شكرًا لكم على ثقتكم ودعمكم، وأتطلع معكم إلى عام دراسي حافل بالنمو والإنجازات والفخر بانتمائنا لمجتمع أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية.

مع خالص التحية،

 سماح عوض

رئيسة شؤون الهوية الوطنية والإرشاد التربوي

Dear GAA Families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year at GEMS American Academy! It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I join this community as your new Elementary Principal. From the moment I arrived, I have been struck by the warmth, diversity, and dedication that define GAA. I am honored to work alongside such talented educators, supportive families, and of course, our wonderful students.

This year, we begin a new chapter together-one that builds on the strong foundation already in place while moving forward with renewed energy and purpose. Across our Elementary Division, we will focus on three key priorities:

• Elevating learning: Strengthening literacy and numeracy through high-impact practices and rich inquiry experiences.

• Joyful rigor: Ensuring lessons challenge students to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate-while keeping curiosity and joy at the center.

• Community connection: Deepening our partnership with families and nurturing a culture of care, belonging, and celebration.

The first weeks of school will be devoted to establishing safe, welcoming classrooms where every child feels known and valued. You can expect to see strong routines, sunshine calls, and purposeful relationship-building activities designed to set our students up for success all year long.

I want to thank you, our families, for the trust you place in us. Your partnership is invaluable, and together we will ensure that every child’s GAA journey is one of growth, achievement, and happiness.

I look forward to meeting you  and to celebrating the many accomplishments of our students this year. The future of GAA Elementary is indeed bright-and I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you.

Warm regards,

John Ashenden

Elementary Principal

Welcome Back!

I have enjoyed the first week of the new school year, and want to commend the GAA community for the friendly welcome my family and I have received! I look forward to meeting more of you when the opportunity presents itself.

We’ve completed our first week of school, and it’s been encouraging to see students beginning to settle into routines designed to support their learning. While the start of a new year can feel exciting for some and more challenging for others, together we are taking important steps toward building strong learning habits and a supportive school community. We look forward to continuing to build on this solid foundation, as we develop our learning skills and grow together as a community of learners.

I am challenging us all - students, school, and parents - to consider each of these factors, and together work on how we can ensure they are strong in our school, in order to ensure we provide the most effective learning environment we can. 

As we begin this journey together, I encourage all students to be fully present each day, ready to engage, contribute, and grow. Remember to tap into your “WHY”—your purpose and motivation for learning. When you know your why, every day at school becomes an opportunity to move closer to your goals.

Here’s to a year of purpose, intentional growth, and success in learning for us all!

Dr. Gwyn Underwood

High School Principal

Dear GAA Community,

Welcome to an exciting new school year! We’re thrilled to have you back - and to extend a warm welcome to all our new families - as we begin what promises to be another vibrant year filled with sports, arts, and extracurricular activities.

At GAA, our athletics and activities programs are an extension of our mission beyond the classroom, offering students meaningful and enriching learning experiences. We encourage all students to get involved, try something new, and take an active role in our dynamic school community. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a skilled artist, or just beginning to explore your interests, there’s something here for everyone!

Season 1 Athletics for Middle School (MS) and High School (HS) kick off next week! All interested students are invited to sign up and take part in tryouts for volleyball and swimming.

We’re also excited to share that golf is part of our Season 1 program. GAA has partnered with Yas Links, offering a fantastic opportunity for students to learn and grow through the sport - and we’re now extending this opportunity to the entire Secondary School community. No tryouts or previous experience is required.

Stay tuned to your email for links to registration and parent consent forms, including further details about participation and associated costs for the golf program.

Coming Soon – ASA & Little Wildcats Sign-Ups

Registration for After School Activities (ASA) for both Elementary and Secondary students as well as the Little Wildcats program for our Grade 2-6 students will open soon - more information will be shared shortly.

All the general information about all the activities offered at GAA can be viewed on our GAA Extracurricular Activities website.

Let’s make this a year filled with even greater GAA spirit and pride - both on and off the field!

Go Wildcats!

Rodrigo De Marco

Athletics & Activities Director

Season 1 Offerings 

*Sports Requiring Tryouts

• Volleyball (Middle School (Grades 6–8), Junior Varsity (Grades 9–10), Varsity (Grades 11–12))

• Swimming Middle School (Middle School (Grades 6–8), Junior Varsity (Grades 9–10), Varsity (Grades 11–12))

*Non-Tryout Sports

1. Golf (Middle School Golf – Grades 6, 7, and 8, High School Golf – Grades 9 through 12)

The golf program is offered in partnership with Yas Links, and additional costs will apply. The registration link for golf will be sent to both students and parents tomorrow, Friday, August 29. For planning purposes, practices will take place on Thursdays.

2. Little Wildcats Soccer (Grade 6 Only)

Grade 6 students (boys and girls) also have the opportunity to participate in the Little Wildcats Soccer Program, with practices held on Tuesdays.  Sign-ups for this program will open on September 9 via the After School registration on the ESM platform.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

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

USEFUL LINKS:

• 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...

• 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

• September 1 - Welcome Back Coffee by GAA Parent Association and Booster Club

• September 5* - Possible Public Holiday (P.B.U.H Prophet's Birthday) - *SUBJECT TO ADEK CIRCULAR!

• September 22 - Middle School Back-to-School Night (parent information evening about Middle School)

• September 23 - High School Back-to-School Night (parent information evening about High School)

• September 24 - Elementary School Back-to-School Night (parent information evening about Elementary School)

• October 13-17 - Mid-term Break (no school in session)