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Issue #15 - June 12, 2026

The GAAzette Online
  • Whole School News
  • Elementary News
  • Secondary News
  • Important Reminders and Polices
  • GAAzette Archive
The GAAzette Online

ELEMENTARY NEWS

SECONDARY NEWS

Message from Superintendent/CEO

DR. ETHAN HILDRETH

click on photo for bio

Dear Wildcats Community,

As we approach the end of another remarkable school year, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the many achievements and memorable moments that continue to make our GAA community so special.

First and foremost, we would like to recognize and celebrate our Graduating Class of 2026. As they prepare to embark on their next chapter, we commend them for their hard work, resilience, and accomplishments throughout their time at GAA. We are proud of each and every one of them and look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the future.

A heartfelt thank you to GAAPA for organizing an outstanding Staff Appreciation Week. Your thoughtful gestures, kindness, and unwavering support made our staff feel truly valued and appreciated. We are grateful for your partnership and dedication to our school community.

A special congratulations goes to our GAA Arts Department for delivering yet another phenomenal musical production. This year's performance exceeded all expectations and showcased a level of professionalism that many described as worthy of a Broadway stage. The talent, dedication, and countless hours of preparation invested by our students and staff resulted in a truly unforgettable experience. Among the many talented performers, we are especially proud of Winnie, who continues to pursue her acting career beyond GAA and the UAE. Last summer, Winnie performed the lead role of The Match Girl in an Off-Broadway production in New York, and this summer she will attend the prestigious Broadway Artists Alliance (BAA) Summer Intensive, a highly selective pre-professional musical theatre training program. We wish her continued success as she follows her passion and inspires others through her achievements.

We are also delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of our students in sports:

  • Hamad Almheiri (Grade 1) was crowned champion in the 30kg category at the Khalid Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship last weekend. Congratulations, Hamad, on this outstanding achievement!

  • Seleena Alhaddad (Grade 8) has been selected by ADEK to join the All-Stars Programme, representing the UAE at the international Penang Invitational Swimming Competition in Malaysia. Seleena is currently competing, and we wish her the very best as she proudly represents her country and school on the international stage.

Please note that Monday, 15 June, is a public holiday. On behalf of everyone at GAA, I would like to wish all our families a Blessed New Year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we continue to create exceptional opportunities and experiences for our students.

Best Regards, 

Ethan

Monday June 15 - Islamic New Year

We would like to inform our GAA families that Monday, 15 June 2026, has been declared a public holiday in observance of the Islamic New Year.

As a result, there will be no school on Monday, 15 June. Classes will resume as normal on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

We wish all members of our community a blessed and peaceful New Year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity. Happy Hijri New Year!

Eid-Al-Adha Celebrations by GAA Students

Elementary school students expressed their joy for Eid Al-Adha through special performances in which they beautifully portrayed the rituals of Hajj and the meaningful values of Eid in a spirit full of happiness and enthusiasm 

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Grade 5 Students Eid Al Adha Message

copy_F10B8C4B-4396-4AD6-BE59-9E4612C0816F.mov

Elementary Students Eid Al Adha Activities

Grade 6 Students Eid Al Adha Message

7301bf0d-9990-4fdb-8963-9120ec8f4939.mp4

Secondary Students Eid Al Adha Wishes

2026-05-22-104137719 (1).mp4

Special Education Benefits for UAE Armed Forces Families

Dear Parents,

At GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi, we are proud to recognize the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices made by members of the UAE Armed Forces and the families who support them.

As part of GEMS Education’s commitment to serving our community, we are pleased to offer an exclusive tuition fee discount for eligible UAE Armed Forces families for the 2026/27 academic year.

For Existing GEMS Families

  • 10% tuition fee discount for one academic year upon re-enrolment

At GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi, students benefit from a world-class American curriculum, exceptional teaching, outstanding facilities, and a vibrant learning environment that empowers every child to excel academically, socially, and personally.

This offer is available to eligible UAE Armed Forces families for the 2026/27 academic year, subject to terms and conditions.

