Good day, GAA!

We are so close to the final days of this interesting school year. No matter what each year brings, it is bitter-sweet. We are excited to know that our students are progressing to the next school year, but sad that some relationships will not continue as students move on to new grades and some teachers move on to new adventures in other parts of the world. We can say that even with the challenges we have faced this year, we are so proud of how each member of our community faced and conquered adversity. Congratulations to everyone (students, parents and teachers) on your successes this year.

As we look towards next year, I would like to share what we are currently planning.

We strongly believe and hope that all children will be on campus next year.

The reasons we believe children should be on campus are:

• The foundation of learning is student well-being, which is based on caring, relationships with teachers and classmates

• Student social and emotional health is best supported by our team of experienced educators

• The focus on Social Skills, Self-Management Skills and Communication skills is a large part of our curriculum in Elementary and best learned 'in-person'

The reasons we hope children should be on campus are:

• Recent governmental guidelines seem to support on-campus learning

• Wide-spread vaccinations are occurring in many countries

• We want our students to be re-engaged with athletics, the arts and other after-school, extra-curricular activities

Our goal is to have all children, who are able, to be on campus next year.

As we move through July and August, you can expect more detailed communication on next year's plan, so please be on the lookout.

I will have one more final communication to parents next week which will include Summer Reading Competitions for younger children, School Uniforms and other information.

Sincerely,

Mike Hopaluk

Elementary Principal

email: esprincipal_gaa@gemsedu.com

Dear Parents,

On behalf of the Elementary Leadership Team I would like to express our sincerest appreciation to our parents, carers, and students the incredible patience, resilience and flexibility you have shown as we conclude the 2020-2021 school year.

We understand the enormous responsibility and challenge that Remote Learning placed on parents, carers, and students as you had to create time, space, routines, and support for learning at home. We realize that all of our families are experiencing unique challenges and that there are many other needs, in addition to student learning, that are critical as we continue work through these uncertain times together.

We are so thankful to our families and students for all the amazing gestures of kindness, generosity and dedication that they have shown throughout this year. The 2020-21 school year has been a year like no other. It has been a year of significant challenges but also of tremendous growth. The circumstances we have found ourselves in this year have led to the discovery of innovative new ways of teaching, learning and running a school and we are very proud of the successes which have been demonstrated from all members of our community

We honor all of you and your kindness, patience and resilience, and thank you for the fortitude and determination you have demonstrated.

We are proud to have you as our GAA community

Joe Aldus

Lower Elementary Vice Principal

Dear GAA Community,

In preparing for next school year, we are considering replacing our monthly Thursday, 12:00 p.m. half day, with a weekly 1:30 p.m. early dismissal.

A weekly early dismissal is a scheduling model used at many international schools. The weekly early dismissal allows for more frequent and repeated collaborative teacher planning and professional development activity time.

Please take a minute to fill in the short survey and let us know what you think. Your feedback is important.

Survey link: https://forms.gle/7CZwCV1949KcdAei9

Thank you,

Robert Rinaldo

Head of School

Dear Families,

ADEK is pleased to share “A Parent’s Guide to Curricula in Abu Dhabi” which will provide parents with information and advice on all curricula offered in Abu Dhabi schools.

• English Guide Link: bit.ly/3zn7P8S

• Arabic Guide Link: bit.ly/3c8xSXw

Furthermore, they have launched a new page on our website called the Parent Resource Hub. This page is dedicated to parents giving them access to the latest guides on return to school, navigating the education system and information beyond the classroom.

Parent Resource Hub Link: Parent Resource Hub

Our grade 5 students have worked diligently over the last few weeks to complete their exhibitions and would appreciate your support and feedback.

• June 24: Grade 5 Promotion

• June 30: Last day of school. Half-Day. School dismissed at 12.