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Issue # 7 - December 13, 2024

The GAAzette Online
  • Whole School News
  • Elementary News
  • Secondary News
  • GAA Roars Secondary Student News
  • Secondary Library
  • GAAzette Archive
The GAAzette Online

ELEMENTARY NEWS


SECONDARY NEWS


Message from Head of School

MR. ROBERT RINALDO

email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com

Dear GAA Families,

As we approach the end of the first term and the upcoming winter break, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to every member of our community.

To our faculty and staff—thank you for guiding, mentoring, and teaching academic and social skills. Your dedication, compassion, and hard work are deeply appreciated, and we are truly grateful for all you do to encourage our students’ growth.

To our parents—thank you for being partners in supporting your children’s learning. Whether it is following up on action plans, offering encouragement, or being there to provide motivation, your involvement is invaluable and makes a big difference.

To our GAA students—your effort and achievements this term have been inspiring. You have earned a well-deserved break, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate your progress and accomplishments when we return.

Upon return on January 6, we will welcome new families to our community. To help them feel at home, the GAA Parent Association (GAAPA) is organizing a Welcome Coffee Morning. Additionally, there are several exciting community events coming soon, including our International Food Festival on February 15 and the first musical of the season, the Middle School production of Beauty and the Beast Jr., which will take place on January 29 and 30.

There is much to look forward to and be grateful for. I hope the time away provides an opportunity for all of us to spend quality time with family and friends, and I wish all members of our GAA community a peaceful and restful break.

Warm regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Message from Deputy Head of School

MS. SAMAH AWAD

email: s.awad_gaa@gemsedu.com

November 28 UAE Union Day Celebration Photos and Videos

Dear GAA Parents,

UAE is one of the blessed countries that have earned success in a few decades. This shows the determination and hard work of the rulers who dream of it. 

H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the man of wisdom behind it, who led this dream to come true. It can’t be denied that it was an arid piece of land that transformed into huge buildings with several nationalities living peacefully together.

The national day of UAE is celebrated on the 2nd of December every year. The UAE's people salute the Nation's father, H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on this day. “Spirit of Union” is the theme followed for several years.

We salute our beloved country as we celebrated the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of the union that marked the beginning of a blessed march toward progress and development. 

On this day, we remembered the founders of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his companion the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and their brothers, the rulers, who all met on 2nd December 1971, armed with their deep belief in their country and with a deep interest in the people, eventually led the birth of the United Arab Emirates and the onset of the country’s renaissance.

On the 28th of November 2024, GAA celebrated an extraordinary UAE National Day Assembly to commemorate this special occasion. We enjoyed a daylong National Day celebration with assemblies, a heritage fair, a Falcon and magic show, face painting, and many traditional foods and workshops!

Thank you to all for making our National Day an incredible community event. We heard many positive comments throughout the day from parents, students, teachers, and staff members- all proud and excited about the sense of community and celebration.

We would like to thank our parents, students, teachers, and staff members who Supported the school and celebrated this special day with us.

We wish you a great winter break!

Best Regards

Samah Awad

Deputy Head of School

أَولياء الأمور الكِرام،

تحيّة طيبة وبعد،

اجتمع حكام الإمارات في ٢ من ديسمبر ١٩٧١ ووقعوا اتفاقية لتوحيدها وإنشاء دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. وفي نفس التاريخ من كل عام يتم احتفال كل من هو مقيم ومواطن وزائر وتعم الفرحة ومشاعر الفخر في نفوس الجميع. وبمناسبةِ الاحتفال باليوم الوطني لدولة الإمارات العربيّة المتحدة، يوم اتّحادها العظيم. يطيبُ لنَا أنْ نرْفَعَ أسمى آياتِ التّهاني والتّبريكات لسموّ رئيس الدّولة الشّيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيَّان ونائِبِه وإخوانِه حُكّام الإمارات.

وبصدد هذه المناسبة احتفلنا في مدرسة أكاديميّة جيمس بهذا اليوم الّذي كرّسه التّاريخ عنوانًا للوحدة والصُّمود، فتزينت مدرستنا بألوان الفرح والسّعادة احتفالاً باليوم الوطني، ورُفعت أعلام الدّولةِ عاليًا ابتهاجًا، كما عَلت أصوات طلابنا الأعزاء تمجيدًا لهذا اليوم العظيم.

