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Issue # 10 - February 3, 2023

The GAAzette Online
  • Whole School News
  • Elementary News
  • Secondary News
  • GAA Parent Association (GAAPA)
  • GAAzette Archive
  • 22-23 Welcome Pack for New Families
The GAAzette Online

ELEMENTARY NEWS


SECONDARY NEWS


Message from Head of School

MR. ROBERT RINALDO

email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com

Dear GAA Families,

I hope this message finds you well. It is with great excitement that I bring you this edition of the GAAzette showcasing the wide range of academic, athletic, and artistic activities taking place at GEMS American Academy. 

From the achievements of our students in the classroom, to the excitement of athletic competition at the international level as part of the NESAC conference, to the creativity displayed on the stage, most recently with the inspiring performance of our Elementary students in the production of Aladdin JR., our school is thriving.

All of these activities are opportunities for students to develop what we know are the necessary skills and knowledge essential for success in today’s world. 

We continually try to improve upon our efforts and methodologies to teach literacy, numeracy, digital, and creative skills. In the week ahead we will be visited by representatives of our accrediting agencies the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC), as we work together on developing strategies and goals for teaching and learning in the year.

Also, in the week ahead, February 8 and 9, our High School Theater group will present their performance of High School Musical. Tickets are on sale now in the Secondary division.

Lastly, I am sending an announcement that reenrollment for the upcoming school year is still ongoing. I encourage you to begin the process now, to secure your child’s spot for next academic year. Deadline to submit your re-enrollment intention is February 17th.

Thank you for your trust in our school and commitment to your child’s education.

Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Head of School

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

February 8 and 9

Dear GAA Community, 

Come join our high school students as they perform High School Musical on February 8th and 9th at 6:00pm in the GAA Auditorium. 

They have worked so hard and we are so excited to see them on stage! 

Tickets are on sale for AED 20 for all teachers, students, and parents! 

  • If you would like to purchase a ticket and you are in elementary, please see Ms. Pugh in room 165. 

  • All other students may purchase tickets from Ms. Pugh or Ms. Victoria (Room 161). 

We are asking that you invite all of your friends and families to enjoy this event! Please note that all proceeds go back to the High School Arts Department. We appreciate your support!

Amara D. Pugh

K-12 Arts Coordinator

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to Mateo Samuela from 4A, who is the captain of the Under 9 Small Blacks (Foxes) team that won the HSBC Dubai Rugby Festival U9 Shield Final! They played 6 matches and were undefeated!

Meet Yahia Darweesh,  grade 11 full IB student,  History Enthusiast, MUN Delegate and GAA Library ambassador. Yahia is cultural, extremely knowledgeable - no wonder he wants to pursue international relations! 

He is collecting history artifacts and is generously sharing his finds in his classroom. Last term  he brought this helmet to the class: It is from the 60s from the time of Charles de Gaulle - the marines used to wear helmets like this. 

Please see his answers to some of the questions we asked:

  • Where does your fascination with historical artifacts come from?

I was always interested in history when I was a child; learning about leaders and historical events caused me to become very interested in history.

  • When did you acquire your first antique historical item?

When I was twelve and bought my first antique in an Austrian market, it was a coin that came from Austria-Hungary.

  • What do you want to study when you graduate GAA?

I am planning to go into either economics or International Relations for my future career. 

Are you a collector? Or you have a fascinating hobby? Feel free to share your passion with us. Send your information to pre_gaa@gemsedu.com. 

DONATE YOUR USED BOOKS

Dear GAA Community,

Ms Maureen, Grade 5 Team Lead runs a club with Seniors, they have raised over 1000AED, enough to fund 1 operation and change a child’s life forever, please support their book drive.

"Operation Smile GAA" club is collecting quality used books (adult fiction, teen fiction and children fiction only), which will be donated to Operation Smile UAE.

Operation Smile UAE has been an established charity with the Ministry of Community Development (formerly Ministry of Social Affairs) since January 2011.  

All proceeds go towards providing free and safe surgery to children with cleft conditions.

Please bring books to school and place in the collection box in the foyer from February 2-March 2nd.

Thank you for your contribution.

Operation Smile GAA Club

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/operationsmile_gaa/ 

KINDNESS CERTIFIED SCHOOL!

Because of our school's participation in The Great Kindness Challenge, GAA is acknowledged as a Kindness Certified School 2nd year in a row!

Thank you for everyone for participating the Kindness Challenge Week of November 14-18 and for making such a positive difference at our school, in our community, and in our world.

