Dear GAA Families,

As we approach the mid-term break from February 19th to the 21st, I want to share some upcoming plans and community events.

Firstly, soon after our return from break, you will begin to hear word of our second round of Parent Teacher Conferences, March 5th -6th. I am mentioning this early to stress the importance of conferencing to gain insights into academic progress and address any concerns. More importantly, your participation promotes and adds to a stronger partnership between home and school. Additionally, our secondary students will soon begin the scheduling process for next year. Now is the time to discuss course selection to ensure that classes chosen align with students’ goals and aspirations.

In the area of “The Arts”, we are excited to announce the upcoming Middle School performance of Matilda, Jr. Our talented students, under the guidance of the Middle School production team have been working hard and the production is expected to be an amazing experience for all. Tickets are on sale now.

As always, thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Enjoy the break!

Warm Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Our Admin Offices (Reception, Admissions) will remain during Mid-Term Break of February 19-21 between 08:00 - 16:00.

Accounts will operate from 8 am to 2 pm.

Sheikh Nahyan joins GEMS Education to launch major new global movement to put ‘Family First’

• All 45 schools in the UAE and Qatar will offer family-focused classroom projects

• New movement for change will place a top priority on caring for elderly relatives

• Programme fits GEMS’ mission to deliver a holistic education for all its students

For the last 65 years, GEMS Education has been putting ‘Family First’ at the heart of its teaching, and today the UAE’s largest private education provider announced plans to incorporate this core principle in a new movement for global change while supporting the UAE Leadership’s agenda for social change.

The initiative was launched at GEMS World Academy – Dubai by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. VIP guests included Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of Dubai’s Community Development Authority, who addressed the audience of some 500 GEMS family members, including GEMS Education Founder Mr Sunny Varkey, students, parents, and grandparents.

The movement for positive change, based on love and care, will help GEMS underpin its long-established holistic classroom learning for students across its school network in a ground-breaking new programme.

GEMS believes that family is the launchpad for all learning and that love and care for our elder relatives is a great way for us to repay at least some of the debt we owe our parents and grandparents. This is also encapsulated in the recently released Dubai Social Agenda 33 that emphasises the theme ‘Family: The Foundation of Our Nation’.

This movement for change encourages GEMS families to spend more time together, exploring new frontiers of experience, and tapping into the wealth of knowledge and wise counsel within the home unit that too often goes undiscovered.

Plans for Family First activations in 2024 include a large survey on family values, a monthly TED Talk-style discussion on different aspects of family support led by leading experts and proponents from around the world, and an end-of-year gala event to celebrate stories that encapsulate Family First principles.

Every GEMS school in the UAE and Qatar has already appointed a staff member as a Family First ‘Champion’ to spearhead individual school activities based on family values.

All 44 GEMS schools in the UAE and Qatar will inculcate family values and the importance of family into their teaching from kindergarten years upwards. This will take various forms, ranging from emphasising the importance of strong ethical behaviour in an Islamic or Moral Studies class, to interviewing an elderly Emirati grandparent about growing up in the UAE during the 1950s or 1960s in a history lesson.

The project has the full backing of GEMS Education Founder and Global Group Chairman, Mr Sunny Varkey, who helped his teacher parents grow the organisation from a single school in the early 1980s to become one of the world’s biggest and longest established private school groups.

Mr Varkey spoke at the Family First launch event, where he said: “As I get a little older, I start to realise that the most important things in life are the family relationships we have. In all my travels, I have noticed that in developing economies there is a real family bond – of love and dependence. To me, this is the norm.

“However, in wealthier nations, I see people more isolated as they pursue their individual goals. It is good to dream but you mustn’t forget those that gave you the chance to dream in the first place – your families.”

Parents, students, and staff will join forces to put Family First at the heart of a vast array of projects that Mr Varkey sees as tapping into the very DNA of the organisation he has nurtured for so many years. This has already taken shape in the Jewels of Kindness and Core Values programmes rolled out in all GEMS schools.

For further information about Family First please visit the GEMS Education website.

At GEMS American Academy, we are dedicated to providing the best possible education for every child, and we appreciate the active role our parent community plays in our success.

Have you heard about our Ambassador Programme, a unique way for you to contribute to our thriving community and be rewarded for it? By introducing a new family or friend to the GAA community, you can earn back 4% of the referred child's annual tuition fee in the form of GEMS Points!

Here's how it works:

• Refer a New Family or Friend: Introduce a new family or friend to GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi, and encourage them to enroll their child.

• Earn GEMS Points: For every new student, successfully enrolled based on your referral, you will receive 4% of the referred child's annual tuition fees as GEMS Points.