نظمت المدرسة حفلاً ضخمًا بمناسبةِ حلولِ الذّكرى الثالث و الخمسين من روح الوحدة لاتحاد دولة الإمارات العربية، وقد تضمن الحفل الكثير من الفعاليّات الّتي قدمها ونظمها طلاب المدرسة  في الملعب للتّعبير عن حبهم وانتمائهم لدولة الإمارات العربيّة المُتحدة، بالإضافة إلى الكثير من الأنشطة الّني نُظمت في الملعب الّتي تُبيّن وتَشرح تُراث إماراتنا الحبيبة و تسعى لإحياء الهُويّة الإماراتيّة ونشرها، كالألعاب التّراثيّة،، الرّسم على الوجوه، عروض السيرك والصّقر، الأعمال الحرفيّة، ورش عمل للأطفال، والخيم التّراثيّة ، بالإضافة  إلى الاستمتاع بالأغاني التُراثيّة ورقصات اليولا من قبل صقور مدرسة أكاديميّة جيمس الأمريكيّة.

لعب هذا الاحتفال دورًا فاعلاً في توضيح عادات وتقاليد الشّعب الإماراتي للكثير من الطّلاب وأولياء الأمور، كما استمتع الجميع بارتداء الزّي الإماراتي ورُفع علم الدّولة في أجواءٍ من المرح والسّعادة. كما لا يسعنا إلا أن نتوجه بجزيل الشّكر والعرفان لكل من ساهم معنا في إنجاح هذا الاحتفال العظيم إن كان من خلال تقديم العون والدّعم لنا. وأخصّ بالذّكر هنا أولياء الأمور الكرام وطلابنا وأساتذتنا ومعلماتنا الّذين عملوا معنا يدًا بيد لإنجاح هذا العمل، فبمساهمتكم ودعمكم يتكامل عملنا.

أدام اللّه الأمان والأفراح عامرة في هذه البلاد.

كلُّ عامٍ وأنتِ عروس الكون يا الإمارات.

مع تحيّات مدرسة جيمس الأمريكيّة

نائب مدير المدرسة: سماح عوض

فيديو اللغات 2 copy.mp4
VIDEO from GAA copy.mov

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our National Day Contributors

Last week, Mr. Rinaldo and Ms. Samah hosted a special appreciation lunch to celebrate the students who played a pivotal role in our National Day celebrations.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work, creativity, and dedication of these students. As a token of gratitude, certificates of recognition were presented to honor their invaluable contributions.

We extend our deepest thanks to all the students who helped make National Day a memorable and meaningful occasion. Your efforts truly embody the spirit of unity and pride!

NEWS FROM GAA PARENT ASSOCIATION (GAAPA)

email: gaa.parentsteam@gmail.com

Exciting Events Ahead: Mark Your Calendars!

Dear GAA Community,

We hope you’re as excited as we are for the upcoming months! After the winter break, we have several exciting events planned for January and February to bring our community together:

    • Garage Sale + Movie Night

    • Coffee Morning for current and new GAA parents

    • Used Uniform Sale (GAAPA is always accepting used uniforms; please drop them off in the lobby bin—your support is greatly appreciated!)

    • International Food Festival (IFF) on February 15

The IFF will showcase the rich and diverse culinary traditions of many countries, bringing together flavors from around the globe. Please read below presentation from our kick-off meeting of December 6.

2025 IFF First Meeting.pptx.pdf_20241206_130335_0000.pdf

We are happy to share that the following countries have already joined us and will be part of this exciting event:

    • Algeria: Join the group

    • Azerbaijan: Join the group

    • Bahrain: Join the group

    • Brazil: Join the group

    • Egypt: Join the group

    • India: Join the group

    • Italy: Join the group

    • Japan: Join the group

    • Jordan: Join the group

    • Korea: Join the group

    • Lebanon: Join the group

    • Morocco: Join the group

    • Pakistan: Join the group

    • Palestine: Join the group

    • Poland: Join the group

    • Russia: Join the group

    • South Africa: Join the group

    • Sudan: Join the group

    • Sweden: Join the group

    • Syria: Join the group

    • UAE: Join the group

    • USA: Join the group

If your country is not listed above, we’d love for you to join us! Please sign up using this form , and we will create a WhatsApp group for your country.