For further information regarding eligibility and the application process, please contact our Admissions Team at registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Thank you for your service and dedication to the UAE.

MESSAGE FROM GAA PARENT ASSOCIATION (GAAPA)

email: gaa.parentsteam@gmail.com

As we wrap up another wonderful school year, the GAAPA team would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible parent community for your generosity, support, and volunteer spirit throughout the year. Whether you donated items, attended events, volunteered your time, or simply cheered us on, your contributions helped make our school community stronger and more connected.

A special thank you goes to the many volunteers who helped make our “Vacation Mode On” Teacher Appreciation Week such a memorable success. Throughout the week, our teachers and staff enjoyed:

Monday – Café Stop - A coffee cart filled with specialty drinks and tasty treats.

Tuesday – Road Trip Ready - A complimentary car wash for our hardworking staff.

Wednesday – Resort Brunch - A delicious brunch to celebrate and thank our amazing team.

Thursday – Relax & Recharge - A mini spa experience and games designed to help staff unwind and enjoy a well-deserved break.

Friday – Corn & Popcorn Chill Day - Fresh steamed corn cups and popcorn for everyone to enjoy as we wrap up the week.

From generous donations to hands-on volunteering behind the scenes, every contribution helped bring this special week to life and made our teachers feel truly valued and appreciated.

As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to introduce the new GAAPA Board. This group of dedicated parents is committed to supporting our students, teachers, staff, and families while continuing to build a positive and engaged school community. We look forward to another year of collaboration, friendship, and meaningful events that bring our GAA family together.

Please join us in warmly welcoming the 2026–2027 GAAPA team.

Warmly,

The GAAPA Team

Updates from Family First Champion

LAMIA GHOULI

email: l.ghouli_gaa@gemsedu.com

Family First June Initiative: Artwork Competition "Building Memories Together”

As we approach the end of another wonderful school year, we are excited to invite our students to take part in our final creative challenge before the summer break - the Family First Artwork Competition.

This year’s theme, “Building Memories Together,” encourages students to celebrate the special people, moments, and connections that make family meaningful. Inspired by the values represented by the Peridot gemstone - Service, Generosity, Kindness, and Care - students are invited to express what family means to them through original artwork using any creative medium of their choice.

The competition is open to all students across three age categories:

  • Under 8

  • Under 13

  • Under 19

Submission Deadline: 24 June 2026

One winning entry from each category will be selected to represent GAA, and a selection of student artwork will be showcased around the school, highlighting the creativity, talent, and unique perspectives of our community.

We encourage all students and families to participate in this meaningful celebration of family, creativity, and the values that bring us together. We look forward to seeing the inspiring artwork our students create as they share their stories and memories through art.

Good luck to all participants!

Lamia Ghouli

Family First Champion

2025-2026 YEARBOOK IS ALMOST HERE!

The 2025–2026 school year has been filled with unforgettable moments, achievements, friendships, performances, competitions, celebrations, and milestones - and our Yearbook captures them all in one special keepsake your child will treasure for years to come. 

This is a reminder to secure your copy of the GAA Yearbook before orders close. Once the yearbooks arrive in mid-June, only a limited number of extra copies may be available.

📘 Yearbook Price: 150 AED

📦 Expected Arrival: Mid-June 2026

From classroom memories to school events and student highlights, the yearbook is a wonderful way for students to look back on the experiences that shaped this school year and the friendships they built along the way. Many families tell us it becomes one of their children’s favorite school keepsakes over the years.

Purchases can be made through the GEMS Connect App (Activities section) or directly at the Accounts Office.

Don’t miss the opportunity to secure this lasting memory of the 2025–2026 school year for your child.

NEW! STUDENT VACCINATION RECORDS

Important Update: Student Vaccination Records

Please note that, starting from this 2025-2026 academic year, hard-copy vaccination cards will no longer be issued or distributed to students.