There's no doubt about it, your KINDNESS MATTERS EVERYWHERE!

2022-2023-GKC_Kindness-Certified-School-Certificate_Blue (1).pdf



10TH INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL UPDATES




Dear GAA Families, 

Thank you to everyone who could attend the 2nd information session for IFF.

In case you missed it, here is the link to the presentation of the session.  For any specific request for your country booth, please fill out this google form.

Next information session will be held on February 17 at 8:30 am in the Planetarium.

Please feel free to contact us at gaa.parentsteam@gmail.com if you have any questions. 

Please join us in making Saturday, February 25th a memorable day for our GAA community! 

Looking forward to seeing you at IFF! 

Warm Regards,

The GAAPA Team

FEBRUARY 23: Parent Session on Artificial Intelligence

Dear GAA Community,

We are pleased to announce that Nancy Gleason, PhD, will be speaking at our school on the topic of artificial intelligence and education. She is the inaugural Director of the Hilary Ballon Center for Teaching and Learning and an Associate Professor of Practice in Political Science at New York University Abu Dhabi.

During the talk, Nancy will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on the classroom and the education sector. As a parent of GAA children, Nancy will be able to shed some light on what to expect as a parent and how to support your own children with this new tool.

This is a great opportunity for parents in our K-12 school community to learn more about artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. We hope you will join us for this informative and thought-provoking presentation.

  • Date: Thursday February 23, 2023

  • Time: 08:15am

  • Location: GAA Auditorium

SLICES CAFETERIA MENU: FEBRUARY

2022-2023 YEARBOOK PRE-SALES ARE OPEN!

2022-2023 Yearbook pre-sales are now open! You can pre-order your copy for AED 175 through Parent Portal (http://oasis.gemseducation.com Activities section.

REMINDERS:

  • Have you paid for your 2021-2022 yearbook and not collected? - Please get your copy from Main Reception.

  • Would you like to buy 2021-2022 yearbook? - Please visit Accounts office to pay and get your copy from Main Reception.

  • Would you like to purchase past years' copies? - Still available at discounted price. Please visit Accounts office.

  • February 8: Learn About Middle School at GAA @8:00 Auditorium (For Grade 5 Parents)

  • February 8-9: GAA High School Musical @6:00pm Auditorium

  • February 8-9: Stu Williamson Official School Photoshoot (for new joiners and students who missed previous photoshoots)

  • February 8-10: Elementary Sports Days

  • February 8-12: NESAC Championship in Qatar

  • February 13-14: Mid-term break (no school)

  • February 15: Learn About IB Diploma and GAA Diploma Pathways @1:30 Gym (for Grade 10 Students and Parents)

  • February 22: Course Sign-ups for Grade 10 @2:00 Auditorium (Grade 9 Parents)

  • February 23: Course Sign-ups for Grades 7-8 @8:00 MPR Room (Grades 6-7 Parents)

  • February 23: Parent Session on Artificial Intelligence and Education @8:15, GAA Auditorium

  • February 24: Pizza Day by GAAPA

  • February 25: International Food Festival

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 

THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR 

(please note, updated regularly)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 

22/23 APPROVED PARENT CALENDAR

Head of School

  • Robert Rinaldo, email: hos_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): h.barriga_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)

  • Shahd Hamdan: s.hamdan_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: athletic_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 627

Elementary Principal

  • Leia  Kraeuter, email: esprincipal_gaa@gemsedu.com  

Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. KG-2)

  • Lauren Sargent, email: eslgvprincipal_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. 3-5)

  • Douglas Sherrill, email: esugvprincipal_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: ssprincipal_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Middle School Vice Principal (Grades 6-8)

  • Alicia Bakey, email: msvprincipal_gaa@gemsedu.com 

High School Vice Principal (Grades 9-10)

  • Zahra Bhatty, email: hsvprincipal_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)

  • Nora Eldrageely, email: n.eldrageely_gaa@gemsedu.com 

High School Counsellors (by students' last names)

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

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

  • Pushpa Dasari (Alq-Azz, Q-Z), email:p.dasari_gaa@gemsedu.com

IBDP Coordinator:

  • John Thompson, email: j.thompson2_gaa@Gemsedu.com 

Curriculum Coordinator:

  • David Dasari, email: d.dasari_gaa@gemsedu.com

IT DEPARTMENT:

By Email:

support_gaa@gemsedu.com

By Phone:

02-2019-666

Online:

Please click on the link below and select the option to “Open Microsoft Teams.”

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting 


USEFUL APPS AND WEBSITES

Click here for  Summary

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

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