Dear Wildcat Community, and Happy 2026,

Warm greetings to you and your families, and welcome back after the long break. We hope this time provided valuable time for rest, reflection, and togetherness. 

In support of our commitment to family wellbeing, thank you for your cooperation with the updated Friday dismissal time of 11:30 a.m. This change allows our students not only to attend Friday prayers with their families, but also to spend meaningful time together afterwards. This initiative strongly reflects the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announcement of 2026 as the “Year of the Family”, a vision that resonates deeply with our values at GAA. As part of GEMS Education’s Family First campaign, we proudly continue to place family at the heart of everything we do.

As we approach exam week, I would like to share a few tips to help our students prepare confidently:

• Encourage a consistent study routine rather than last-minute revision

• Ensure students get adequate sleep and nutritious meals

• Provide a calm and supportive environment at home

Your encouragement plays an important role in helping students perform at their best.

We are delighted to share that our International Food Festival is underway, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our school community. We warmly invite families from more nationalities to participate as planning progresses toward the celebration on January 31. 

Finally, we extend our very best wishes to our football teams as they compete in the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship qualifiers this month. Our teams have an impressive history, proudly achieving 1st and 2nd places in previous competitions. We are confident they will once again demonstrate teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Together we will continue to nurture confident, compassionate, and capable learners.

Kindest Regards. 

Dr. Ethan Hildreth 

Dear Parent and Carer Community,

First, let me wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope that 2026 proves to be a wonderful year ahead for you and your loved ones.

As we are in an important period of assessments and exams for our secondary students, I would like to take a moment to highlight the value of regular assessment and the vital role families play in supporting strong academic outcomes.

Regular assessment is more than a measure of progress—it is a powerful learning tool. Assessments help students identify what they know well, where they need to focus their efforts, and how to refine their study strategies. Over time, this cycle of feedback, reflection, and improvement leads to deeper understanding and stronger overall academic results.

One of the most effective ways students can prepare is through regular and thoughtful revision. Revisiting material in smaller, scheduled sessions over time helps consolidate learning and reduces last-minute stress. A particularly powerful strategy is encouraging your child to teach what they have learned to someone else—perhaps to you at home. When students explain concepts in their own words, they move to higher levels of thinking (as described in Bloom’s Taxonomy), strengthening understanding, recall, and confidence.

Wellbeing also plays a crucial role in academic success. A good night’s sleep supports memory, concentration, and emotional regulation—all essential during exam periods. Likewise, a nutritious breakfast can significantly boost brain function, energy levels, and focus, helping students perform at their best.

Your encouragement, reassurance, and continued support at home make a meaningful difference. Thank you for partnering with us to create the conditions for success, both academically and personally.

We wish all our secondary students the very best of luck in their ongoing and upcoming assessments and exams. We are proud of their efforts and confident in their ability to rise to the challenge.

Warm regards,

Josh Doubleday

Deputy Superintendent

A Warm Welcome Back: Reflection, Focus, and Preparing for Success 

Dear GAA Families,

As we return from the winter break, we warmly welcome all our families back to school. We hope the holiday season offered you precious moments of rest, connection, and joy. As we step into the new year together, we wish you and your loved ones a year filled with love, expansion, abundance, and success.

January marks a meaningful new beginning—not only on the calendar, but also in mindset. At GEMS, we begin this term guided by our Leadership Gemstone for January: Moonstone.

Moonstone: The Power of Reflection

Moonstone symbolises reflection, clarity, and emotional balance. It reminds us that true growth begins when we pause, look inward, and thoughtfully consider where we are and where we want to go. Reflection is a powerful leadership skill—one that helps students understand their strengths, recognise areas for growth, and build confidence in their learning journey.

As students settle back into routines, this reflective mindset is critical as they prepare for the mid-year examinations taking place next week. Exams are not just a measure of knowledge; they are an opportunity for students to practise focus, perseverance, and self-awareness.

Be a GEM: Be Focused

This month, we connect Moonstone’s reflective energy with our Be a GEM expectation: Be Focused. Focus is not only about studying—it is about intentional effort, thoughtful preparation, and learning from experience.