Parents can access and download their child’s vaccination records directly through the SEHA Mobile App. We encourage families to refer to the below user guides for step-by-step instructions on accessing these records.

If you have any questions, please contact the school nurses for assistance at nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Request for Vaccination Record through SEHA Application.pdf
خطوات إضافة فرد عائلة عن طريق تطبيق صحة.pdf

IMPORTANT REMINDERS AND USEFUL LINKS

Parent's Guide to Drugs Prevention.pdf

Dear GAA Families,

In alignment with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to ensuring a safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environment, we would like to share with you an important resource.

This guide has been developed to raise awareness, promote prevention, and strengthen our collective efforts in safeguarding students from the risks of substance abuse.

We encourage all parents to review the guide carefully. Your active engagement plays a vital role in supporting our shared goal of maintaining a healthy, informed, and resilient school community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Parent Pack- Digital.pdf

MANDATORY HEALTH FORMS

This is a kind reminder to please complete your child’s Health Form as soon as possible. The form is a mandatory requirement for all students in our care so that we can best understand their individual medical needs. 

In addition, please be aware that student participation in field trips and athletic activities will be impacted if the form is not submitted.

We appreciate your immediate attention to this matter so that we can best care for your child and ensure they are able to take part in activities that enrich their educational experience.

MANDATORY HEALTH FORMS (online)

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • June 26: Grade 5 Exhibition

  • June 29-30: KG2 Promotion Ceremony

  • July 1: Grade 5 Promotion Ceremony

  • July 2: Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony

  • July 3: Last Day of School

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 

THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR 

(please note, updated regularly)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 

25/26 PARENT CALENDAR


IMPORTANT CONTACTS

IT DEPARTMENT:

By Email:

helpdesk_gaa@gemsedu.com


Superintendent / CEO

  • Dr. Ethan Hildreth, email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com

Executive Manager

  • Mirna El Haj Ibrahim, email: m.elhajibrahim_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 511

Family First Champion:

  • Lamia Ghouli, email: l.ghouli_gaa@gemsedu.com

ADMISSIONS

  • Admissions Manager: Asma El Derby, registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 515

FINANCE

  • Email: finance_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 102

CLINIC

  • Email: nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 688

Parent Relations Executive

  • Fatma Chabanova, pre_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 502

Government Relations Executive (ADEK related issues)

  • Mahmoud Huraimel, m.huraimel_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 505

SLICES CATERING

  • Email: slicesgaa@gmail.com, ext. 566

BBT BUS TRANSPORTATION

  • Rameez Rasheed, email: rameez.rasheed@sts-group.com, ext. 608  

GAAPA (GAA Parent Association)

  • email: gaa.parentsteam@gmail.com 

Booster Club (Parent Volunteer Organization)

  • email: gaa.boosterteam@gmail.com 

IT

  • Email: helpdesk_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 666

PowerSchool Support

  • email: powerschool_gaa@gemsedu.com 

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

  • Email: r.demarco_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 627

Deputy Superintendent

  • Josh Doubleday, email: j.doubleday1_gaa@gemsedu.com

Executive Vice Principal

  • Samah Awad, email: s.awad_gaa@gemsedu.com

Head of Inclusion Team

  • Christina Coley, email: c.coley_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Principal

  • John Ashenden, email: j.ashenden_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Assistant Principal

  • Lauren Sargent, email: l.sargent_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Secretary

  • Email: elemsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Attendance Secretary

  • Email: esattendance_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Middle School Principal (Grades 6-8)

  • Mollie Williams, email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com 

High School Principal (Grades 9-12)

  • Dr. Gwyn Underwood, email: g.underwood_gaa@gemsedu.com

High School Assistant Principal (Grades 9-10)

  • Zahra Bhatty, email: z.bhatty_gaa@gemsedu.com 

High School Assistant Principal (Grades 11-12)

  • Monica Martin, email: m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Secondary Secretary:

  • Email: secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Secondary Attendance Secretary:

  • Email: ssattendance_gaa@gemsedu.com 

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