Dear GEMS American Academy High School Graduates,  

Congratulations on your high school graduation. Thank you all for allowing your GAA teachers and administrators to be part of your journey. The message below serves to inform you about how and when you will be able to procure your academic documents. 

Please take time to review what is needed from your universities. If your counselor has emailed you about specific documents that are needed please finalize those details by contacting your counselor today. 

Your documents will be released once you have successfully returned and finalized all accounts at GAA including the library books, textbooks, and finance. Please be mindful that Ms. Parente will not clear your account until she has completed the book return process.  

Pictures from graduation:

Once the pictures are made available by Stu Williamson, GAA will send a message with a link to the class of 2024 only.  There is no charge for the pictures.  They will be available for you to download.  The link is not to be shared outside of your graduation cohort. You will access them using your GAA email. 

GAA Email access:  

Our IT department has made arrangements for you to have access to your school email until October 1, 2024.  Please make the necessary arrangements for any documents that you need from your google accounts to be downloaded by that time.

Distribution of Transcripts and Diplomas

Transcripts will be reviewed and finalized during next week - June 3-7.  Once graduates are cleared (as above), transcripts will become available. 

ADEK will verify final ESIS Reports and Diplomas in early July. Final transcripts cannot be sent to your university(s) nor can Diplomas be issued to graduates until ADEK has completed its verification process.

For American Diploma scholars ONLY that need attestation and / or equivalency, please refer to the communication from ADEK with the corresponding QR Codes which will allow families to access transcripts to be attested.  Parents Letter- Post-Graduation Requirements 

For those students who are Full IB scholars and designated as such, IB marks are not released until July 6, 2024.  Marks will be sent to the designated universities (as already shared with Mr. Thompson) after they have been released to the students.  For those students who need either hard copies of the IB Diploma or have requested legalization, these diplomas will be sent at a later date. Attestation can be coordinated upon receipt of the hard copy of the documents. 

Some parents might have received communication directly from ADEK requesting attestation from within the school, unfortunately at this stage this option is not available to students at GAA. We are unable to offer this service at this time and the use of Tamm is advised for ADEK attestation.

Graduation Speech 2023- 2024 (translation, scroll down for original in Arabic)

Faculty Speaker - Rami Abu Dames

Your Highnesses, Parents, Beloved Students, Our Graduates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Afternoon!

The stars of the sky blushed and faded away.

When the gathering of Earth's stars arrived in celebration

With knowledge, you triumphed and adorned your paths with light،

The crown of success shines brightly, adorned with light.

Every journey has its destination, and every encounter has its farewell. It has been my privilege to get to know you, cherish your company, and find joy in your presence. I have enjoyed beautiful days that words fail to describe, and hearts struggle to express. I spent with you years filled with the splendor of benefits and the treasures of accomplishments. Throughout those years, I've accompanied your thoughts and insights. You used to fill our classroom with positivity and enthusiasm, striving to achieve your dreams with strength and determination.  What precious days they were, what lovely hours, and what delightful years! The days passed, events concluded, and dreams reached their end. Today, I'm filled with pride and gratitude for each of you, every milestone you've reached, and every dream you've turned into reality. You weren't just students; you were friends, siblings, and family. Though I will miss seeing you in the classrooms, I'm confident you'll build a bright future for yourselves and the world around you. Today is a significant day in your life, where you reap the rewards of years of hard work and dedication. We all stand at the crossroads where our school journey ends and our university journey begins. As we bid farewell to this year, we open a new chapter filled with hopes, dreams, and challenges. I extend my gratitude for all the effort you've put in and the inspiration you've sparked in our hearts. Your journey has been more than just a series of lessons and exams. It's been a period of challenges and profound growth. As you've finished these years, the time has come to strive towards your dreams. Throughout this, remember that education doesn't end with graduation; it's a lifelong journey. 

Remember to utilize the skills you've gained here at GEMS American Academy, where one of its fundamental principles is to prepare you to achieve your dreams and inspire others wherever you go. Over many years, your teachers have aimed to strengthen your learning and living skills before knowledge and expertise. 

The learning journey doesn't stop with graduation from school or college; it's a continuous opportunity to seek new knowledge and enhance skills. Pursue opportunities that help you reach your goals and contribute positively to your community. Throughout each day of these years, the moments of learning and growth have been countless and invaluable. They were moments of smiles and tears, which will remain etched in our memories forever. I've witnessed your growth and prosperity, observed your development and maturity, and it has been my honor to mentor and support you on this journey. 

You have been a source of pride for us and your families, who achieve their dreams through you. They trust that you will not let them down, and soon, we will witness you shining brightly as stars in the sky of success, creativity, and distinction. After all these years filled with challenges and accomplishments, the time has come to bid farewell. Let me say one thing: the moments we spent together will never be erased from my memory, and you will always remain an integral part of my journey as a teacher. I want to leave you with this: Never underestimate your strength and potential, and never lose hope when facing future challenges. I believe in your ability to succeed. 

