SY24-25 Course Information Sessions:

Please note the dates and times below in which we will share our course offerings for SY24-25 at each grade level. GAA Secondary Division will be at full capacity next school year. In order to ensure your child has the best opportunity to be placed in the courses that reflect his/her passion, it is important to make informed decisions and to complete the course sign-up process in a timely manner. Thank you for your attention to these dates and times below.

NYUAD Summer Academy

Please enjoy this reflection from Aisha Alzaabi, who participated in NYUAD’s Summer Academy program. NYUAD will be visiting GAA soon to offer open seats to qualified GAA students. Our counseling team has more information should you be interested.

"Year 1 of Summer Academy was actually scary in the beginning because I didn’t know what to expect from the people I was going to meet, but within the first few hours together everything just snapped into place as if we had known each other for years. The first year was filled with new experiences like getting up and giving both a debate and a speech with no preparation and starting to open up with your ideas in writing and understanding what you want from your university life. We went on many trips and saw new places in the UAE that we had never visited before, and we had done activities that allowed us to get to know each other beyond the academic role.  I saw a huge change in myself after the first 5 weeks and I noticed that I consistently missed those 5 weeks and couldn’t wait to go back. I saw a growth and confidence in myself I had never seen before, I also noticed how I had changed the way I dealt with people and worked with people in school.

Year 2 of SA was much anticipated as I was looking forward to seeing my friends and classmates who I truly felt connected to, and working with new instructors who pushed me to do better and start the process of university applications. I was also looking forward to going on trips and discovering new places in the UAE. During 5 weeks of the experience of the summer academy, I felt a lot of pressure to write my university applications and understand how this reflects on me, during that time I began to understand what impacted my life and how that has led me to be who I am. I also continued to work on my public speaking skills with a new instructor who had a different style of instruction. We also went on different trips to the Louvre, Sea World, and ZU which gave us different perspectives on education, art and local marine nature, we also played and took photos which created the best of memories. 

After 5 weeks I felt a great improvement in my social, academic, and emotional skills as I understood myself better through writing my personal statement and common app essay. I also saw a great social development in my friendships and connections with chaperones and instructors. Based on my personal growth I have also become a better public speaker even being told that I speak a little like Margret Thatcher."

Garth Wyncoll

Secondary Principal

Class of 2024 and Families,

 Its official!!! Cap and Gown Photoshoot date for you GAA graduate has arrived. GAA will partner with Stu Williamson Photography Company to take your senior cap and gown pictures on the following days:

• January 13

• January 20

• January 27

The location of the pictures is the lobby of the school.  Please note that the days are Saturdays from 9:30 - 2:15  and the rota has been shared with your students by our Head of Grade Ms Deniza Ibrahimi-Dzaferovic.  It is imperative that you take your picture on the specified day with 100% participation. There will be one makeup day (to be announced). 

Your cap and gown order may not be available at the time of the pictures, GAA will make temporary gowns available for this day only.  Scholars should plan to wear a white collared shirt with dark bottoms and dark shoes.  This is the same color scheme that will be worn for graduation 30 May 2024. Please be mindful of purchases for this special day.

IMPORTANT! Stu Williamson Photography is also offering Family Photoshoot with your Senior. If you wish to take family photos, please email PRE at pre_gaa@gemsedu.com to arrange for extra time slot on your photoshoot date.

Please note that the graduation team is working hard to make the celebration memorable with a full day of celebration.  We will host our day of thanks and invite our esteemed parents and instructors, host graduation rehearsal with celebration immediately following.  Our location for graduation will be Zayed University.  

Please make sure that you read subsequent emails over the next few months that indicate allotment of tickets for graduation and Exam roster both American and IB Diploma dates). 

Important dates are as follows:

• May 28 - Senior Gratitude and Walk

• May 29 - Graduation Rehearsal and Senior Brunch

• May 30 - Graduation Ceremony

As always, thank you for your partnership with GAA.  We are thankful to be part of your scholar’s journey. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Monica Martin (m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com), Kelly Jamieson (k.jamieson_gaa@gemsedu.com) or Deniza Ibrahim (d.ibrahimidzaf_gaa@gemsedu.com.

Regards

Graduation Team

Dear Families,

Welcome back! We had Sports day for our grade 6-8 students before the break and it was a success! A big thank you to our PE Department and Mr. Paul for all of their hard work to make the day a memorable one for our kids. 

Our Middle School students had their band performance the last week of school. I was so impressed to see how much they learned in only three months. Well done Mr. Jefferson and Ms. Sally! 

One of our very own MS GAA 7th graders, Shamma Almazroui, ice skated in Skate Asia 2023 in Bangkok in December. We are so proud of her achievements! 

Reminders:

• Next week is a blue week starting with G block. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ms. Williams

• January 13, 20, 27: Grade 12 Cap and Gown Photoshoot

• January 17: Student/Parent Course Info Meetings, for rising Grade 11: 1:35pm and 6:30pm

• January 18: Student/Parent Course Info Meetings, for rising Grade 7: 8:00am

• January 19: Parent Coffee Morning for Grade 6 and 10 parents about 2024-2025 courses: 7:45am @GAAPA Room

• January 24: Student/Parent Course Info Meetings, for rising Grade 12: 2:00pm and 6:00pm

• January 24: Student/Parent Course Info Meetings, for rising Grade 8: 8:00am

• January 22-25: GAAPA Used Book Fair 3:00pm @Main Lobby

• January 25-26: Elementary Theater Production "Disney's Moana Jr."

• January 26: Parent Coffee Morning for Grade 7 and 11 parents about 2024-2025 courses: 7:45am @GAAPA Room

• January 26: Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club.