FEBRUARY 18 ISSUE (next issue March 5)

IMPORTANT: COVID-19 REPORTING PROCEDURES AT GAA
We remind parents of our safety protocols with regards to COVID-19:
- What if my child or a household member tests positive?
Notify school immediately by calling GAA's COVID-19 Hotline at 052 1048099 to enable us to activate appropriate response. Or email: pre_gaa@gemsedu.com
Keep your child and other GAA siblings isolated at home for at least 10 days and follow the instructions of Health Authorities.
Distance Learning will be enabled for your child.
Child will be cleared to return to school once they have 2 consecutive negative test results, submitting doctor's note and results to the school nurse.
- What's the Return to School protocol?
Positive case: They must show a Clearance Report from SEHA or their Health Care Provider confirming they are clear to return to school. This report shows the high-level history of the case including date confirmed positive, the 2 negative results and that the patient has completed the isolation period.
Contacts of the positive case: contacts must continue their 10 day home quarantine, even if they test negative, and are only allowed back in school after receiving 2 consecutive negative test results (approximately day 1 and day 8 testing).
We thank you for your continuous support.
POSSIBILITY OF PRE-K AT GAA
2021-2022 Academic Year
Dear GAA Families,
Ministry of Education of UAE has issued a Ministerial Resolution No. 5 2021, regarding updated age cut-off for all students entering KG1, KG2 and Grade 1 starting from next school year.
We at GAA are exploring opening a Pre-K here for 3-4 year olds. This Pre-K model would have the same length of day as KG (7:30-2:15pm) with a modified, developmentally appropriate schedule (e.g. built-in nap time, etc). There would be flexibility to pick up students at an earlier time, if a parent chooses. Our curriculum would encompass our KG play-based philosophy with the American Common Core Standards.
A fee structure is currently being developed, and we expect it to be lower than KG fees.
We would like to collect parent feedback to understand the interest and we kindly request you to fill out this Survey https://forms.gle/aCYJcHifBggqkcPSA by February 28.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com
STEPZSC with Wildcats!
February 22, 5:30 pm

AUDMUN - February 4-6
Last February 4-6, 15 high school students from GAA participated in the 6th edition of AUDMUN, an event hosted by the American University of Dubai February 4th-6th!
We are pleased to announce that GAA MUN team received an award for Best Medium Delegation.
Alex Bejjani from Grade 11 won Honorable Mention in his committee, Arab League. This was his first time participating in an MUN conference and we wish him best of luck in his future endeavors!
INTERNATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION
Dear GAA Families,
Just a friendly reminder to submit a short 5-10 second video where your child or whole family is greeting in your mother tongue, dressed in national costume or colors of your country flag.
Please email your contributions to pre_gaa@gemsedu.com by February 22, 2021
Students will have the opportunity to dress in their country colors or national costumes on following Dress Down Days:
February 24 and 25: KG and Secondary Students
February 25: Elementary Students
Also, if you would like to share a recipe of your national food, please email it to pre_gaa@gemsedu.com by March 1, 2021.
Thank you!
GAA Parent Association
SECONDARY VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
"THE WIZ, JR."
Here is the full video of the Virtual Production, in case you missed it.

NEWS FROM FINANCE DEPARTMENT
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.
YEARBOOK 2020-2021

We can all agree that this year is very unique and our lives are very different than before.
The 2020/2021 yearbook will have a very personal feel to it and will capture the craziness of this school year.
Due to safety restrictions and considering that number of our students are still on full distance learning, we will not have Stu Williamson take student formal photos at school this year. In case things change, we may schedule the photoshoot for March 2021.
This is where we need our Parents and Students' help:
For KG/Elementary, we ask that parents send a recent picture of their child doing anything they like, eating, playing, exercising... clear face and good lighting.
For MS/HS, we ask that students send us a selfie, that can be funny but appropriate.
Homeroom and advisory teachers will reach out to their students/parents shortly with details. We hope to get the photos before the Winter Break.
Let's make a delicious lemonade out of the lemons, so generously given by 2020!
If you didn't get your copy of Yearbook 2019-2020, it is still available. Contact Ms. Fatma, Parent Relations Executive, at pre_gaa@gemsedu.com for payment details.
February 22 - STEPZCS with GAA Wildcats @5:30pm in Zayed Sports City
February 23 - Yoga and Mindfulness with Elissa Ballard for Elementary Parents, @12:00pm
February 23 - IB Virtual Course Fair @3:00pm
February 24-25 - Whole School Dress Down Day. Theme: International Day
February 25 - Half-day. School dismisses @12:00pm
March 3-4 - Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 11 - PYP Exhibition Parent Information Session
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

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: 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.


EXCITING AFTER-SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
ABU DHABI SAILING ACADEMY
Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy is organizing Beginners and Intermediate courses for this coming weekend:
Beginners:
Friday, February 19th, 2021 and Saturday, February 20th, 2021:
7:30h to 12:30h
Intermediate:
Friday, February 19th, 2021 and Saturday, February 20th, 2021:
13:30h to 18:00h
NOTE: The Course may need to cancel due to unstable weather condition.
ADSA is also organizing courses on weekdays after 3 pm. Please contact for more information.
Contact Team ADSA:
Hristo Hristov, General Manager / Principal
Mobile: 050 614 1689
Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy, operated by Fairwind Sailing Sports Club
Mobile: 0504047688
SAVE ON SCHOOL FEES
Facility to pay by credit card is made available. You can avail fee discounts by paying the whole years’ fees using your FAB GEMS Co Brand Credit Card.
FAB Representative Mr. Mark Henry (mobile: 0543144146, email: Mark.Gabrah@bankfab.com) will be able assist, if you wish to register for the above mentioned facility.
IMPORTANT!: Coordinate with FAB representative to ensure FAB records GAA tuition payment transaction(s) with the "12 months 0% Easy Payment Plan and no processing fee." Alternatively text "EPP" to number 2121 and FAB representative will be contacting you to arrange for Easy Payment Plan.
Use of Bank Points to pay school fees (For Emirates NBD, Citibank & ADCB customers).
Over 60+ new offers on the app allowing parents to save from the comfort of their home
Apple E-shop, with a curated list of Apple products & accessories for students. Offers great discounts and 8 GEMS Points for every AED 100 spent
USEFUL APPS AND WEBSITES
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