We encourage parents to work alongside their children to make reflection a simple daily practice, for example:

• Talking together about what subjects feel strong and which need more attention

• Reflecting on study habits that worked well last term and those that could improve

• Helping children set small, realistic goals for the week ahead

• Encouraging calm routines, rest, and balance during exam preparation

These moments of reflection help children develop self-management, resilience, and responsibility—key skills not only for academic success, but for life.

Building Future Leaders, One Reflection at a Time

When students learn to reflect, they learn to lead themselves. By guiding children to pause, think, and refocus, we are helping them build the foundations of future leadership—leaders who are thoughtful, grounded, and purposeful in their actions.

Together, as school and home partners, we can support our students to approach the mid-year exams with confidence, clarity, and focus—embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We look forward to a term filled with learning, wellbeing, and meaningful success for every child.

Let us move forward into this new year with reflection in our hearts, focus in our actions, and belief in our children’s limitless potential. 

Warm regards,

Samah Awad 

Head of National Identity and Pastoral Care

ترحيب حار بعودتكم: التأمل، التركيز، والاستعداد للنجاح.

أولياء الأمور الكرام،

مع عودتنا من عطلة الشتاء، نرحب بحرارة بجميع عائلاتنا مرة أخرى إلى المدرسة. نأمل أن تكون فترة العطلة قد منحتكم لحظات ثمينة من الراحة والتواصل والفرح. ومع دخولنا العام الجديد معًا، نتمنى لكم ولأحبائكم عامًا مليئًا بالحب والنمو والوفرة والنجاح.

يشكّل شهر يناير بداية جديدة ذات معنى —ليس فقط على التقويم، بل أيضًا في طريقة التفكير. في أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية، نبدأ هذا الفصل مسترشدين بحجر القيادة لشهر يناير: حجر القمر.

حجر القمر: قوة التأمل

يرمز حجر القمر إلى التأمل والوضوح والتوازن العاطفي. يذكرنا بأن النمو الحقيقي يبدأ عندما نتوقف، وننظر إلى داخل أنفسنا، ونتأمل بعناية في وضعنا الحالي وإلى أين نريد أن نصل. يُعتبر التأمل مهارة قيادية فعالة تساعد الطلاب على فهم نقاط قوتهم، و تحديد مجالات التطور لديهم، وبناء ثقتهم في رحلتهم التعليمية.

مع عودة الطلاب إلى روتينهم الدراسي، تصبح هذه العقلية التأملية بالغة الأهمية أثناء استعدادهم لامتحانات منتصف العام التي ستعقد الأسبوع المقبل. فالامتحانات ليست مجرد مقياس للمعرفة، بل هي فرصة للطلاب لممارسة التركيز والمثابرة والوعي الذاتي.

كن جوهرة: كن مركزًا

في هذا الشهر، نربط طاقة حجر القمر التأملية بتوقعنا من كن جوهرة: كن مركزًا. فالتركيز ليس مقتصرًا على الدراسة فقط، بل يتعلق بالجهد المقصود، والاستعداد المدروس، والتعلّم من التجارب.

نشجع أولياء الأمور على العمل جنبًا إلى جنب مع أطفالهم لجعل التأمل ممارسة يومية بسيطة، على سبيل المثال:

• الحديث معًا حول المواد الدراسية التي يتقنها الطالب وتلك التي تحتاج إلى مزيد من الاهتمام.

• التأمل في عادات الدراسة التي نجحت في الفصل الدراسي الماضي وتلك التي يمكن تحسينها.

• مساعدة الأطفال على وضع أهداف صغيرة وواقعية للأسبوع المقبل.

• تشجيع الروتين الهادئ، والراحة، والتوازن أثناء الاستعداد للامتحانات.

لحظات التأمل هذه تساعد الأطفال على تطوير مهارات إدارة الذات والمرونة والمسؤولية—وهي مهارات أساسية ليس فقط للنجاح الأكاديمي، بل للحياة بشكل عام.

