Monday January 24, 2022:

• KG1 to Grade 5

• Grade 10-12

Monday January 31, 2022

• All grades KG - Grade 12

All students, who are physically attending school must be tested for COVID-19 prior to attending face-to-face classes (Students of Determination are exempt). PCR test results for 1st entry to school must not be older than 96 hours:

• Students returning on Monday January 24 are advised to test from January 20 to 22.

• Students returning on Monday January 31 are advised to test from January 27 to 29.

To speed up the gate check of new PCR results and vaccination records, please have a printout of the result ready to show at the Gate to avoid using phones. It helps guards and staff quickly & easily read and check results.

IMPORTANT! Students aged 16 and above must present a Green Pass on Al Hosn app as an additional entry requirement.

According to ADEK circular dated January 20, students can avail a free PCR test at any private or public clinic, hospital, or drive-through test center without the need to present a designated school code. They will be required to show their Emirates ID (or Passport if their Emirates ID has not yet been issued).

However we strongly recommend parents to use GAA Designated Testing Center G42 Biogenix at Masdar City. Our school code KS-9086

Students below the age of 12 and Students of Determination can choose to get a free saliva test at any of the designated Saliva Test Centers in Abu Dhabi (click here for list of saliva test centers).

Free PCR testing will be available from 20 to 31 January 2022.

After the first entry, routine PCR Testing every two weeks will be required for the following categories:

• All students aged below 16 (vaccinated and unvaccinated)

• All students aged 16 and above (vaccinated and exempted)

ADEK will continue to arrange in-school PCR testing, and we will communicate the details to you once received.

Regardless of Green Country Status, all students who traveled outside the UAE in the past 12 days must:

• Complete Travel Declaration Form (download form here) and submit to nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com

• Submit Day 1 and 6 PCR results to nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com.

• Physical return allowed only after Day 6 negative PCR result.

ALL After School Activities will resume starting January 31st.

There will be NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES week of January 24 for elementary school students.

Please feel free to email Mr. David Rashleigh at d.rashleigh_gaa@gemsedu.com if you have any questions.

NOTE: Varsity (Grades 10-12) practices for Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Cross Country and Tennis will start from Monday January 24!

Please complete below forms and submit no later than Sunday January 23:

• KG and Elementary (Grade 1-5) Distance Learning Request Form

• Middle and High School (Grades 6-12) Distance Learning Request Form

Your divisional principal will contact you to follow up regarding your request.

Please complete below forms and submit no later than Sunday January 23:

• KG and Elementary (Grade 1-5) Distance Learning Request Form

• Middle and High School (Grades 6-12) Distance Learning Request Form

Your divisional principal will contact you to follow up regarding your request.

For the sake of reporting and tracking our DL students, please complete the forms again:

• KG and Elementary (Grade 1-5) Distance Learning Request Form

• Middle and High School (Grades 6-12) Distance Learning Request Form

Your divisional principal will contact you to follow up regarding your request.

Check your child for any COVID related symptoms before leaving for school:

• Fever (37.5 C or above)

• Cough

• Body aches

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Headache

• Loss of smell or taste

Daily temperature and symptoms screening is recommended before leaving the house. Individuals who exhibit symptoms or who are feeling generally unwell are required to stay home from school and are urged to see a Doctor for assessment and possible COVID-19 testing if required.