Dear GAA Families,

Monday, February 28th, and Tuesday, March 1st, are the very important Parent Teacher Conference dates. Classes will not be in session on those days so that teachers can dedicate their time to meeting and listening to parents and giving a detailed review of your child’s progress. Please make sure to book your time with your child’s teachers. If for any unexpected reason you are not able to meet, please reach out to explain your needs and we will help arrange a meeting. Research proves the many positive effects of working together and strengthening the school/parent partnership to support and encourage learning and development. We look forward to your participation.

I am proud to announce that our Elementary Librarian, Kristine Kirby was recently named Librarian of the Year by The General Secretariat of Executive Council of Dubai and Emirates Literature Foundation. The award is given to individuals who have shown exceptional commitment in championing literacy, promoting reading for pleasure among their students, and raising raising literacy standards in their school. A big congratulations to Kristine for receiving this distinguished award and thanks for all her work to promote and encourage the joy of reading at GAA.

The third Afterschool School Activities session begins the week of February 28th. The registration link has been sent out to all families. Participation in an afterschool activity allows students to explore new interests, provides opportunities to work on social skills, and has been proven to improve academic performance. We promote a holistic education at GAA, and I encourage all students to take part in an academic, athletic, or artistic afterschool activity.

In March, our High School and Middle School drama students will present respectively the musicals Annie Jr. and School House Rock. Both groups have been working hard in school and in virtual rehearsals. They have stayed committed and we are looking forward to their performances. Tickets will go on sale soon!

Lastly, I want to remind all families, for the good of the whole community, to please continue to monitor and keep your students home should they show any Covid symptoms. We continue to follow all ADEK guidelines and are hopeful that together we will have a safe and productive second semester.

Warm Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Head of School

Save the Date! – March 6 is the National Day celebration for the United States at Expo 2020. There will be a full day of activities to include a parade at 12:15, concert in Jubilee Park form 6 – 8 pm and a short film at 9 pm.

The USA Pavilion’s celebration will showcase the theme, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of the Future,” at the Celebration of America Festival throughout the day, creating family friendly event to entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.

Events include:

11:00 am to 8:00 pm – Celebration of America Festival in Al Forsan Park featuring:

• The Arkansas Circus acrobatic performers

• Cultural performers line-up includes vocal trio Pipeline Vocal Project, Minnesota Marching Band, and American singer-songwriter Maya Azucena

• replicas of famous American monuments

• a ‘Hollywood’ backdrop wall with impersonators of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis along with celebrity style paparazzi

• donut costume ladies distributing American flag treats

• a live violinist with painting activation

12:15 pm - Parade through Expo grounds, ending at USA Pavilion with performance by University of Minnesota Marching Band

4:15 pm – U.S. National Day ceremony in Al Wasl Dome featuring

• Official speech by U.S. Head of Delegation

• American singer/songwriter Maya Azucena

6:00 – 8:00 pm – USA Pavilion Concert featuring Maya Azucena and Pipeline Vocal Project on the Jubilee Stage

February 22 Absentee photoshoot of our KG-Grade 5 students is now rescheduled to March 7. Families, whose students missed the previous school photoshoot sessions, will receive an email reminder next week with more details.

This is a gentle reminder for our Community to notify the school in case a student is tested positive. Please email pre_gaa@gemsedu.com to activate school COVID-19 reporting procedure in line with Department of Health and ADEK Guidelines.

If your child is unwell with symptoms to be able to attend online classes, please notify the divisional secretaries:

• KG & Elementary School: elemsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com

• Middle and High School: secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com

More details on our COVID Management Protocols can be found in Health Clinic Section of the GAAzette.

As per updated requirements from ADEK, to enter school premises all visitors (including parents), aged 12 years and above, must present:

• Negative PCR test result not older than 96 hours

• Green Status Al Hosn is required for students, parents and visitors aged 16 years and above.

• February 28-March 1: Parent-Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL

• March 5 & 12: Cap and Gown Photoshoot of Grade 12 students and families

• March 7: Stu Williamson Absentee Photosession

• March 17-18: Secondary Musical "Annie" Virtual Production

• March 21-25: IBDP Virtual Arts Exhibition

• March 24-25: Elementary Musical "School of Rock, Jr." Virtual Production

• March 28-April 12: Spring Break - NO SCHOOL