بناء قادة المستقبل، من خلال كل لحظة تأمل

عندما يتعلم الطلاب التأمل، فإنهم يتعلمون قيادة أنفسهم. من خلال توجيه الأطفال للتوقف، والتفكير، وإعادة التركيز، فإننا نساعدهم على بناء أسس القيادة المستقبلية—قادة متأملين، راسخين، وذوي أهداف واضحة في أفعالهم.

معًا، كشركاء بين المدرسة والمنزل، يمكننا دعم طلابنا لخوض امتحانات منتصف العام بثقة ووضوح وتركيز—واحتضان التحديات كفرص للنمو.

شكرًا لكم على ثقتكم المستمرة وشراكتكم الدائمة. نتطلع إلى فصل دراسي حافل بالتعلّم، والرفاهية، والنجاح الحقيقي لكل طفل.

لنخطو قدمًا في هذا العام الجديد وقلوبنا مليئة بالتأمل، وأفعالنا مصحوبة بالتركيز، وإيماننا بإمكانيات أطفالنا اللامحدودة.

مع أطيب التحيات،

السيدة سماح عوض

رئيسة قسم الهوية الوطنية والرعاية التربوية

Dear Grade 8-11 Students and Parents,

Greetings from Futures Abroad!

We are delighted to announce a special 15% Scholarship opportunity exclusively for GEMS students for an upcoming Finance & Leadership Bootcamp—hosted at GEMS American Academy - Abu Dhabi and led by an Ivy League professor from Columbia University (SEE DETAILS IN THIS BROCHURE).

This is a rare opportunity. Ivy League professors typically teach at the university level—yet your child will learn from one, years before university, gaining skills that shape confident, future-ready leaders.

Why this workshop matters for Grades 8–11

While schools build strong academic foundations, some of the most critical life and leadership skills are not formally taught in classrooms—yet they are exactly what top universities look for.

In this high-impact workshop, students will learn:

1. Understanding of Finance and Budgeting: Understanding money, financial markets, decision-making, investment, and Careers associated with Finance

2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Self-awareness, resilience, and leadership maturity

3. Communication That Works: Speaking with confidence, persuasion, and clarity

4. Leadership Skills: Initiative, influence, and real-world problem-solving

These are the competencies that Ivy League and top global universities value deeply—because they signal leadership potential, not just academic performance.

A unique advantage for GEMS students

• Direct interaction with a Columbia University professor

• Mentorship and visibility beyond a typical workshop setting

• Opportunity to earn a reference letter (based on engagement and performance)

For students in Grades 8–11, this workshop can be a defining moment—building confidence early, strengthening future university applications, and helping students discover their leadership voice.

• Limited seats | Priority for GEMS students

• Dubai: Jan. 9-11th 

• Abu Dhabi: Jan 16-18th 

Seats are limited! We encourage interested families to register early to take advantage of the GEMS-exclusive scholarship.

Deadline to register for Scholarship: Jan 10th, 2026.

📝 Register now:👉 https://forms.gle/cG5fQTpwwipA9GFNA 

💳 Secure your seat with payment:👉 https://buy.stripe.com/5kQeVdcMRahx5p4cmR28808  

GEMS Discount Code: FA500

For more details, contact:

📧 apply@futuresabroad.com 

 📞 056 787 5677

We look forward to welcoming GEMS students to an experience that goes far beyond academics—and helps shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Warm regards,

Apartna Thite

Partnerships Manager

Futures Abroad

After six rounds of the UAE Sailing National Championships 2025, Simeon Hristov (Grade 10) has been ranked the Top ILCA 4 Sailor in the UAE overall. 

This outstanding achievement reflects Simeon’s dedication, skill, and perseverance on the water. We are incredibly proud of his success and look forward to seeing him continue to excel in his sailing journey.

Congratulations, Simeon! Fair winds and continued success ahead. 

Share Your Child’s Achievements!

At GAA, we love celebrating our Wildcats and their successes - both inside and outside the classroom.

If your child has achieved something special, big or small, we invite you to share it with us so we can celebrate their accomplishments together in future newsletters and on our platforms.

