MARCH 18 ISSUE (next issue April 15)

Message from Mr. Rinaldo,

Head of School

email: r.rinaldo_gaa@gemsedu.com

Robert rinaldo march 19.mov

IMPORTANT:

Travel Declaration

Dear GAA Parents,

In anticipation of upcoming Spring Break, you have received the Travel Declaration from GEMS Education. In order for us to comply with the UAE Covid-19 travel requirements, please complete the form for your child(ren).

  • If you are not travelling, please complete it now.

  • If you are travelling, please complete it prior to your child’s return to school.

Thank you.

IMPORTANT

What if my child feels unwell at school?

Non-COVID-related: If your child develops any symptoms during school hours:

  • The student will be flagged by the teacher and will be referred to the school clinic for triage. If child does not have fever or any other COVID-19 symptoms, Nurse will contact the parent to investigate any possible illness at home by family member. Depending on the condition of the child, parent may be asked to collect from school.

  • If student is sent home, parent must provide doctor's medical certificate for return to campus.

COVID-related: Your child will be considered as a suspected case of Covid-19, if displaying any signs and symptoms such as cough, fever or breathlessness and:

  • Child will be moved to Quarantine Room, where they will be monitored by a School Nurse.

  • Nurse will contact the parents immediately to retrieve the child from the school.

  • The school shall not administer any medicines to the child.

  • The school will inform the parents about the nearest hospital and COVID-19 testing center.

  • If the child tests positive for COVID-19, parents are mandated to inform the school so that they can take measures to secure the health of other students and staff who may have been exposed to the virus.

  • If child has siblings at GAA attending in-campus, they must be quarantined at home as well.

  • Student(s) will be able to return to school after 2 consecutive negative COVID tests and doctor's medical certificate.

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?

  1. 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

  2. Keep your child and other GAA siblings isolated at home for at least 10 days and follow the instructions of Health Authorities.

  3. Distance Learning will be enabled for your child.

  4. 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.

TEDxYouth at GAA

March 20, 2021

02:00 PM on YouTube

TEDx.mp4

We are excited to continue our annual tradition of hosting TEDx Youth at GAA. Although Virtual, due to safety restrictions, we are looking to hear from many speakers, who will share their views and stories about our ability to make a difference in this world.

How Can I Watch?

This last year has been one to remember, and due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, this year's TEDx conference will be held virtually, streamed live on our Youtube channel on March 20th, 2021 @2:00pm. Unlike other years, no tickets or payment will be required for this event.

TEDx 2021 Raffle

Want something to remember this special event? This year, we are hosting a raffle for a TEDx 2021 shirt that has been made specifically for this year's conference! Simply fill out this form and hope you get chosen for your very own TEDx 2021 shirt!

How Can I Stay Updated?

Make sure to check out our TEDx website, and don't forget to take a look at our Instagram page for more updates!

More information will be released soon, so stay tuned for further updates!

We hope to see everyone at the stream this Saturday!

- TEDxYouth@GAA Team

ELEMENTARY ZOOMSICAL "THE BIG ONE-OH"

March 25, 2021

06:00 PM on YouTube

The Elementary Performing Arts proudly presents, The Big One-Oh! A Zoomsical! Our students have been working very hard and we are excited to share with you our first ever Zoom Musical.

Meet Charley Maplewood and his imaginary friends! Will he be able to pull off the birthday of his dreams? Come join us and find out! Check out the sneak peek.

The show will go live on March 25th at 6:00p.m. (via YouTube Live). Tickets will be on sale March 14th – March 21st. If you would like to purchase access to our show please use the following link:

For The Big One-Oh Zoomsical: Ticket payment through online:

Login (https://oasis.gemseducation.com/Login.aspx with user name & password and “Enroll” under “Activities” tab. Then Pay Online.

OCR Park event

Hudayriat Island

March 25 - 26, 2021

Hello Wildcats!

Would you like to participate and get challenged in Abu Dhabi’s No:1 outdoor fitness park? Mr. Rashleigh and Ms. Iliana would like to invite you to compete with your classmates on an exciting obstacle course at OCR Park on Hudayriat Island.

Date/Time:

  • Thursday, 25th of March; Gr.9-10 from 4:00-6:00 p.m and Gr.11-12 with Faculty from 6:00-8:00 p.m

  • Friday, 26th March students aged 5-10 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

  • Friday, 26th March Middle School students Gr.6-8 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Please make sure you come on time for your session.

Location:

  • Hudayriat Island. Check the location map, attached on the flyer.

Cost for the event:

  • 100aed. per person. Last day for online payment is on Monday 22nd of March.

Awards:

  • Top 5 students from each HS/MS division will receive Wildcats spirit gift.

Waiver:

What do you need to Do to participate?

  • fill in the registration form, attached on the flyer. In the notes section add your grade level and date of birth.

  • sign and submit the waiver form.

  • pay online the 100dhs participation fees not later than Monday 22nd of March.

All students are advised to wear comfortable clothing, follow social distancing guidelines and bring water.