Goodbye, my dear friends.

Let's celebrate your achievements and wish you the best as you begin a new journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Remember, you are never alone; we are here to support and encourage you in every step towards success. 

Thank you.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

والصلاة والسلام على نبينا محمد خير الأنام وسيد المرسلين أما بعد..

أصحاب السمو الشيوخ الكرام..أولياء الأمور الأعزاء  طلابي الأحبَّة نجومنا الخريجين..…. السادة الحضور..

غارت نجوم السما واختفت خجلا             إذ جاء جمع نجوم الأرض محتفلا

بالعلم فزتم وزان النور مفرقكم                تاج النجاح علا بالنور مكتحلا

لكلّ بداية نهاية ، وبعد كلّ لقاء فراقٌ ، وشمسُ اللقاء يتبعها ليلُ الوداع . بعد أنْ أمضيتُ أعوامًا معكم، وتشرفتُ فيها بمعرفتكم وصحبتكم والأنسِ بكم، وبعد أنْ استمتعتُ بأيام ٍرائعةٍ، وليالٍ باهرةٍ يعجزُ القلمُ عن وصفها ورسمها، والقلبُ عن البوح بها؛ لعظيم حسنِها وجمالها. أعوامًا حافلةً بروائع الفوائد، وبدائع الفرائد، أعوامًا تسطّر أيامها بماء الذهب، وتنسجُ أحداثها بلآلئ الفضة. كيف لا ! وقد صاحبتُ فيها أفكاركم ومعارفكم، لقد سلكنا دروبَ المحبة والإخاء ونسجْنا حروفَ المودة والعطاء. وها هي الأيامُ انقضتْ، وشمسُ الوداع أشرقت، وسفينة الرحيل أبحرت. تصرّمتِ الأيام وانطوى بساطها وانتهت أحداثها وانقضت أحلامها. ما أجملَ تلك الأيام الرائعة ففيها تعرفتُ عليكم، وأنِستُ بصحبتكم ومجالستكم. أيامٍ غابرة تدخل حديقة الذكريات لتشكل أزهارًا مشرقة شامخة أستمتعُ بالنظر إليها متى تجولتُ في سماء الذكريات. حلّقنا في قمم النجاح مشمِّرين عن سواعد الكفاح. ما أغلاها من أيام، وما أحسَنها من ساعات، وما أعذَبها من سنوات.

اليوم هو يومٌ مهم جدًا في حياتكم، هذا اليوم تُكافؤون فيه على سنواتٍ من الجد والاجتهاد، اليوم….. نقف جميعًا عند مفترق الطرق، حيث ينتهي مشواركم المدرسي ويبدأ مشواركم الجامعي..، وتبدأ رحلتكم خارج حدود الصفوف الدراسية التي شهدت تطوركم ونضوجكم. وعلى الرغم من أنني سأفتقد رؤيتكم في الصفوف الدراسية، إلا أنني متأكد من أنكم ستبنون مستقبلًا مشرقًا لأنفسكم وللعالم من حولك، ومع كل صفٍ وكل درسٍ، كنتم تملأون هذه الغرفة بالحياة والحماس، وتسعون لتحقيق أحلامكم بكل قوة وإصرار.

 اليوم، أشعر بالفخر والامتنان لكل واحد منكم، لكل إنجاز قدمتموه، ولكل حلم حققتموه. فأنتم لم تكونوا فقط طلابًا، بل كنتم أصدقاءً، وأخوةً، وعائلة. والآن، بينما نودّع هذا السنّة، نفتح صفحة جديدة تملؤها آمال وأحلام وتحديات، أريد أن أشكركم على كل جهد قدمتموه، وعلى الإلهام الذي وقعتم به على قلوبنا. أنتم الأمل والمستقبل، وأنا واثق من أنكم ستكونون قادرين على تحقيق كل ما تصبون إليه.

رحلتكم هذه لم تكن مجرد مجموعة من الدروس والامتحانات، بل كانت فترة من التحديات والتطورات الشخصيّة. والآن، وبعد أن أنهيتم هذه السنوات، يأتي الوقت للمضي قدمًا نحو أحلامكم،……. تذكروا دائمًا أن التعليم لا ينتهي بالتخرج، بل هو رحلة مستمرة طوال حياتكم. فاستخدموا المهارات التي اكتسبتموها هنا في مدرستكم أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية التي من أهم أساسياتها تجهيزكم لتحقيق أحلامكم ولتكونوا مؤثرين أينما كنتم، وتكونوا دائمًا مصدر إلهام للآخرين،وهذا ما سعى إليه دوماً معلموكم على مدى سنوات عديدة ليزرعوا فيكم مهارات التعلم والحياة قبل أن يزرعوا حصيلة العلم والمعرفة، فرحلة العلم لن تقف بتخرج من مدرسة أو كلية بل هي فرصة جديدة للتعلم وكسب معرفة جديدة، ابحثوا عن الفرص التي تساعدكم على تحقيق طموحاتكم وتأثيرها الإيجابي على مجتمعكم، وفي كل يوم من هذه السنوات، كانت لحظات التعلم والتطور لا تعد ولا تحصى. كانت لحظات الابتسامات والدموع، اللحظات التي ستبقى محفورة في ذاكرتنا إلى الأبد. لقد شاهدتكم تنمون وتزدهرون، شاهدت تطوركم ونضوجكم وكان لي شرف توجيهكم ودعمكم في هذه الرحلة.

