Issue # 9 - January 20, 2023

SECONDARY NEWS

(Grades 6-12)

Please read whole school news section for all school updates!

MESSAGE FROM SECONDARY PRINCIPAL

Mr. Garth Wyncoll

(email:g.wyncoll_gaa@gemsedu.com)

January 20, 2023

MAP Testing - Round II

MAP testing will begin on January 30 and run for two weeks. Your secondary student will sit the following tests during the following classes:

30 January – 3 February

MAP Reading (in G6-10 Social Studies classes)
MAP Mathematics (in G6-10 Math classes)

6 – 10 February

MAP Science (in G6-10 Science classes)
MAP Language (in G6-10 English classes)

15 – 24 February

MAP make up sessions if needed - after school at 3:10 p.m. in the MPR

What is MAP?

MAP Growth assessments are standardised computer-based assessments which adjust in difficulty according to your child’s responses to the test items. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier.
NWEA MAP assessments allow students and teachers to track progress as well as providing a comparison to school and international standards. The purpose of MAP is to see what students are capable of and to monitor and set goals for further learning.
These results provide immediate and accurate information about your child and provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.
MAP Growth scores help teachers check students’ achievement and growth. Teachers use the results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students.

For more information about MAP Growth, visit www.NWEA.org/familytoolkit

Important notes for parents:

Students will have a maximum of 2 periods (180 min) to complete each test.
Students not completing a test will complete it in their own time after school in the MPR (please reinforce this with students)
Students who are absent for a test will start the test in the next testing session. Should they not complete the test or remain absent then point 2 above will apply.

MAP Results Impact Course Options for SY23-24

We have looked deeply into our MAP results and have created the following Department flowchart which highlights course options and entry requirements into Honors and IB courses. As you can see the course direction chosen in Middle and High School impacts later course opportunities as does a student’s results in MAP testing and GAA classes.

Social Studies.pdf

World Languages.pdf

Arabic.pdf

ISLAMIC & UAE SS.pdf

ARTS.pdf

English.pdf

PE.pdf

Math.pdf

Science.pdf

We will host parent information sessions which will highlight this information as well as course options for SY23-24. See the list of Information Sessions below.

MAP results matter - please encourage your secondary student to do his/her best during testing periods.

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Wyncoll

MESSAGE FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM

Ms. Alicia Bakey - MS Vice Principal

Mr. Paul Teehan - MS Dean of Students

Good Day Middle School Parents and Students,

The Middle School (Grades 6-8) division will be holding their annual Spirit Week from January 23rd until January 27th.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with the school community and show off their creative side. Each day will have a different theme and also there will be many fun activities related to each theme held during the students' advisory lessons.

Please see below the themes for each day:

Monday: Sports Jersey Day- students can wear any sports wear from any of their favorite sports teams.
Tuesday: Tourist Day- Students are encouraged to embrace their nomadic side and show off their holiday clothes!
Wednesday: Superhero Day- Always a popular day- here students can show off preference for any super hero of their choice ranging from IronMan to any Marvel character.
Thursday: Nerd Day- a great way for our students to appreciate the so-called nerds and look at them with a different perspective.
Friday: School Spirit Day- Any school shirt or House shirt, but let’s amp it up. Feel free to add more school spirit in your hair/hats, shoes, whatever to show that GAA Spirit!

Our final day ( Friday) will see each grade compete to see who are the tug of war champions- with the final being the students vs the teachers!

Please be aware that students must adhere to the usual dress code in terms of what is suitable attire for our school. If a student does not want to participate they may wear the normal GAA uniform. Please follow the Middle School Handbook for all dress code rules.

If you have any questions please feel free to mail your child’s respective Head of Grade.

Best wishes,

The Middle School Team

NEWS FROM STUDENT SUPPORT DEPARTMENT

Ms. Kasey Stafford

Support can be Internationally Minded

The Students Support Team at our school is a dedicated group of teachers who are committed to helping students succeed. Our team provides a range of services to support students in their academic, social, and emotional growth. We provide individual, group academic support and information on community resources to meet the needs of our students.

On Fridays, students in one of our resource classes often use a cultural exchange to help learn about different countries of their classmates. A student within the class presents on their country, prepares a local dish, and then shares it with their classmates.

By sharing about their country, the kitchen experience, recipe and prepared dish students gain valuable vocabulary in English and Math. This opportunity allows them to understand the instructions, process and give a small taste of an international dish. Students are responding well to this enjoyable way to learn about the differences between countries, while also honing their English and Math skills.

In addition to our in school support that our SST provides in English, Math, Science and Social Studies classes, students can also participate in after school opportunities that provide additional academic and language support. Members of the SST team lead the after school opportunities throughout the academic year. We are here to help students reach their potential and achieve their goals.