Food and beverages will be available on site for purchase.

Everything you need to know about this great sporting opportunity is through this link.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Iliana Jaltova @ i.jaltova_gaa@gemsedu.com or Mr. David Rashleigh @ d.rashleigh_gaa@gemsedu.com

We look forward to seeing you there.

Let’s Go Wildcats!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Amna Shaheen Alnuaimi

.آمنة شاهين النعيمي طالبة في الصف الثاني في مدرسة أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية أبو ظبي

.عطائها واسع وتميزها رائع، تسمو بطموحها الدائم وترتقي سلم المجد بمثابرتها واجتهادها

تميزت آمنة شاهين في مادة اللغة العربية حيث شاركت في عدة مسابقات منها مسابقة تحدي القراءة العربي حيثُ وصلت للمرحلة النهائية، كما أبدعت في مشاركتها

.في تحدي جيمس – تقرأ ـــ بالعربية حيث أنهت جميع التحديات، وحصلت على العديد من شهادات التقدير

.تتوجت آمنة شاهين في المركز الأول على مستوى شعب الصف الثاني في قراءة مئة وأربعين قصة باللغة العربية من منصة عصافير

. لطالما تميزت آمنة في كتاباتها الإبداعية بمواضيعها الشيقة وترابط مفرداتها الجميلة

.نتمنى لكِ مزيدًا من التميز والتفوق الدائم

Amna Shaheen Al Nuaimi is a second grade student at GEMS American Academy School Abu Dhabi.

Her giving is broad and her distinction is wonderful. She transcends her constant ambition and rises to glory with her perseverance and diligence. Amna Shaheen was distinguished in the Arabic language, where she participated in several competitions, including the Arab Reading Challenge competition, where she reached the final stages. She also excelled in her participation, Challenge GEMS - read – in - Arabic, where she completed all the challenges and received many certificates of appreciation.

Amna Shaheen won first place at the level of the students of the second grade in reading one hundred and forty stories in Arabic from the Asafeer platform.

Amna's creative writing has always been distinguished by her interesting themes and the coherence of her beautiful vocabulary.

We wish you more excellence and lasting excellence.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Fares Almaari

فارس فيصل المعاري من الصف الرابع ، تلميذ مجتهد وطموح ، يسعى للتفوّق ويمتلك شغف حبّ الاستطلاع واكتساب المعارف ، ولقد حقق ولا يزال نتائج متقدمة من خلال الأبحاث الإضافية التي يقوم بها من أجل الغوص عميقاً في المواضيع المطروحة .

Faris Faisal Al-Maari, fourth grade student, is a hardworking and ambitious student, who strives for success. He has a passion for recognition and acquiring knowledge. He has achieved advanced results through the additional research he is doing in order to dive deep into the topics.

NEWS FROM FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Dear Parents,

Term 3 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.

We are also pleased to inform you FAB GEMS Co-branded card discount deadline has been extended to March 31st, 2021.

YEARBOOK 2020-2021

ORDER FORM 2020-21.pdf

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.

  • March 20 - Senior Cap and Gown Photoshoot 09:30 am - 03:00 pm

  • March 20 - TEDxYouth @2:00pm Youtube

  • March 21 - 25 - Secondary Spirit Week

  • March 25 - Spirit Week Dress Down Day. Half-day: school dismisses at 12:00.

  • March 25 - Elementary Zoomsical "The Big One-Oh" @6:00pm Youtube

  • March 25 - Career Day for High School Students.

  • March 28 - April 13 - Spring Break

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS

THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR

(please note, updated regularly)

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

GEMS_Alumni_Flyer_Jan2021[2].pdf

EXCITING AFTER-SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

NextGen10: You see things We can't

HSBC and Nextgen are looking for an idea or initiative that will help to solve some of our largest problems and help with the build back in a world impacted by COVID-19.

  • This is open to all UAE residents aged 10-14 years of age.

  • Students need to register on the Nextgen10 website by 28 March.

  • Once students register they will be able to complete the following:

  • Get the parent consent signature.

  • Fill in the template for their idea.

  • Upload a 60 second video outlining their idea.

  • Wait to see if they made it into the top 50 semi-finalists.

Students can email l.thatcher_gaa@gemsedu.com if they have any questions about the initiative.

Here is the video explaining the process.

Next Gen10.mp4

ABU DHABI SAILING ACADEMY

Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy is organizing Beginners and Intermediate courses for this coming weekend:

Beginners:

Friday, March 19th, 2021 and Saturday, March 20th, 2021:

7:30h to 12:30h

Intermediate:

Friday, March 19th, 2021 and Saturday, March 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

Get in the game! Join Capital Sport Future (3).pdf

UPTRADE WITH JTRS

Uptrade 2021.pdf

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

Click here for Summary

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

IT DEPARTMENT:

By Email:

support_gaa@gemsedu.com

Online:

Please click on the link below and select the option to “Open Microsoft Teams.”

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY UP-TO-DATE