• Redeemable Rewards: These GEMS Points can be conveniently redeemed against your child’s tuition fees or transport fees, making it a valuable and tangible way to say thank you for your support.

The Ambassador Programme is a fantastic opportunity for our parent community to play an active role in the growth of our GAA Family, while also enjoying the benefits of tuition fee rewards.

If you have friends or family members who may be interested in joining our community, please don't hesitate to share the news about our Ambassador Programme. For more details please check out this link: https://www.gemseducation.com/Our-Parents/GEMS-Ambassador   

Thank you for being a valued member of the GAA Community. We look forward to welcoming new faces to our community and expressing our gratitude through the Ambassador Programme.

Dear Emirati Families of GAA,

Please see below an important communication from Department of Health regarding Emirati Genome Program (EGP).

·         EGP Parent Letter

For more details please refer to communication and to the following brochures:

·         EGP Brochure (Arabic)

·         EGP Brochure (English)

After familiarizing yourselves with the attached communication and brochures, kindly complete below Parental Consent Form and email to nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com along with student and parent Emirate ID copies, at your earliest convenience:

·         Parental Consent Form

For your convenience, you can also collect paper copies of the brochures and Parental Consent forms from Main Reception.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Supporting Our Students Together: A Partnership Between Home and School

Dear GAA Community,

As we navigate through the academic year, our commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our students remains steadfast. The partnership between home and school is crucial in shaping the educational journey of our children, and it is with this spirit of collaboration that we reach out to you through this newsletter.

The Role of Teachers: Your First Point of Contact

Our teachers are not just educators; they are passionate mentors, guides, and should be the first point of contact for our families. With their expertise and dedication, they are best positioned to understand the needs, strengths, and areas for growth of each student. We encourage you to maintain open lines of communication with them, as this relationship is fundamental to your child’s success.

Building Trust Through Communication

Trust is crucial in any relationship, and it is essential in the partnership between parents and teachers. We foster an environment where open, honest, and respectful communication is valued and expected. Whether it’s celebrating achievements or addressing challenges, we are here to support each other. Regular updates from teachers can provide insights into your child’s progress and how you can help at home. Should you feel that you want updates on particular aspects of your child’s development, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher.

Supporting Learning at Home

Due to adverse weather, we were all at home on Monday and Tuesday. It was an important reminder about how to develop and support a positive learning environment at the home. It is important to think about how supporting your child’s learning at home is a key component of their success. Here are a few strategies to enhance this support:

• Create a conducive learning environment - Ensure your child has a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free space to study and complete homework.

• Establish routines - Consistent schedules for homework, reading, and bedtime contribute to effective time management and reduce stress.

• Encourage reading - Foster a love for reading by setting aside time for it each day. Discuss the books your child is reading to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills.

• Stay involved - Participate in school events, parent-teacher meetings, and volunteer opportunities. Your involvement demonstrates the value you place on education.

• Promote independence - Encourage your child to take responsibility for their learning. Offer guidance when needed, but allow them to manage their assignments and projects.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

When challenges arise, remember that parents and teachers are allies in finding solutions. Approach discussions with an open mind and a focus on what is best for the student. Collaborative problem-solving can lead to strategies that support the student’s academic and emotional well-being.

In conclusion, the partnership between home and school is a dynamic and collaborative effort that requires trust, communication, and a shared commitment to our students’ development. By working together, we can ensure that each child reaches their full potential, both academically and personally.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

Justin Kirby

K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Congratulations to Shama Almazrouei from Grade 7 for outstanding performance at Skate Emirates 2024 International Interclub Figure Skating Competition in Dubai and for her gold medal!

Celebration of Secondary Swim Team Success: 2nd Place Victory at Home Pool Swim Meet!

On Tuesday 6th of February we hosted an ADISSA swim meet and we are delighted to announce that we secured a fantastic 2nd place among six participating schools from Abu Dhabi.

Here are some key highlights from the meet:

New School Record - Congratulations Juliane Dizor🥇🏆😀.

Varsity Boys U19 - 50m. Breaststroke -  Juliane Dizor Gr.11 - Time- 33.66sec.

We have the best swim team parents, thank you for everyone's support.

Special Thank you goes to Ms. Claire Davies, Ms. Hazel Barriga, the GAA support and maintenance team, Mr.Hristo Hristov and our Aquatics team for making this event possible.

Our swimmers continued to encourage one another both in and out of the pool, creating a strong sense of unity within the team.

We had swimmers from Season 1 coming to support the meet so we can compete in every possible relay. Relays give double points in ADISSA events, so every point counts.