Let’s continue cheering on our students and showcasing the incredible talents within our community!

Dots & Links is pleased to invite teachers and parents to join us for a special workshop, “The Science of Reading,” at The Bridge Wellness Hub in Abu Dhabi.

This workshop will focus on the underlying skills required for reading and building a strong foundation for literacy. Attendees will learn why reading is not a natural process and gain insight into what is involved in developing children’s reading skills and supporting their language development. 

📍 Venue: The Bridge Wellness Hub, Abu Dhabi – Cinema Space

📅 Date: Wednesday, January 15

⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 

We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with teachers and parents in your school community. Together, we can help more children become confident and successful readers. 

For your convenience, please find the registration link below:

🔗 https://76764xb6yqs.typeform.com/to/mqn1JaYR 

We would like to know where your family is on this journey. Please take a minute to reply to this Reading At Home Survey so we can understand the needs of our community and support them.

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting student well-being and strengthening our school–home partnership, the counselling department would like to offer a series of parent workshops throughout the year.

To help us plan sessions that are meaningful and convenient for you, please take a few minutes to complete below survey.

With thanks,

GAA Counseling Team

Dear Grade 4-12 Students and Parents,

We are happy to share exciting news about the GEMS Determined Genius Global Innovation Challenge (DG-GIC) 2025-26.

This challenge gives students the opportunity to develop their ideas and turn them into real innovation projects. Students can connect with global mentors, entrepreneurs, and leading organizations. Previous winning teams have received support such as seed funding, incubation, and business development opportunities.

This year, students may have access to support from partners such as Owl Ventures, the Peter Jones Foundation, Canva, and the Determined Genius Entrepreneurship Academy, with more partners to be announced. GEMS Education has also committed $1 million in funding over the coming years to support student-led start-ups.

📅 Applications are now open and will close on 21 January 2026.

The winter break is a great time for students to work on and improve their ideas before submitting.

💡 Who can apply?

All students with creative ideas are encouraged to apply. Projects can include (but are not limited to):

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Sustainability solutions

• Technology or engineering ideas

• Innovative products or services

📦 What’s included in the DG-GIC Launch Pack?

• Timeline for junior and senior students

• Application form

• Clear guidelines and FAQs (see below FAQ only for your convenience)

• Evaluation criteria

• A special teacher-led track for education technology ideas

• A Canva design competition for the best pitch presentation

🎤 What happens next?

Shortlisted students will be invited to take part in the first DG-GIC Showcase events in early February, before Ramadan.

We encourage all interested students to participate and take advantage of this unique opportunity to innovate, learn, and grow.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing our students’ creativity and ideas shine.

Dear GAA Families,

Please save the date! Our International Food Festival 2026 (IFF) will take place on Saturday, January 31, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the GAA soccer field.

IFF is a community-driven event, and we are so grateful to every family who helps make it happen. From planning to participation, it’s the collective effort of our parents that turns this celebration into something truly memorable. 

This year marks the 12th edition of IFF, and we’re excited to once again create a joyful, inclusive celebration where every family feels proud to showcase their culture. With over 85 nationalities represented at GAA, there’s nothing more meaningful than coming together to share our traditions, stories, and culinary heritage.

We’re thrilled to share that 31 countries have already signed up to participate so far!

See your flag? Join your country’s WhatsApp group here

Flag missing? Please fill out the participation form here

Deadline to confirm country participation: Friday, January 9 (today at midnight)

A big thank you to everyone who attended our second information meeting today, your support means so much to us. (Presentation slides are attached.)

Please also save the date for our third and final meeting:

Friday, January 23 at 10:00 AM

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at gaa.parentsteam@gmail.com.

Join us in making Saturday, January 31 a memorable and meaningful day for our GAA community. We truly can’t wait to celebrate together!

Warm regards,
The GAAPA Team

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce our Winter Family Art Challenge “Our Magical Winter”!

This winter, we invite all GAA families to celebrate creativity and togetherness by creating a winter-inspired artwork with your child. It’s a fun way to spend quality time together, spark your imagination, and add some festive cheer to your holiday break.

