Dear GAA Families,

I hope this message finds you and your family well. The GEMS NPS Parent Survey will remain open throughout the weekend. A score of 9 or 10 serves as both validation and motivation for our faculty and staff to continue their commitment to continuous improvement. Thank you to all who have already completed the short survey.

As we approach next week’s mid-term break (Feb. 10-12), there are a number of academic, artistic, and athletic events that continue to highlight our students’ talents and reinforce the benefits of a holistic educational approach.

Upcoming Events:

• NESAC tournaments: Basketball, Band, and Choir in Kuwait; Football in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: February 24-25

• High School Musical – Little Shop of Horrors: February 19, 20, and 22

A special congratulations to the Middle School cast of Beauty and the Beast! Your hard work and dedication were evident in your sold-out performances, which thoroughly entertained all who attended. To our Arts Department, your dedication and passion shone through—thank you for making it all possible.

Wishing you all a wonderful break ahead.

Best regards, 

Robert Rinaldo

Our Middle School production of *Beauty and the Beast* was a huge hit! With both shows playing to full audiences, our talented students and dedicated staff delivered an unforgettable performance. Congratulations to everyone involved for bringing this magical story to life on stage!

Check out photos and videos.

GAA will be on mid-term break from February 10 to 12, with classes resuming on Thursday, February 13. Admin offices will remain open during the break from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Wishing everyone a wonderful break!

We are pleased to announce the opening of registration for the 9th edition of the Mawhibaty talent development program, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. This initiative is designed to discover and nurture student talents in the visual and performing arts and is open to students from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

Mawhibaty provides students with a platform for artistic growth, supported by a team of expert trainers and professionals at both local and international levels. We encourage you to inspire your students in your schools to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity by applying for the program through the following link: https://tdp-art.dct.gov.ae/ 

The registration is done by the student's parents using the Emirates ID. The program has been instrumental in uncovering and developing many talents in past editions, enriching both our schools and the wider community. We are confident that your students have the potential to excel and shine in this unique initiative.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and dedicated support in encouraging participation in this program, which offers students a unique platform to explore their potential and a pathway to nurture and develop their creative talents.

For inquiries or additional support, please contact Department of Culture and Turism via email at: mawhibaty@dctabudhabi.ae 

Celebrating Our Amazing Counselors!

This week, the GAA community came together to honor our incredible school counselors, who play a vital role in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. From guiding students through challenges to fostering a positive school environment, their dedication makes a lasting impact.

Parent volunteers from the Booster Club and GAA Parent Association provided a special breakfast and lunch, while students expressed their appreciation through heartfelt songs and messages. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a memorable week for our amazing counselors!

Dear Parents, 

8billionideas is thrilled to share that they are back at GEMS WAA this February half-term! 

We are a renowned British education company known to deliver award-winning programmes that help children build real-world skills and develop their confidence. We’re excited to bring our Young Leaders Camp, loved by children across the UAE, to GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi!

About Young Leaders Camp

If you’re looking for a unique experience that will leave your child inspired, empowered, and equipped with essential life skills, this is it. Over the course of an unforgettable camp, your child will:

• Design their own visionary country, bringing imagination to life.

• Develop a compelling campaign, showcasing why their country is an incredible place to live.

• Build their public speaking skills, culminating in a showcase event where they’ll present their ideas with confidence and creativity.

Camp Details 

• Dates: Monday 10th - Friday 14th February

• Time: 09:00 - 14:30 (Early finish Friday at 12)
  (Early drop-off available from 08:00; late pick-up until 15:00)

• Age Groups:  5-8 years & 9-11 years

• Full Price: AED 1095

Why Attend?
The Young Leaders Camp is designed to develop confidence and leadership skills. 

1. Young Leaders camp is designed for ALL personality types—shy, quiet, energetic, and everything in between!

• We’ve seen children who barely spoke on Day 1 take the stage with confidence by the end of the camp.

2. Leadership skills are broken into fun, age-appropriate activities.

• Think team-based challenges, problem-solving, and creative activities

3. This isn’t just a week of playtime. Sure, there’s fun (a lot of it), but every activity is designed to develop:

• Creative problem solving

• Teamwork and communication

• Confidence and self belief

Click here to find out more and enrol.

If you have any questions, contact 8billionideas directly at camps@8billionideas.com  or say hello on WhatsApp.  

• February 10-12 - Half-Term Break (NO SCHOOL)

• February 15 - International Food Festival

• February 17-21 - Absentee and New Joiner Official School Photoshoot

• February 17-20 - Grade 6-9 Sports Days

• February 17-21 - Book Fair

• February 19-20 & 22 - High School Musical Production of Little Shop of Horrors

• February 24-25 - Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences (no classes in session)

• March 1 - expected start of Holy Month of Ramadan