Hello GAA Families,

Happy New Year and Welcome Back! I hope you all enjoyed a restful break with family and friends. Our students have had a great first week back as we focused on re-establishing routines and maintaining the momentum from 2019.

The end of 2019 was a flurry of activities as we had Sports Days for students in grades 6-9 and watched amazing student performances during GAA’s Got Talent. Thank you to all who participated and played a role in making these events successful.

2020 is continuing the momentum as we prepare for Spirit Week (January 12-16), the Powder Puff football game (January 16) and the annual GAA High School Career Day (January 30). Spirit Week will commence on Sunday, January 12 and continue with a different theme each day. As students dress to participate in Spirit Week, please remember to dress in a manner that respects our local culture and is aligned with our school values.

As we settle back into familiar school routines, it is important that we all remember that the end of the semester is just a few short weeks away. Students should continue to focus on their studies and demonstrate mastery of their standards. Students will also begin preparing to make course selections for the next school year soon. Please look for communications over the next few weeks regarding parent information nights and student assemblies.

Dress Code Reminder

Unless it is a designated dress down day or Spirit Week, students should be in full uniform. The aim of our uniform is for students to present a neat, work-like appearance at all times and to take pride in being members of GEMS American Academy. In accordance with ADEK policy, the school’s uniform is compulsory and should reflect the school’s commitment to honor UAE traditions, culture and religion.

The GAA uniform supplier is Threads. Parents are able to purchase the uniform directly from the school and at their retail outlet. It is possible to order online from www.threadsme.com

The official GAA uniform consists of a short sleeved, blue oxford shirt with GAA logo, navy striped trouser, or navy skirt (for girls), and all black shoes. Students who participate on athletic teams may wear their team jersey, but must still wear uniform pants on game days. Leggings, jeans, or non-uniform clothing items are not allowed.

Sincerely,

Erin Lumpkins

High School Vice Principal

email: e.lumpkins_gaa@gemsedu.com

Dear GAA parents,

A wise person once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” And as parents to our world’s future- many of you have done just that. It is our goal at GAA to develop internationally minded students who are ready to face the challenges of the world once they graduate high school. In pursuit of that goal we are hosting our 3^rd annual GAA Career Day for our high school students on January 30^th, 2020.

In order to achieve this, we are hoping for your support! We are looking for a number of diverse occupations and talents within our parent community. We would like for our students to converse with experts who can provide insight into a given profession. If you would like to participate in this endeavor, please fill in the link 2020 Career Day Parent Sign Up Form with your name and occupation. Please RSVP by December 12, 2019.

Our GAA Career Day will take place on January 30, 2020 and is scheduled from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. This event will involve students participating in workshops led by you to learn more about what it is that you do in your chosen profession.

If you have further questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me. We look forward to your participation and thank you in advance for all that you do to assist in the development of your students’ discovery and exploration here at GEMS American Academy.

Warmest regards,

Branlyn D. Mosby

Secondary Science Teacher

Parent Involvement Coordinator

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR

(please note, updated regularly)

• January 12: ESM paid ASAs sign up @2:30-3:30pm 1st floor Mezzanine
• January 12-16: Secondary School Spirit Week
• January 16: Powderpuff 2020 @4:30pm GAA Field
• January 19: GAA Parent Community Lunch @12:00-15:00 at Circles Cafe (Gardens Plaza)
• January 25: TED-X @ Auditorium
• January 28: IFF Planning Meeting @8:30am in GAAPA Room
• January 29: Coffee with Secondary Counsellors @8:30-9:30am in the Planetarium
• January 30: Half-Day, school dismisses @12:00. Also a Dress Down Day/Pizza Day

Our preferred Apple provider, JTRS (Just The Right Solutions), has created an e-store from which you can purchase a number of Apple products below retail costs. JTRS Education is offering discounts on MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs and iPads, as well as add-ons, cases and extended warranties.

Below, you will find a document on how to locate and sign-up for the e-store to see the discounted products and make a purchase. Once purchased, JTRS Education will be in communication with you about when they will be delivered to the school. Once they have been delivered to GAA, you may pick your devices up from the ICT office here at the school.

If you have any further questions, please contact JTRS directly at +971 4 338 0990 or info@jtrs.ae