Issue # 18 - June 20, 2025
Dear GAA Families,
As we reach the end of another remarkable school year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude and warmest congratulations to our entire school community—our learners, teachers, and families—for an extraordinary year of growth, achievement, and collaboration.
This year, our Early Years team received an outstanding rating from ADEK, a true testament to the nurturing, inquiry-rich environment created by our educators and supported by you, our families. It is no small feat, and we take immense pride in the joyful, play-based learning and strong foundational skills that our youngest students have developed.
In our Primary Division, we’ve taken bold steps to strengthen academic rigor while maintaining our commitment to social-emotional learning. Through the integration of data-informed instruction, project-based learning, and targeted interventions, our students have not only grown academically but have also become more reflective, compassionate, and resilient individuals. The implementation of student response journals, MAP goal-setting, Dibels assessments, and personalized data profiles has empowered learners to take ownership of their progress.
To our parents, thank you for your trust, partnership, and consistent support. Your involvement has made a profound impact, whether through your engagement in learning conversations, your encouragement at home, or your belief in our collective mission.
As I prepare to transition from my role as your Elementary Principal, I do so with immense pride and a full heart. It has been an honor to serve this incredible community, to witness the boundless potential of our students, and to collaborate with such dedicated educators and families. The legacy we’ve built together—of academic excellence, inclusion, creativity, and care—will continue to shape GAA for years to come.
The future of GAA’s Elementary Division is bright, and I am confident it will continue to thrive.
Ms. Leia
Elementary Principal
We were honored by the visit of the talented author Rana Manzelji, who presented an exciting story of her own to the students. They interacted with her enthusiastically and enjoyed the thrilling atmosphere of reading. It was an inspiring visit that encouraged them to write and be creative.
تشرفنا بزيارة الكاتبة المبدعة رنا منزلجي، حيث قدّمت للطلاب قصة مشوّقة من تأليفها. وقد تفاعلوا معها بحماس، واستمتعوا بأجواء القراءة المليئة بالتشويق . كانت زيارة ملهمة شجّعتهم على الكتابة والإبداع.
The KG2 Graduation Ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of our young learners’ growth, creativity, and achievements. Held over two days to accommodate our enthusiastic families and to give each class their special moment, the event was a wonderful success. The children were radiant with excitement, dressed in their graduation gowns, ready to perform and celebrate their journey through kindergarten.
Each class took to the stage with confidence and joy, showcasing delightful performances that brought smiles and even a few happy tears to the audience. The children sang and danced and they amazed us all with their talent and charm. It was a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and love they’ve received from their teachers throughout the year.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents and families who joined us to mark this important milestone. Your support, encouragement, and involvement have been vital to the children’s development and success. Thank you for trusting us with your children, and for being such an important part of our KG2 family. Congratulations to our graduates – we are so proud of you and excited for all that lies ahead!
Kindergarten students joyfully began preparing for Eid Al-Adha through a variety of engaging activities held within the school.
بدأ أطفال الروضة استعدادهم لاستقبال عيد الأضحى المبارك بفرح وحماس، من خلال أنشطة ممتعة أُقيمت داخل المدرسة.
As part of their science unit on ecosystems, our Grade 5 students recently brought learning to life by designing and building their own miniature ecosystems. This hands-on project allowed students to explore how living things interact with their environment in a fun, engaging, and meaningful way.
Through observation, creativity, and inquiry, students demonstrated their understanding of key ecological concepts — from food chains and habitats to balance and sustainability. Each ecosystem was a unique reflection of the students’ learning, curiosity, and imagination.
Activities like this not only deepen scientific knowledge but also foster collaboration, critical thinking, and a sense of environmental responsibility — key values we nurture at GAA.
Well done to our Grade 5 scientists in the making!
June 26 - Last Day of School (half day, school ends at 12pm)
June 27 - Hijri New Year Public Holiday (offices closed)
August 22 - New Student Orientation
August 25 - First Day of School
Head of School
email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com
ADMISSIONS
Registrar: registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 515
Admission Secretary (GR6-GR12): c.dumo_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 603
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 (for ADEK 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
email: boosterclub.gaa@gmail.com
IT
Email: support_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 666
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
Email: r.demarco_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 627
Elementary Principal
Leia Kraeuter, email: l.kraeuter_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. KG-2)
Lauren Sargent, email: l.sargent_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. 3-5)
Douglas Sherrill, email: d.sherrill_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Secretary
KG-Grade 1 Guidance Counsellor
Alison Haswell, email: a.haswell_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grades 2-5 Guidance Counsellor
Melanie Moses, email: m.moses_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Dean of Students
Cody Preston, email: c.preston_gaa@gemsedu.com
PYP Coordinator
Tiffany Pulci, email: t.pulci_gaa@gemsedu.com