We wish you all a relaxing winter break and a Happy New Year! Let’s make these events unforgettable celebrations of culture, community, and connection.

Warm regards,
The GAAPA Team

GAA STUDENTS' ACHIEVEMENTS

EMIRATES NBD POETRY FOR ALL COMPETITION

We are thrilled to announce that Sonia Rajkumar, a talented Grade 4 student, has reached the finals of the prestigious Poetry for All competition organized by Emirates NBD.

Sonia impressed the judges with her captivating recitation of Elaine the Complainer by renowned poet Kenn Nesbitt, showcasing her remarkable talent and confidence on stage.

The finals will be held in Dubai from January 29th to February 3rd, where Sonia will compete against other young poetry enthusiasts.

We are incredibly proud of Sonia’s achievement and wish her the very best of luck as she takes center stage. Shine bright, Sonia—you’ve already made us proud!

Our talented Elementary Choir brought festive cheer to Yas Winterfest today with a heartwarming performance that truly captured the spirit of the season.

The students showcased their harmonious voices and infectious enthusiasm, spreading joy to everyone in attendance. Their dedication and hard work were evident in every note, making their performance a memorable highlight of the event.

A huge congratulations to our choir members and their dedicated teachers for this wonderful achievement. You’ve made our school proud!

620e51cc-3bd0-453a-baf3-6a88e47b3508.MP4

WORLD SOIL DAY

Dear Parents,

On World Soil Day we launched a school-wide campaign to promote healthy eating and raise awareness about the importance of soil health. We invite you and your child to participate in the following activities:

  1. Generation Growth Healthy Pledge

  • Encourage your child to take the Generation Growth Healthy Pledge https://www.generationgrowthfilm.com/ which supports healthy eating and sustainability. You can find the link in the email and newsletter, and no personal data will be collected.

  1. Healthy Meal Day (December 12th)

  • On Healthy Meal Day, students are encouraged to bring in a healthy meal or snack (like fruits, salads, or veggies) to celebrate the connection between healthy soil and healthy food.

  1. Social Media Participation

  • Share photos of your family healthy meals or dinners on social media using the hashtag #familyfirst. This is a great way to engage with the campaign and promote healthy eating within our school community.

  • For a chance to win a small prize for one lucky family, upload a screenshot of your Instagram post where you’ve used the #familyfirst. You can upload your screenshots on our padlet here.

  1. Learn Together

  • Watch short, fun videos from the Green Bronx Machine KIDS YouTube channel to learn more about healthy eating and the importance of soil. These videos are a great way for students to see how they can make a difference.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating World Soil Day and encourage your child to participate in these activities. Together, we can help raise awareness about the importance of healthy soils and sustainable eating for a healthier future!

Thank you for your support!

Almyra Duarte

– Family First Champion GAA

WINTER READING CHALLENGE!

Register to READMarathon using THIS LINK!

GAA Winter READMarathon 2024 (1).pdf

MEET GAA SWIM TEAM!

Swim Team Video 2024.- TV version..mp4

GRADE 6-9 OFFICIAL SCHOOL PHOTOS ARE READY TO ORDER!

The photographs that were recently taken of your child are now available to order on the Stu Schools website. 

  • Please log on to www.swschoolphotos.com 

  • click on School Ordering, 

  • select your country, and 

  • enter the password that you received. 

  • You will need to either log in to your existing account from previous years if you have one, or create a new account if you are a new customer. If you did not receive the password, or have mislaid it, please contact pre_gaa@gemsedu.com. If you have any questions please call the Stu Schools team on 04 388 3382 and they will assist you.

GEMS FAB WORLD CARD NEW BENEFITS

Dear Parents / Guardians, 

We are delighted to inform you that GEMS Titanium Card has been upgraded to World Tier (GEMS World Card) which is a premium card now and all the Card holders can benefit from existing features, namely:

  • discount on School fee 4.25%,

  • Free EPP (Easy payment plan) on the school fee,

  • 10% Cashback on School transport, Uniform purchase and on School canteen

  • & more (see below for more details)!

FAB School Assigned Staff:​​​​​​​

  • Amjad Nazir

  • Mobile: +971564010406 Email: Amjad.nazir@bankfab.com

GEMS Brochure & Discount Structure AY 24-25.pdf

SPECIAL OFFER FOR GAA PARENTS!