Swimmers demonstrated resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to give their very best in every race. 67% new personal best individual times. 

Excellent job swimmers, very strong finish for Season 2! Congratulations goes out to all Gr.6-11 Swimmers below; 

Sarah Vaillancourt, Noor AbdElHady, Nihal Sakni, Tala Altrabulsi, Hala Aldamasi, Andrea Mahfouz, Malak Nour, Nazli Kamel, Hyeseon (Lucy) Seo, Soyeon Lim, Mishka Ramirez, Manaka Yamakawa, Siwon Lee, Caitlin Oeser, Camila Carrasco, Hanseo Lee and Rana Takada.

Luca Gallione, Hamdan Alobeidli, Simeon Hristov, Omar Alduaij, Seth Bryant Aborot, Karl Murr, Zaid Basbous, Cameron Pattison, Gabriel Figueroa, Houssam Sakni, Thaphoon Juemjarung, Hamza AbdElHady, Platon Nikolaev and Juliane Dizor.

We look forward to a successful Season 3 in swimming. 

Our next scheduled swim meet for the Secondary team will be on Tuesday 27th of February @ BISAD. 

Stay tune for more achievements and great results 🥇👏🏊🏆.

GAA Aquatics Director, Ms.Iliana Jaltova

LOST AND FOUND

Please visit our Lost and Found sections from Monday through Thursday between 7:30AM to 4:30PM and Fridays 7:30 - 12:00 (except on public holidays) to retrieve your child's lost items:

• On the way to Clinic: all clothing items, lunch bags, books, folders, water bottles, etc

• Main reception: all valuables, such as, phones, headphones, airpods, ipads, jewellry, wallets, etc.

Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Please label all clothing items of your child.

GEMS CO-BRANDED CREDIT CARD

GEMS American Academy has partnered with First Abu Dhabi Bank to offer our parents discounted school fees*. 

• Apply for your GEMS card with FAB and avail amazing discount and instalment plan on your child's school fee

• Avail up to 4.25% discount on advanced payment on GEMS school fee

• Convert school fees into Easy Payment Plan for up to 12 months

• EPP 1st 3 months with zero charges no processing fee & no interest, 6 months 1% , 9 months 2% and 12 months 3% processing fee 

• Card is free for the 1st year 

Apply through our School Assigned Staff:

• Amjad Nazir

• Mobile: +971564010406

• Email: Amjad.nazir@bankfab.com

*Terms and conditions apply

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT

Dear GAA Families, 

Occasionally, we take photographs and videos of the students at school. We use these images as part of our school displays, school website, social media, yearbook.

Note: Official school photoshoot by Stu Williamson is mandatory and to be used in school records for identification purposes. Parents can choose to purchase the printed or digital photograph from the photoshoot. Stu Williamson photos are used for school yearbook.

• In Social Media or Website, if we use photographs of individual students, we will not use the name of that child in the accompanying text or caption.

• In Social Media or Website, If we name a student in the text, we will not use a photograph of that child to accompany the article.

• In Social Media or Website, If a student has won an award or achieved an accomplishment and parent would like the name of their child to accompany the picture, we will obtain permission from the parent before using the image.

• From time to time, our school may be visited by the media who will take photographs or film footage of a school event. Students may appear in these images, which will sometimes be published in local or national newspapers (digital or paper). 

To comply with the Data Protection Policy and Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes and its amendment by the Federal Law No. 12 of 2016 of UAE, we need your permissions before we can photograph or make any recording of your child.

Our records show that not all parents completed the consent form.

To complete the consent form, please access your parent Portal, and check the relevant boxes:

1. If using GEMS Connect app: please go to Student Info, scroll right to General Consent and tick relevant boxes. 

2. If using website version on http://connect.gemseducation.com, please go to Requests, scroll down to Update Student Details, scroll right to General Consent and tick the relevant boxes.

3. If you do not remember your login credentials, please contact pre_gaa@gemsedu.com.  

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.

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. 

• February 19-21: MID-TERM BREAK. NO SCHOOL

• February 23: Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club

• February 28-29: Matilda Jr. Musical

• February 29: GAA Cook-A-Book Challenge

• March 1: Wholeschool Dress-Down Day (Book Character theme)

• March 2: Movie Night and Garage Sale by GAAPA

• March 4-5: Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences (no classes in session)

• March 6: KG1, KG2, GR1, GR2 Arts Festival

• March 7: GR3-5 Arts Festival

• March 13-14: Absentee and New-joiner Official School Photoshoot

• March 14: GAA Community Iftar

• March 25: SPRING BREAK STARTS!