Good afternoon MS Parents,

First of all, I would like to thank all of our parent community for your flexibility and understanding during our latest ADEK and Ministry notification of the extension of distance learning. This is not the news we were hoping for, and please know that we want our students back on campus urgently. We are missing the interaction and engagement with students and all the energy, fun, laughter and amazement that comes with that. We understand that the tolls of distance learning affect the whole household. Please know that we hear you.

This also impacts the return to school plan for Covid safety and logistics orientation. Group A will now join us on Tuesday, February 16th, while Group B stays home, as well as those who choose to continue Distance Learning. Wednesday, February 17th Group B will come to school for their Orientation while Group A stays home, along with those who choose to continue Distance Learning. Thursday February 18th, Group A will return to school, while Group B and Distance Learners join their classes online for the day. We will rotate back and forth between the groups from then on. I will send what Group your child is in and a calendar of when the Group A/Group B come to school for your convenience. Please note there will not be classes for students who choose to continue Distance Learning on Tuesday, February 16th and Wednesday, February 17th to allow for our on-campus student to receive Covid safety and school logistics orientation.

We hope that our new Office Hours (final 30 minutes of each block are offline) are allowing students a break from the screen, to get up and get outside for durations of time during the school day. This decision was made with our students’ wellbeing as the priority and I welcome any and all feedback on the matter.

Thank you once again and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have.

Have a great weekend!

Scott Macdonald

Middle School Vice Principal

s.macdonald1_gaa@gemsedu.com

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.

Please join us in congratulating our Grade 6 students and their incredibly talented teachers on the completion of the Quarter 2 Grade 6 Arts program. As customary, our Grade 6 students and team of teachers showcase the results of their hard work with presentations and performances.

Career Day is rapidly approaching and we need your experiences! Whether you are a nurse, artist, graphic designer, or business owner- we need you! We are looking for a variety of people interested in spending a few hours talking to our students about their career.

All sessions will take place on Zoom.

Many of our students are unaware of the career opportunities available to them and this is a fantastic way to provide them with first hand knowledge of potential career paths.

If you are not interested but know someone who is, please give them (or us) the necessary contact information. 

Fill in this Google Form or email: l.massman_gaa@gemsedu.com

Please respond by Sunday March 7, 2021.

We present, the first ever, Secondary Virtual Production of The Wiz, Jr. Check out the promo video! The show will be presented on YouTube Live, Wednesday, February 10th. We hope you tune in!

Greetings GAA High School Parents,

Please join our High School Counselors & special guest Ms. Bene Katabua (Child & Educational Psychologist at KidsFirst) for a virtual parent coffee on Tuesday, February 9th at 10:30 am: "Coping During Challenging Times: Supporting Your Teens and the Importance of Self Care".

If you are interested in joining us, please sign-up here to receive an invitation to the Zoom meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact us via email should you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, February 9th at 10:30am.

Kind regards,

The GAA High School Counseling Team

Ms. Bradford, k.bradford_gaa@gemsedu.com (Students with Last Names A-D)

Ms. Brown, l.brown2_gaa@gemsedu.com (Students with Last Names E-Z)

Dear Middle School Parents,

Thank you to those who were able to join the Parent Coffee on 27-January. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with all of you and provide support/insight on how we can support each other and our students through these changing times. I look forward to seeing you all at future conversations. Linked below are a copy of the slides that you may use as a resource. Your feedback for the past parent coffee would be greatly appreciated. Furthermore, I would like to receive your input on topics you would like to discuss at future coffees. Please complete this feedback form. I plan to schedule a Parent Coffee 1x per month this semester and will be sending out information on upcoming Middle School Counselor Parent Coffees soon.

Kind regards,

Yvette Cuenco, LMSW

GAA Middle School Counselor

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!

Welcome to GAA Secondary Library website! Your access to the library collection, research databases, learning resources and more!

SECONDARY LIBRARY WEBSITE

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.

• February 9 - Virtual Parent Coffee with High School Counsellors. Sign Up Here

• 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.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR

(please note, updated regularly)