How to participate:

• Create a winter-inspired artwork with your child.

• Take a photo of your artwork and include a short description. You can either email it to l.ghouli_gaa@gemsedu.com or bring it to school in January.

• The winning family (up to 4 members) will receive an experience voucher from Art by Zoya Studio.

Timeline:

• Submission deadline: Last week of January 2026

We can’t wait to see the wonderful creations from our GAA families and celebrate the festive season together!

Lamia Ghouli

Family First Champion

ESM is delighted to share three new after school programs that launched this school session in January. These offerings include Dance, Gymnastics and Badminton all of which provide students a wonderful opportunity to stay active, develop new skills, and enjoy enriching experiences beyond the classroom.

1. Dance – Move Dance Sport Academy

Move Dane Sport Academy, one of Europe's most prominent dance academy brings students the chance to explore rhythm, movement, and creativity through inspiring dance sessions. This program encourages self-expression, builds confidence, and promotes physical fitness in a fun and supportive environment.

Learn more at www.movedsa.com and watch the introduction video here.

2. Gymnastics – Absolute Gymnastics

Our Gymnastics ASA is delivered by Absolute Gymnastics, focuses on strength, flexibility, and coordination. Students signed up for these sessions will learn fundamental gymnastics skills while developing discipline, resilience, teamwork and experiencing the fun side of the activity.

3. Badminton – Shuttlezone

In deliverance with Shuttlezone, students will be introduced to the fast-paced and exciting sport of badminton. The program looks to enhances agility, focus, and sportsmanship, while providing a fun way to stay active and competitive. 

These activities are open on esm.ae for booking. All activities take place directly after school with Monday - Thursday running from 3:15-4:15pm and Friday taking place 12:15-13:15pm. 

We look forward to welcoming your child to these enriching programs. Wishing you all the best winter break!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• Please check out Important Reminders and Procedures Page for policies, handbooks, and much more..

USEFUL LINKS:

• Frequently Asked Questions - covering key topics such as lunch routines, assessment practices, attendance expectations, curriculum support, academic competitions, communication channels, traffic flow, and student entry/exit procedures. This resource is designed to keep you informed and supported as partners in our school community.

• Welcome Pack: your go-to guide for starting the school year at GAA. It includes essential information on school timings, calendar updates, supplies, health forms, uniforms, cafeteria details, and admissions requirements. Families are encouraged to bookmark the link, as it will be regularly updated.

• GEMS Connect Parent Portal: Access student information, view attendance and assessment reports, pay tuition fees, register for bus, and much more...

• GAA Policies and Key Documents

• ADEK Policies - You can access all the authoritative ADEK policies guiding our educational system - including attendance rules, student administration, behavior standards, and more - by visiting the ADEK official policies page. This is your go-to resource for understanding the rules, regulations, and standards that drive schooling across Abu Dhabi, and that GAA aligns with.

• GAA Senior Leadership Bios - Learn more about the GAA Senior Leadership Team - their backgrounds, experience, and areas of responsibility - by visiting our Leadership Bios page. This resource introduces the Superintendent, Executive Team, and Divisional Principals who guide teaching, learning, and operations at GAA.

• Parent/Student Handbooks - The School Handbooks provide parents and students with essential information about expectations, routines, policies, and resources for each school division. They serve as a practical guide to help families navigate daily life at GAA.

• Mental Health Guides for Parents: In cooperation with Ministry of Education, ADEK and Department for Health, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority has developed a practical guide, with tips and resources about supporting your child's mental health: ENGLISH, ARABIC

• January 10, 17, 24, 31 - Grade 12 Cap and Gown and Family Photoshoot

• January 13 - Elementary Choir Parent Showcase @3:45pm

• January 14 - (POSTPONED) Parent Information Session: Understanding Learning Challenges and Dyslexia @8:30am

• January 20 - Winter Concert @6:00pm

• January 26-30 - Book Fair

• January 29 - Coffee with GAA Leaders

• January 31 - International Food Festival by GAAPA @4-7pm