As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, we kindly ask for your partnership in ensuring consistent student attendance throughout this special time.

During Ramadan, our instructional hours are reduced to 4.5 hours Monday through Thursday and 2.5 hours on Friday. With this shortened schedule, every minute of learning is especially valuable. Even small amounts of missed time can have a significant impact on academic progress, continuity of instruction, and student engagement.

We strongly encourage families to schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. If an early dismissal is absolutely necessary for an essential appointment, we appreciate your efforts to keep it to a minimum.

Our goal is to maximize learning while honoring the spirit of the month.

Thank you for your continued support in prioritizing student attendance and academic success.

GAA Secondary Division

Dear Parents and Students,

Everyone is adjusting well to the new schedule during Ramadan. We did see some sleepy students on Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday everyone was in a routine. 

Next week we have our course selection for students in grade 6 and 7. On Thursday they all brought home a course selection sheet to help them identify how many electives they need depending on their grouping. 

• Next week starts with EFGHA. 

• Grade 6 Course Request Assembly at 11 on Monday

• Grade 7 Course Request Assembly at 11 on Tuesday

• Friday Blocks are HAB

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Williams

email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Dear Grade 7–12 Students,

Do you love trivia? Are you a total expert in a favorite subject? Or do you simply enjoy a good competition? 🏆

Then Academic Games is for YOU!

Academic Games is a chance to challenge yourself, sharpen your knowledge, work as a team, and compete in a fun, supportive environment. Whether you’re strong in math, science, social studies, language arts, or just enjoy thinking fast on your feet - there’s an event for everyone. Check out below detailed information.

You can grab a friend or come on your own - no experience needed and no monetary commitment involved. Just bring your curiosity and competitive spirit!

📍 Tuesdays at 1:45 PM in Room 135

🕒 After Ramadan, meetings will move to 3:15–4:30 PM.

Come check it out, meet the team, and find your event.

👉 Fill out the interest form to receive more details and get started.

Compete. Learn. Win. Have fun.

We hope to see you there!

Ms. Jena Monchek

Ms. Sara Zubi

Dear Senior Parents and Students, 

We are thrilled to announce that the GEMS American Academy Class of 2026’s Graduation Ceremony will be held at the Zayed University Auditorium, Abu Dhabi.

In order to ensure seats for all of our graduating cohort, each family will be assigned four (4) tickets (not including the graduate). Seating will be assigned to the family and tickets printed, with the expectation that guests will sit in the seat designated on their ticket. Royal family members will receive prioritized seating. Those Seniors who have been at GAA for their entire schooling Kindergarten through grade 12 receive prioritized seating. For those students who are twins, we will make an effort to have your available seating be in the same area. 

For equity of seating placement, we apply an online randomizer to match the number of Seniors we have, AND the placement of that family’s seats in the Zayed Auditorium. That number represents the four (4) seats assigned to that student's family. In this way, your family knows where you are sitting, and you can arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and not have to be concerned about arriving extra early to find available seats. The list of Graduates and the randomized assigned number for the allocated four seats will be communicated closer to the event time, along with the official tickets.

Due to the size of our cohort there are not enough seats for additional ticket sales, however, we encourage families to share any spare tickets they may have with other families who might want additional tickets.

Graduation Date/Time:

• June 6, 2026 9:00 a.m. Graduation Rehearsal

• June 7, 2026 5:30 p.m. Graduation at Zayed University Auditorium

Four tickets per family 

Further details will be sent to you in the coming weeks as we count down to the event. We look forward to celebrating this memorable occasion with you, and thank you for your partnership. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Gwyn Underwood

High School Principal

On behalf of the Graduation Committee

The Social Studies Department is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of our Grade 9 students, who recently brought history to life through their in-class Mock Trials.

After spending weeks researching revolutions from around the world, students took on the roles of legal teams tasked with answering a compelling question: Was the revolution effective? Acting as lawyers, they presented their cases before a student “jury,” arguing either for or against the success of the revolution they had studied.

Preparation for the trials went far beyond textbook learning. Students analyzed primary and secondary sources, examined the causes and consequences of their revolutions, and even watched real courtroom trial footage to better understand legal procedures and persuasive techniques. They then crafted speeches designed to balance logos (logical reasoning and evidence) with pathos (emotional appeal), aiming to present arguments that were both factually grounded and powerfully persuasive.

On trial day, classrooms transformed into courtrooms. Students delivered opening statements, presented evidence, questioned opposing arguments, and made compelling closing remarks. The juries listened attentively, evaluated the strength of each side’s case, and delivered thoughtful verdicts based on the arguments presented.

The Mock Trials not only deepened students’ understanding of historical revolutions, but also strengthened their critical thinking, public speaking, collaboration, and analytical skills. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, creativity, and professionalism our Grade 9 students demonstrated throughout this project.

Congratulations to all participants for an engaging and impressive display of historical inquiry in action!

Here are the recordings of the recent course selection information sessions:

• Grade 7 & 8 at GAA

• Grade 9 at GAA

• Grade 10 at GAA

• Grade 11 at GAA

• Grade 12 at GAA

Here are the slides used during these sessions:

• Grade 6 into 7 Course Selection Guide

• Grade 7 into 8 Course Selection Guide

• Rising Grades 7 & 8 Course Information

• Rising Grade 9 Course Information

• Grade 8 into 9 Course Selection Guide

• Rising Grade 10 Course Information

• Grade 9 into 10 Course Selection Guide

• Rising Grade 11 Course Information

• Grade 10 into 11 Course Selection Guide

• Rising Grade 12 Course Information

• Grade 11 into 12 Course Selection Guide

• March 5 - Community Iftar

• March 16-29 - Spring Break

• March 18-21 - Expected Eid Al Fitr (subject to Abu Dhabi Authorities confirmation)

• March 30 - School Resumes for Term 3