Dear GAA Community,

On Wednesday, I announced that distance learning will continue for another week, with a return to on-campus learning scheduled for Tuesday, February 16. The news was frustrating for many and increased the concern for the social-emotional well-being of our students. As a faculty and staff, we are aware of the need to ensure a healthy balance between on-line screen time and play/activities that allow the students to disconnect. Many families have reached out to me, or other members of the school leadership team, to express this concern. We are listening, and this is at the forefront of our thinking and planning. My message to all members of the community is one of resilience. At the base of resilience is acceptance. The global challenge that we are living through is new for everyone, and we have the option to look at this experience as a time for growth. Good times will come and GAA will be stronger together.

As you peruse this edition of the GAAzette you will see that we continue to create, participate, share, and learn together. This weekend High School students are engaged in a virtual Model United Nations conference hosted by the American University of Dubai. Students across grade levels are actively involved in “The Goals Project “, an activity that focuses on teaching aspects of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, teaming up with classrooms from around the world, and working together for six weeks through “guided inquiry and exploration”. Secondary theater students are rehearsing for the much-anticipated February 10, on-line production of "The Wiz, Jr." and lastly our GAA Parent Association (GAAPA) is busy planning an innovative International Day to celebrate the diversity of cultures at GAA.

I invite you to read through this edition of the GAAzette, to stay connected, get involved, and celebrate the efforts of our students.

Warm regards,

Robert Rinaldo

As we continue to monitor student attendance during Distance Learning, it is important that our families inform us regarding any student absence. In the event of positive COVID-19 case of a student, we must report it to relevant authorities, in line with ADEK and GEMS HSE Requirements.

Furthermore, your child's teachers and department vice-principals will be informed of student absence due to illness and provide relevant support.

Student absences exceeding 10% must be justified, in order to avoid consequences, such as retention or possible blocked enrollment for the following school year.

• For KG and Elementary student absences, please contact Elementary Secretary at elemsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com

• For Secondary student absences, please contact Secondary Secretary at secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com

We thank you for your continuous support.

15 high school students from GAA will be participating in the 6th edition of AUDMUN, an event hosted by the American University of Dubai February 4th-6th! AUDMUN is a conference that provides a platform for students to participate in thought-provoking debates that help them learn the art of diplomacy, develop leadership skills and understand international relations. Our students will be engaging in lively debates on various topics such as, the impact of COVID-19 on Asian Markets, consequences of climate change on developing nations, state-enforced internet shutdowns, and more!

Dear GAA Families,

We proud ourselves to be a multicultural, diverse community. Our school is home to students from more than 80 nationalities, with the cultural contributions from their own unique backgrounds, experiences and knowledge.

Every year we celebrate our diversity by putting together the best family event “International Food Festival”. This year, due to current situation, we will not be able to enjoy the delicious food, amazing performances, colorful national costumes. As experience taught us, when there is a will, there is a way! We will need your help to celebrate this year! Here are the ways every family can contribute:

• Send a video of your child or the whole family (the more - the merrier!) greeting in your language. You are welcome to wear your national costume or film it in front of your Country’s flag.

• Send a recipe of your national food. We will compile it into a GAA Recipe Book and share with our families to enjoy!

Please email to pre_gaa@gemsedu.com by February 18, 2021.

Thank you!

GAA Parent Association

Dear Parents,

Term 2 tuition fee invoice is now available. Payment can be made online through Parent Portal or in-school. Please note cash counters will be open Sunday through Thursday between 8 AM – 4 PM.

• February 9 - Virtual Parent Coffee with High School Counsellors

• February 10 - Tune in to YouTube to watch our first ever, Secondary Virtual Production of The Wiz, Jr. Link will be emailed soon.

• February 11 - Re-enrollment Opens!

• February 14-15 - Half-term, No School!

• February 16 - Expected Return to Face-To-Face Attendance.

In celebration of Innovation Month, the ADNOC CSR team is hosting a series of free workshops, events and competitions for youth, teachers, families and schools:

Event: Ready, Set, Data! Special Workshop

Date: February 3, 4-5pm

Description:

Play with data and learn about ways that ADNOC scientists use data at work. Learn about data and how the ADNOC team uses data visualization to make critical decisions. Complete the ADNOC STEM @ HOME Ready, Set, Data! Challenge. Prizes will be awarded for the top submissions.

Event: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Awards

Date: February 10, 4-5pm

Description:

Learn about AI and Machine Learning! Come celebrate the student winners of the ADNOC STEM @ HOME Digital Creators Challenge: AI & Machine Learning. See how youth in the UAE think that AI and machine learning can make the world a better place.

Event: ADNOC Energy for Life Competition for Schools

Date: February 24, 4-5pm

Description:

Join the launch of the ADNOC Energy for Life Competition for Schools. Book ADNOC Virtual Energy Center Tours for your students and learn how to participate in the ADNOC Energy for Life Competition. Five winning schools will receive a fully equipped VR studio for their school.

Event: Launch of ADNOC STEM Learning Portal

Date: February 28, 4-5pm

Description:

Join us for a launch of the ADNOC STEM Learning Portal. This portal will allow students to register, access learning content, challenges and competitions. Additionally, they will be able to track their progress, earn points and get certificates. Join us for an exclusive tour of this new portal!

All of the programs are free, online and accessible for teachers, parents and youth ages 7 to 18 years old.

RSVP here.