كنتم مصدر فخر لنا ولأهلكم الذين يحققون أحلامهم بكم، وهم على ثقة بأنكم لم تخيبوا أملهم وسنراكم قريبا نجوماً تتألق في سماء النجاح والإبداع والتميز.

والآن، وبعد كل هذه السنوات المليئة بالتحديات والانتصارات، يأتي الوقت للوداع. ولكن دعوني أقول لكم شيئًا واحدًا: اللحظات التي قضيناها معًا لن تمحى أبدًا من ذاكرتي، وأنتم ستظلون دائمًا جزءًا لا يتجزأ من رحلتي كمعلم.

في النهاية، أود أن أقول لكم: لا تنسوا أبدًا قوتكم وقدراتكم، ولا تيأسوا أمام التحديات التي قد تواجهونها في المستقبل. لإنني أؤمن بكم وبقدراتكم على تحقيق النجاح

وداعًا، أيها الأصدقاء….

فلنحتفل بإنجازاتكم، ولنبارك لكم بداية رحلة جديدة مليئة بالتحديات والفرص. ولا تنسوا أبدًا أنكم لن تكونوا وحدكم، فنحن دائمًا هنا لدعمكم وتشجيعكم في كل خطوة على طريق النجاح.

والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Link to the community (only students can join who are taking full ib and rising to grade 11 or grade 12): https://chat.whatsapp.com/D4p7nLsGO4x8t9oTng6N4J 

Welcome to our IB WhatsApp group! This space has been created to support and connect all full IB students as they navigate the International Baccalaureate journey together. Here, students can share resources, ask questions, discuss assignments, and offer support to one another.

This community was started by Ayan Bhutani, who has added various IB courses to assist full IB students and included many previous IB students to help guide us at the start of our journey. We are fortunate to have Mariam, Imani, Dana, Danah, Fares, Dalal, and Manaka assisting us with various IB courses.

Parents, rest assured that this group is a collaborative and motivating environment aimed at helping your child succeed. Let's work together to make the most of the IB experience! Please let your child in rising grade 11 know and rising in grade 12 know so they either get help or support others.

Our Arabic non-native high school foundation A create a 3D project/ drawing to describe their favorite animal using the new sentences and vocab they learned, and parents were invited to attend this project.

Dear Students and Parents,

GEMS American Academy  is hosting the In-person HMC Young Global Leaders Program by the Harvard Model Congress. The 5-day program will bring together exceptional mentors from Harvard Model Congress to engage, mentor, and inspire students.

Please find below the details of the program.

The Harvard Model Congress Young Global Leaders Program hosted by GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi 

Spread over 5 action-packed days, the mission of the Harvard Model Congress Young Global Leaders Program is to indulge school students with strong leadership potential in immersive learning engagements, discussions, and mentorship. The program will focus on leadership, problem-solving, communication, public speaking, and critical thinking while working with students toward a final ‘Actionable Project’ under the guidance of Student mentors. These skills are essential for tomorrow’s changemakers and future leaders.

Students will work in small groups throughout the program on an impactful ‘Actionable Project’ designed to tackle real-world problems, stimulate ideas for future collaborative projects, and mold young learners into future leaders. 

 What will students gain?

• Learn a systematic, comprehensive approach to solving real-world problems from trained and dedicated Harvard Model Congress mentors.

• Hone your thought process to become more analytical and creative.

• Use data to quantify and validate your proposed solutions.

• Practice your communication skills to convey your recommendations effectively.

• Brainstorm practical methods to implement your solutions.

• Enhance your portfolio with a certificate from Harvard Model Congress, and through actionable projects.

Program Details (program brochure with detailed information attached)

• Program Dates: 19 - 23 August 2024

• Program Duration: 5 days

• Mode: In-person at GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi 

• Venue: GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi 

• Eligibility: 

  • 1. Group 1 - Grades 6th to 8th

    2. Group 2 - Grades 9th to 12th

• Program fee:  USD 600

• You can use the following link to make the payment for the program: https://forms.gle/QZdWzT8UzQczTbco6 

Warm Regards,

Team - Learn with Leaders

• June 3-7 - EduTech Book Fair

• June 3-7 - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week by GAAPA

• June 4 - GAAPA Board Voting Closes

• June 6 - Band 1 Concert

• June 13 - Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony @9am

• June 28 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL