Dear Grade 5 and 8 families,

Gentle reminder about upcoming Course Selection Information sessions:

• February 6 - Rising Grade 6 (current grade 5) Course Offerings, 2:15pm and 6:30 pm, GAA Auditorium

• February 7 - Rising Grade 9 (current grade 8) Course Offerings, 8:00am and 6:30 pm, GAA Auditorium

• February 9 - Grade 5 and 8 Parent Coffee morning at 7:45AM GAAPA Room.

Perspective is paramount. Contemplating the future can either appear as an intimidating hurdle or an invigorating challenge. Although deciphering our passions and discerning how we can influence the world through our actions poses a formidable task, this week, in Grades 9 and 10, we began to delve into this. 

In our Grade 9-10 assembly this week we celebrated students who demonstrated our schools values, as well as students who had made the most growth between Quarter 1 and Quarter 2, and therefore received the “Growing into Greatness” awards. 

In this assembly, we all cast our minds forward, imagining what an assembly would look like into 2 years time. I asked students to imagine they were in their Senior year and were applying for University/College and had to ask their teachers for recommendation letters. Students voted on which of the following questions they found most difficult to answer, in preparing for their future applications. The results can be seen in the image below.

1. At university/college, I plan to study…

2. My career goal is…

3. Describe at least 1 project or assignment you worked on in the class that you are proud of and give reasons why.

4. Describe an ATL skill that (collaboration, communication, thinking, self-management, reflection, research) you demonstrated in the class and explain how you showed it.

5. List 2 positive adjectives that this teacher might use to describe you. Give examples of how you have demonstrated these adjectives.

6. Is there anything else you can share that might help this teacher write an effective LOR for you (ex. Other clubs you are a part of or how you positively contribute to the school community)?

To help you to continue these conversations at home, why not try out some of the prompts outlined below? The more GAA Wildcats feel comfortable in having these conversations, the more confident they will feel in their ability to impact the world and pursue their dreams. 

Prompts to use with your teenager around the dinner table relating to the future

1. Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?

This question will help your child to think beyond their time at GAA, whilst also preparing them for potential interview questions. 

2. Do you know what career you might want to pursue?

Responses to this question may range from something specific, all the way to “I don’t know”. Remember that all are valuable responses in helping you to anticipate just how much support they need in the coming years. It is also fine if students don’t know what they want to do yet, help them by getting them to reflect upon which subjects they enjoy the most currently and why. 

3. If you had to start a nonprofit, what cause would it support?

Your child may need some help understanding what a nonprofit organisation is. Once you have established this, this question will support in uncovering what your child is passionate about. 

4. What are you worried about in the future?

This question isn’t designed to worry your child, but to help you anticipate how they are feeling to support them in navigating the world that they live in.

5. How can I help you to achieve your goals?

Teenagers never cease to amaze me with how often they have the answers to the questions that they have. You asking this question, will help them to see that they are not alone, making the whole conversation less daunting for them. 

Dear Families,

Happy February! This year has been going by so fast, I can't believe we have only less than five months left of the school year. We had our assemblies this week for grades 6 and 8 and in the next two weeks the students are going on their next field trip to Sea World. Please keep an eye out for any paperwork regarding the field trip. We hope to get all permission slips in on time as we have to make sure we have the correct amount of busses the day of.

Reminders:

• Next week is a blue week and Monday starts with Block G.

Have a great weekend. 

Ms. Williams 

MS Vice Principal

On February 2nd, several of our middle school students seized a unique opportunity in Dubai, attending a session sponsored by the Emirates Literature Foundation titled "Life in Space." 

This engaging event showcased the experiences of UAE Astronaut Hazza Almansoori, allowing students to immerse themselves in the wonders of space travel and exploration. 

Enthusiastically, students not only had the chance to listen to the astronaut's firsthand accounts but also to capture memorable selfies with him! 

Additionally, they secured personalized signature of Hazza Almansoori on Sultan Alneyadi's (another UAE astronaut) captivating book, "Out of This World." This remarkable trip was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Secondary Library and the Middle School Science department.

Please see photos and videos from the trip below.

Here is the information about Maths competitions GAA students can participate:

Registrations: https://forms.gle/FKDnf4HPzKjH6fvHA 

About: https://www.cemc.uwaterloo.ca/contests/our-contests.html 

RISING GRADE 7 AND 8 COURSE SELECTIONS INFORMATION (for current Grade 6 and 7 students)

Our counsellor’s have put together the following for you and your children to view and decide what elective course your child would like to commit to next academic year:

• An explanation of the forms, how to navigate and choose electives along with valuable information regarding ADEK groupings has been specially created for you in this short loom video – please watch this before filling out the form.

1. Rising Grade 7 Course selection explanation video

2. Rising Grade 8 Course selection explanation video 

• The google form needs to be filled out and submitted by no later than 16 February. On this day, we will be collecting all course request forms and beginning the process of the master schedule. Once all schedules are complete, they will be final so please ensure that you meet the deadline for submission.

1. Grade 7 google form "Course Selection"

2. Grade 8 google form “Course Selection”

• A padlet has been created for you with each elective course offering. There is a drop down per elective where teachers have recorded a short video explaining their respective course and below, parents have an option to add a question to which teachers can reply.

1. Grade 7 Elective course browsing

2. Grade 8 Elective course browsing

GRADE 11 PARENT INFO SESSION

Thank you to those who attended the Rising Senior Presentations on Wednesday, January 24th.  The presentation can be found below.

In the Physical Education Department, exciting initiatives are taking place that showcase the diverse interests and accomplishments of our students. 

A unique exploration into the realm of nutrition and athleticism has unfolded, with students creating insightful podcasts delving into the pros and cons of plant-based diets for optimal athletic performance. Simultaneously, participants in the Weightlifting & Fitness course are diligently honing their strength and enhancing personal fitness levels. 

Meanwhile, our Grade 6 and 7 girls have been making waves, quite literally, as they embarked on a two-week swimming journey. Overcoming fears and embracing challenges, many girls took their first plunges, attempted daring dives, and dedicated time to perfecting freestyle and backstroke techniques. Notably, some have achieved the impressive feat of treading water for a solid 10 minutes—a vital lifesaving skill. 

As the mid-term break approaches, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and development of these incredible skills in our dedicated and adventurous students.

• February 3: TEDxYouth "Breaking Borders - Redefining Life" @1:00pm (tickets sold in Snack Shack)

• February 6: Parent Course Information Meeting for rising Grade 6: 2:15pm and 6:30pm

• February 7: Student/Parent Course Info Meetings, for rising Grade 9: 08:00am and 6:30pm 

• February 7: Nepal Trip Information Afternoon @4:00pm GAAPA Room

• February 9: Parent Coffee Morning for Grade 5 & 8 parents about 2024-2025 courses: 7:45am @GAAPA Room

• February 9: Grade 12 Photoshoot for absentee (schedule will be communicated soon)

• February 12-14: New-joiners and absentees official school photoshoot

• 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