One of these clubs, Smart’s Support Club, meets on Monday and Thursday afternoons for students in Grade 6 to 12. The support is provided in areas such English, Math, Science and Social Studies as well as provide resources and activities that can help students learn more effectively.

JANUARY 26: PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

"REPORTS AT GLANCE"

Dear Grades 6-12 Parents,

We are pleased to invite you to a Parent Information Session: Reports at a glance, which will be hosted by:

David Dasari (Curriculum Coordinator – Secondary)
Ryan Thatcher (Standards -Based Instructional Coach – Secondary)

The focus of this session will be on interpreting and understanding report cards at GAA through the lens of Standards-based learning, our ATL’s and our standardized tests. During this session we will pay attention to the following topics:

A brief introduction to Standards-Based Learning and their interpretation on the report card.
Approaches to Learning (ATL’s) and their role in student success.
Standardized testing at GAA: MAPS and CAT4.

This would be a good session for any parent who has a child in grade 6-12 who would like to learn more about our curriculum and reporting system.

Date: 26 January
Time: 10:00-10-45
Venue: In person at GAA Planetarium
Registration Link: Click here to register

We look forward to seeing you all.

NEWS FROM HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELLORS

ADNOC Scholarship Roadshow

The ADNOC Scholarship program invites you to attend the “Al Maa’refa” Roadshow.

The event’s primary focus is to connect with the community and share the scarce future skills that are vital in ensuring the sustainability of future-proofing ADNOC’s business for decades to come. Moreover, you get the chance to interact and network with professionals from the various business units, giving you greater insight into the ADNOC Scholarship program’s disciplines and possible future job opportunities at ADNOC.

We encourage you to join us at this event to learn more about the ADNOC Scholarship program and how it supports business sustainability and links to the scarce future skills at ADNOC.

Date & Time: 3rd February 2023 from 3.00pm to 7.00pm, 4th & 5th February 2023 from 11.00am to 7.00pm
Location: ADNOC Business Center, Khalidiya
Venue: Ghasha Ballroom
Location : Location Map (click on link)
Target Audience: High School Students Grade 9-12

To RSVP your attendance, please fill out the online registration form.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact ADNOC Scholarship Call Center at 800-400.

Savannah College of Art & Design Visit

Attention Grade 10 & 11 Students!

Jeff Jones, Director of International Initiatives, will visit GAA on Thursday, January 26th, from 12:30-1:15. If you would like to attend this informational session, you must complete the below Google form. Since there's a limitation on the number of students who can attend, please complete this form only if you have an interest in studying at SCAD. Deadline to register is Tuesday, January 24th at 3:00 p.m.

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/5hEFv7F2TQZ7fmuy9
https://www.scad.edu/academics/programs
https://www.scad.edu/scadtv/alumni-success

UCAS Application Deadline

Attention Seniors!!!!

The January 25th UCAS application deadline is right around the corner. In order to best support the application process, the counseling team is asking that, all seniors planning to apply to the UK via UCAS, complete their application by January 22nd.

Seniors, you must complete all sections of the application (including the personal statement) and pay the associated fee before you can submit your application for review. The final step in the application process requires counselors to review and approve applications before manually submitting them to UCAS.

Please take advantage of the time leading up to January 22nd to successfully complete your application. Counselors are available should you need additional support.

January 23-27: Middle School Spirit Week
January 25: International Food Festival Planning meeting @1:00, GAA Planetarium
January 26: Parent Information Session - Reports at a Glance (Grades 6-12) @10:00, GAA Planetarium
January 26-27: Aladdin Elementary Musical at GAA Auditorium @6-8pm
January 27: GAAPA Used Uniform Sale
January 27: Pizza Day by GAAPA
February 1: Learn About High School at GAA @2:00 Auditorium (For Grade 8 Students and Parents)
February 2: Career and University Preparation Session @2:00pm Auditorium (for Grade 11 parents)
February 1-5: NESAC Championship @GAA
February 4-5: ADEK Cup
February 8-9: GAA High School Musical @6:00pm Auditorium
February 8-9: Stu Williamson Official School Photoshoot (for new joiners and students who missed previous photoshoots)
February 8-12: NESAC Championship in Qatar
February 13-14: Mid-term break (no school)
February 15: Learn About IB Diploma and GAA Diploma Pathways @1:30 Gym (for Grade 10 Students and Parents)
February 22: Course Sign-ups for Grades 7-8 @8:00 Auditorium (Grades 6-7 Parents)
February 22: Course Sign-ups for Grade 10 @2:00 Auditorium (Grade 9 Parents)
February 25: International Food Festival