Greeting GAA Families,

As we have wrapped up the first semester of the school it is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our Middle School students. It has been an exciting past few months in Middle School as students are developing more independence, and focusing on our four school-wide expectations - Be Safe, Respectful, Be a Learner, Be Kind! January Advisory lessons have been focusing on the IB Learner Profile trait of being open-minded (appreciating our own cultures as well as the values and traditions of others). At our assembly this week several students were recognized for being exemplary role models in these areas.

Middle School sports teams have been very active over the past several weeks. At our assembly on Thursday, we acknowledged all of our Season Two athletes on the soccer, basketball, cross country, swimming and wrestling teams. I look forward to great participation in the third and final season of the year. We encourage all students to try out for a team as this provides yet another chance to develop their collaboration and teamwork skills while getting to some physical activity.

With the end of the semester, it was also time to crown a Semester 1 House Point winner. Students earn house points by receiving GEMS cards for demonstrating positive behaviours, participating in school spirit activities, and contributing to the Red Crescent fundraiser activity in December. It was the Gold Lion House that earned the most house points in all three of these categories. Congratulations Lions! They will be rewarded with a special activity in the coming weeks. Regarding our recent Spirit Week, all of the Middle School grades deserve a pat on the back for sweeping the competition taking the top three spots. Well done!

The end of the first semester also culminated with the first full Standards-Based report card of the year. Students received a proficiency level for each standard addressed in a given course. Please make sure to discuss your child’s progress with them and help them set goals for the second half of the year.

Kind regards,

Peter Thorpe

Middle School Vice Principal

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR

(please note, updated regularly)

• February 9: Stu Williamson make up Student Photo Session
• February 11: IB Course Fair @ 3:00-4:30pm in Multipurpose Room
• February 12-13: No school day (Admin offices will remain open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm)
• February 21: 9th Annual International Food Festival @5:00 - 7:00 pm, GAA Field
• February 27: Half Day/Pizza Day, school dismisses @12:00. Theme of Elementary School Dress Down: Book Character
• March 4-5: Parent-Teacher Conferences (no school days)

Our preferred Apple provider, JTRS (Just The Right Solutions), has created an e-store from which you can purchase a number of Apple products below retail costs. JTRS Education is offering discounts on MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs and iPads, as well as add-ons, cases and extended warranties.

Below, you will find a document on how to locate and sign-up for the e-store to see the discounted products and make a purchase. Once purchased, JTRS Education will be in communication with you about when they will be delivered to the school. Once they have been delivered to GAA, you may pick your devices up from the ICT office here at the school.

If you have any further questions, please contact JTRS directly at +971 4 338 0990 or info@jtrs.ae