Products Catalogue Christmas FY24.pdf
Christmas Flyer FY24.pdf

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!

PARENT HANDBOOKS 2024-2025

Elementary Handbook 2024-2025 (For Parents).docx.pdf
Secondary Handbook 20242025 For Parentsdocx 1 (2).pdf

REMINDERS ABOUT PROCEDURES

Late Arrivals

All students arriving at school past 7:45 a.m. are considered tardy and must receive a late pass before entering the classroom. Tardiness is discouraged as it interrupts the learning process in the classroom.

School staff will record every time a student is late to school. During the day, staff will record tardies in PowerSchool. Disciplinary action and re-enrollment considerations will result from excessive tardiness to school and/or individual classes for students.

  • Late attendance for Kindergarten and Elementary will be marked after 7:45 at Main and KG Reception.

  • KG Gate 3 will be closed after 8:15. Please get your child’s late slip from Main Reception if you are arriving after 8:15

  • Late attendance for Secondary Students (Grade 6-12) will be marked on Second Floor by Attendance secretaries.

Student Dismissal Timings

  • 2:45 Access Doors Open

  • 2:55 Elementary Bus students dismissed to walk to Buses

  • 3:00 Elementary students who are not collected from classroom, are accompanied to Cafeteria for supervision

  • 3:00 Middle and High School Students are dismissed

  • 3:30 Elementary late pick-up students accompanied to cafeteria for supervision

  • 3:15 Afterschool Activities (ASAs) begin

  • 4:20 ASA elementary students are accompanied to Cafeteria for supervision

  • 4:45 Late bus departs

Early Dismissal Procedures

We understand that there are times when you need to pick up your child early from school, whether for a doctor’s appointment or a family emergency. However, frequent early pick-ups can affect your child’s learning and overall well-being. When students leave early, they miss valuable lessons and activities that help them stay on track with their classmates. It can be tough for them to catch up, and we want to make sure every child gets the most out of their school day.

Moreover, early pick-ups disrupt the class, making it harder for other students to focus on their learning.

To best support your child's education, we kindly ask that early pick-ups be kept to a minimum and only for essential reasons.

  • IMPORTANT! No early releases at or after 2:30pm

  • If a student is leaving school early, parents should inform the classroom teacher or relevant divisional secretaries at least an hour in advance by email

  • Parent/Guardian must come to the Main or KG Reception for “early release” slip.

  • Students will be collected from classrooms by assistants and brought to parents in the Main or KG reception for collection. For safety and security reasons, parents are to refrain from entering the corridors or classrooms while instruction is taking place. 

  • Parents should not pick-up directly from classrooms before 2:45 pm. 

Absences

All students are expected to abide by the ADEK provided school schedule and attend school on the days before and after school vacations. All students are also expected to follow ADEK Policy 55 on absenteeism which states that students with an absenteeism rate of more than “10% should be regarded as a cause for concern.” Acceptable attendance, as reported to and mandated by ADEK, is being present 95% or more of the time.

We understand that absences happen—whether due to illness or other reasons. While some absences can’t be avoided, it’s important to remember that regular attendance plays a big role in your child’s success at school. Studies show that missing too many days can impact reading levels and overall engagement in the classroom.

If your child’s absences reach more than 10% of the school year, we’re required to report this to our safeguarding team for review. This will include a meeting with parents to discuss how we can work together to improve attendance. When a student is absent for more than 10% of the school year, it may lead to lower grades (which will be reflected in their reports) and could even impact their re-enrollment for the next academic year.

WHAT TO DO: If your child will be absent, it’s important to inform the school and let us know the reason. Please contact the Elementary or Secondary secretaries by email before 7:30 a.m. on the day of the absence. If the absence is due to a medical issue and will be prolonged, please submit a medical certificate.

  • Elementary Secretary: elemsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com 

  • Secondary Secretary: secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com  

For planned absences, we ask that you apply for Authorized Absence ahead of time. Requests for extended leave will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

SCHOOL TRAFFIC COURTESY

DO'S

  • Please be mindful of UAE Traffic Laws (UAE Government Website and LIST OF TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND VIOLATIONS)

  • Please exercise Culture of Kindness towards your Community members.

  • Be attentive and follow the guidance of our staff members! You will see them directing traffic and ensuring the safety of our students.

  • Instruct your drivers to follow the pickup/dropoff guidelines and instructions of our staff members.

  • Park in designated parking spaces.

  • Please continue forward in the pick-up lane if the car in front of you has picked up his/her child and is exiting. Do not stop midway – continue forward to allow cars lining behind you to enter parking.

  • Keep the sidewalks and crosswalks clear.

DON'TS

  • Do not double park.

  • Do not exit your car if waiting in pick up lane.

  • Do not park on the sidewalks (red-bricked areas near back gates) – this is in violation of UAE Traffic Rules.

  • Do not drop off or pick up students from the Main Road. For the safety of your children and to avoid traffic congestion, PLEASE DROP OFF AND PICK UP FROM DESIGNATED SCHOOL GATES.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • If you arrive early to park in designated areas within school parking, please be mindful that you may find it difficult to exit immediately after pick up, as transiting cars may be blocking your way. We recommend to arrive during dismissal time. Alternatively, please park in designated parking areas in public roads (for example, after Beverly Cakes pastry shop, on Al Mutaabid Street, or Al Waqaa street).

  • Carpool when possible

  • Consider using school bus service

  • Weather permitting, consider using bikes or walk, if living near school. 

PARKING ENTRY/EXIT PROCEDURE:

  • We have assigned 2 entry points and 1 exit point in the back parking area (see attached map). NO EXIT IS ALLOWED THROUGH DESIGNATED ENTRY POINTS.

  • To enter the back parking area, please use one of the entry points indicated in the map. The 1st entry point is near tennis courts (in front of SmileRite), the 2nd entry point is through Bus parking. If the 1st entry is full, please continue forward on the main street towards the 2nd entry (through the Bus Parking). 

  • Please continue forward in the pick-up lane if the car in front of you has picked up his/her child and is exiting. Do not stop midway – continue forward to allow cars lining behind you to enter parking.

  • Exit from center (EXIT ONLY POINT) as indicated in the map. Please use common courtesy and Culture of Kindness when exiting from parking and follow our staff members’ directions.

  • Students exiting from the back gates will be waiting in the designated waiting areas to be picked up. Please make sure you discuss the pick up timing with your child before school.

HEALTHY EATING POLICY

GAA Healthy Eating Policy - Copy.pdf

EXCITING WINTER CAMP ACTIVITIES

Quran Winter Camp "Sandooq Al Watan"

Dear Parents,

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sandooq Al Watan, Sandooq Al Watan, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi International School, is organizing the winter program “Qudwati… The Language of the Quran”.

This program includes interactive activities, sports, arts, and creative reading and writing, aimed at building future generations who are deeply rooted in their national identity and equipped with the ability to innovate and excel.

The program offers a variety of initiatives and activities suitable for the age group of 8–15 years, taking place from December 16 to December 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

We invite you to register your children in this program and benefit from its unique opportunities to create a brighter future for our children, in line with the wise vision of our leadership.

For registration:

  • Gems World Academy, Al Reem Island, https://forms.office.com/r/hMV0veqRNB, 058 679 9041

  • Abu Dhabi International School Mohammed Bin Zayed City, https://forms.gle/uL8Krah9Hee9A4MeA, 022 057 999

  • The English International School Al Ain, https://forms.office.com/r/mQwH7pwp99?origin=lprLink, 052 112 2890

Qudwati - Quran Winter Camp.pdf

ESM Winter Camp

With savings of 50% when booked for the full week.

The Camp, for football enthusiastic children, will be a fantastic opportunity to facilitate, accelerated, development and learning in a positive and enjoyable environment.

⚽️Football camp days will include: 

  • Skills Challenge Day

  • Daily Football Challenges

  • Football Tournaments

  • Dribbling - 1v1 beat the goalkeeper

  • Passing - Hit the targets

  • Shooting - Power & Accuracy 

  • Attack v Defence – Quick Transition

Winter Camp Schedule:

📆 Monday 16th – Friday 20th December 2024

📆 Monday 30th December 2024 – Friday 3rd January 2025 (No Camp on 1st January)

Intensive Football Camp (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM) ⚽

📍GEMS American Academy (AUH)

💲Pricing / Discounts:

  • INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF JUST AED 650 (Full Week) - Excl. VAT

  • 10% Sibling Discount available (discounts cannot be combined)

Spaces are limited and filling up fast, so don’t miss out! REGISTER NOW at Elite Sports Academy or call 04 554 5916.

We look forward to welcoming your child to a winter camp that fosters growth, teamwork, and lasting friendships!

With the holidays just around the corner, it's the perfect time to plan some exciting and enriching activities for your child! ESM are thrilled to invite you and your children to our Multi-Activity Holiday Camp operating at GEMS American Academy Khalifa City for children aged 4 – 12 years old. A jam-packed, fun-filled program designed to keep your child active, engaged, and learning throughout their break.

Why Choose Our Holiday Camp?

  • Variety of Activities: From sports, arts & crafts and team-building games, we offer a wide range of exciting activities that cater to different interests and abilities.

  • Fun & Educational: Our camp isn't just about fun (though there's plenty of that!). We aim to spark creativity, build confidence, and develop essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

  • Qualified Staff: Your child will be guided by our experienced and enthusiastic team, ensuring a safe and supportive environment throughout their time with us.

  • Age-Appropriate Programs: We have tailored activities to suit a wide age range, from younger children (ages 4-7) to older kids (ages 8-12), ensuring everyone has a blast.

  • Dates: December 16th to 3rd January 2025 (Excl. Dec 25th & 1st Jan 2025)

  • Location: GEMS American Academy Campus

  • Times: Drop off: 8.15 – 8.45am, Activities: 9am – 1.25pm, Pick up: 1.30pm – 1.45pm 

  • Price: Daily: AED200/day or Weekly: AED765 (after 15% weekly discount – siblings receive an additional 10% discount)

  • Bus Service: AED250/week/child for Door-to-Door service.

Limited Spaces Available!

Activities:

  • Fun & Games

  • Dodgeball

  • Badminton

  • Balloon Games

  • Arts & Craft

  • Football

  • Basketball

  • Volleyball

  • Beachball games

  • Water dodgeball

Bus Transportation: 

The locations offered for GAA only are as follows:

  • Khalifa City

  • Masdar City

  • Khalifa City

To secure your child’s spot, simply click on the link below to register or get in touch with us for more information. 

REGISTER NOW

If you have any questions or would like more details about the camp, don't hesitate to reach out to us at +971503611547 or holidaycamp@esm.ae. We’d be happy to help!

We can’t wait to welcome your child to an unforgettable holiday experience! 

Best regards,

ESM Holiday Camp Team

External Fun Extracurricular Activities

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge is organizing a *Sports Winter Camp* in Abu Dhabi, offering football ⚽, basketball 🏀, and swimming 🏊 sessions for young athletes from grade 1 to grade 8, guided by Expert Coaches.  

📍 *Top Venues for a Top Experience!*  

Camps run from December 16–19 at premier locations like Zayed Sports City, Repton School Fry Campus, and Amity International School.  

*Participation requirement 🎯* 

A redeemable fee of AED 200 and at Go Sport. Limited slots, don't miss this opportunity!  

All participants will receive an athlete pack, participation certificates and many more surprises! 🎁

⚡For Registration and more Information, please check out the website https://wintercamps.sport360x.com.

Limited spots, register now✅

ABU DHABI SAILING ACADEMY

Beginner course:

Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th

07:30h to 12:00h

Intermediate course:

Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th

13:30h to 18:00h

It's a two days course. 

Please let us know, who would like to give it a go.

NOTE: We may need to cancel the course because of the weather condition.

Contact Team ADSA: 

Hristo Hristov, General Manager / Principal 

Mobile: 050 614 1689

Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy, operated by Fairwind Sailing Sports Club

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • December 16 - WINTER BREAK STARTS

  • January 6 -  SCHOOL RESUMES

  • January 6 - GAAPA Welcome Coffee

  • January 11, 18, 25 - Grade 12 Cap and Gown Photoshoot

  • January 18 - GAAPA Movie Night & Garage Sale

  • January 29-30 - Middle School Musical Production of Beauty and the Beast

  • January 30-31 - Grade 10-11 Official School Photoshoot

  • February 10-12 - Half-Term Break (NO SCHOOL)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 

THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR 

(please note, updated regularly)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 

24/25 PARENT CALENDAR


IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Head of School

  • Robert Rinaldo, email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com

Deputy Head of School

  • Samah Awad, email: s.awad_gaa@gemsedu.com 

ADMISSIONS

  • Registrar: registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 515

  • Admission Secretary (GR6-GR12): c.dumo_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 603

  • Admission Secretary (KG-GR5): s.ramakrishnan_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 604

FINANCE

  • Email: finance_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 102

CLINIC

  • Email: nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 688

Parent Relations Executive

  • Fatma Chabanova: pre_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 502

Government Relations Executive (for ADEK issues)

  • Mahmoud Huraimel: m.huraimel_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 505

SLICES CATERING

  • Email: slicesgaa@gmail.com, ext. 566

BBT BUS TRANSPORTATION

  • Rameez Rasheed, email: rameez.rasheed@sts-group.com, ext. 608  

GAAPA (GAA Parent Association)

  • email: gaa.parentsteam@gmail.com 

Booster Club

  • email: boosterclub.gaa@gmail.com

IT

  • Email: support_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 666

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

  • Email: r.demarco_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 627

Elementary Principal

  • Leia  Kraeuter, email: l.kraeuter_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. KG-2)

  • Lauren Sargent, email: l.sargent_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. 3-5)

  • Douglas Sherrill, email: d.sherrill_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Secretary

  • Email: elemsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com 

KG-Grade 1 Guidance Counsellor

  • Alison Haswell, email: a.haswell_gaa@gemsedu.com

Grades 2-5 Guidance Counsellor

  • Melanie Moses, email: m.moses_gaa@gemsedu.com

PYP Coordinator

  • Tiffany Pulci, email: t.pulci_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Secondary Principal

  • Garth Wyncoll, email: g.wyncoll_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Middle School Vice Principal (Grades 6-8)

  • Mollie Williams, email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com 

High School Vice Principal (Grades 9-10)

  • Zahra Bhatty, email: z.bhatty_gaa@gemsedu.com 

High School Vice Principal (Grades 11-12)

  • Monica Martin, email: m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Secondary Secretary:

  • Email: secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Middle School Counsellor (Grades 6-8)

  • Almyra Duarte, email: a.duarte_gaa@gemsedu.com 

High School Counsellors 

  • Catherine Sciolis (Ali-Alp, I-P), email: c.sciolis_gaa@gemsedu.com

  • Lia Noronha (Aaa-Alh, B-H), email: l.noronha_gaa@gemsedu.com 

  • Keisha McCray (Alq-Azz, Q-Z), email: k.mccray_gaa@gemsedu.com 

IBDP Coordinator:

  • Elliot Brodie, email: e.brodie_gaa@gemsedu.com  

AP and Curriculum Coordinator:

  • Andreia Barbu, email: a.barbu_gaa@gemsedu.com

IT DEPARTMENT:

By Email:

ITSupport_GAA@gemsedu.com 

By Phone/WhatsApp:

02-2019-666

USEFUL APPS AND WEBSITES

Click here for  Summary

Welcome Pack is designed to provide you with all the information you require to gain a solid understanding of the policies and procedures in the division in which your child is learning. 

The information provided in this Welcome Pack gives you the basis of a successful start at GAA. 

If you have a question that is not covered here, our Parent Relations Executive (PRE), Divisional Secretaries, Reception and the Senior Leadership Team are all great next stops in helping to find answers. 

We present to you GAAPA Community Resource Guide, compiled with the help of our members, fellow GAA families. 

We understand the struggles each family faces when moving to a new country, new school, new residence, as we have all been through the same. It is only natural that we want to support each other as a Community.

This website is designed to provide that helpful information for all our community members. Your feedback and contribution will be highly appreciated to make sure that information is accurate and up-to-date. You can recommend your resource by clicking below link:

Please make sure you have downloaded GEMS Connect parent portal app for your convenience:

  • Pay fees online

  • Track your child's bus transportation

  • School communication (emails, newsletter, etc)

  • Submit requests (re-enrollment, Transfer Certificates)

  • GEMS Ambassador program (refer a friend, get 4% discount on school fees)

  • and much more...

GEMS Alumni App

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

Registration walkthrough - under 18.pdf

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