Dear GAA Community,

As we approach the close of another wonderful academic year, I want to express my gratitude for the continued trust and partnership that define our school community.

First, a warm and heartfelt congratulations to the GAA Class of 2025! While our last GAAzette issue took a brief pause due to Eid Al Adha, we couldn’t be prouder of our graduates and all they have accomplished. You’ve left a legacy of excellence and spirit that will inspire for years to come.

This week, we’ve also celebrated several important milestones across our divisions, including our KG2, Grade 5, and Grade 8 Promotion Ceremonies. These moments highlight the growth and achievements of our learners as they move forward to new and exciting chapters.

We’re also pleased to spotlight the relaunch of our GAA Ambassador Program - a referral initiative where current families who introduce a new family to GAA can receive up to 8% off tuition fees. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping grow our exceptional community.

Yesterday, we witnessed our students take the stage to share ideas that spark curiosity, conversation, and change during our annual TEDxYouth at GAA event. We are proud to support their voices and creativity through this inspiring platform.

As we wrap up the academic year, please note that Final Reports will be shared next week. These reflect the progress, dedication, and hard work shown by students and staff alike.

Lastly, the UAE has officially declared Friday, June 27 as a public holiday. Accordingly, Thursday, June 26 will be our final day of school and it will be HALF DAY, school ending at 12pm.

Thank you for an incredible year. It has been my privilege to serve as part of this extraordinary community, and I wish you all a restful and joyful summer ahead.

Kindest regards,

Dr. Ethan Hildreth

Dear GAA Parents,

What an extraordinary year we have experienced at GAA!

As we close this academic year, I want to take a moment to share my gratitude and reflect with you — our valued parents and partners — on an incredible journey filled with achievements, growth, and a deepening sense of community.

This year, we were proud to receive a successful ADEK inspection report, which highlighted significant improvements across the school. We celebrated a 7-parameter increase, with many areas now recognized as "Very Good" and "Outstanding." In particular, we are thrilled with the progress in Arabic and Islamic education, where we are now achieving "Very Good" ratings across multiple divisions — a clear indication that we are on the right path and that our collective efforts are making a meaningful impact.

Across our campus, we have seen a tremendous rise in student achievement, participation, and engagement in both academics and extracurricular life. From excellence in reading, writing, and mathematics to powerful initiatives in service, leadership, and wellbeing, this has been a year of meaningful growth. Our students continue to show curiosity, resilience, and a strong sense of social responsibility — qualities that make us incredibly proud.

As part of our school-wide commitment to continuous improvement, we are now further investing in pastoral care and student wellbeing. In line with this, I am pleased to share that my role has evolved this year — I now serve as Head of National Identity and Pastoral Care, a position that reflects our growing focus on fostering not only academic excellence, but also the personal and emotional development of every GAA student. This change represents both an exciting professional opportunity for me and a deepened commitment by our school to support and nurture every child’s holistic journey.

Looking ahead, we are preparing to further enhance our pastoral care program for the next academic year, and we look forward to sharing these new initiatives with you after the summer break. We continue to strengthen our school culture of kindness, inclusion, and care.

As the summer begins, I encourage all of our families to enjoy a well-deserved rest, make special memories with loved ones, and return recharged for another exciting year at GAA. We cannot wait to welcome you back, with new opportunities and adventures awaiting us all.

Once again, thank you for your trust, your support, and your active partnership in our vibrant school community. Together, we are building something truly special.

Warm regards,

Samah Awad

Head of National Identity and Pastoral Care

أولياء الأمور الكرام..

تحية طيبة وبعد..

يا لها من سنة دراسية مميزة مليئة بالإنجازات والأحداث المهمة والمؤثرة في شخصيات طلابنا، أسعدنا خلالها أن نستقبل مجددًا أولياء الأمور وطلابنا في الحرم المدرسي خاصة في الأنشطة المدرسية التي أقيمت هذا العام، حيث كان لهذه العودة الفعلية الأثر على دعم رحلتهم التعلمية من خلال تشجيعهم ودعمهم والأخذ بيدهم على جميع الأصعدة.

ومع اقتراب نهاية هذا العام الدراسي، أود أن أغتنم هذه الفرصة لأعبر لكم عن شكري وامتناني، وأتأمل معكم — أنتم أولياء الأمور وشركاؤنا الأعزاء — في رحلة رائعة مليئة بالإنجازات والنمو وتعزيز روح المجتمع المدرسي.

نفخر بمشاركتكم بأننا حصلنا هذا العام على تقرير تفتيش ناجح من هيئة التعليم والمعرفة (ADEK)، والذي أبرز التحسينات الكبيرة التي شهدها المدرسة. لقد احتفلنا بارتفاع في 7 مؤشرات رئيسية، مع حصول العديد من المجالات على تقييم "جيد جدًا" و*"ممتاز."* ونفخر بشكل خاص بالتقدم الذي أحرزناه في اللغة العربية والتربية الإسلامية، حيث حققنا تقييمات "جيد جدًا" في العديد من المراحل — وهو مؤشر واضح أننا نسير في الطريق الصحيح، وأن جهودنا المشتركة تُحدث فرقًا ملموسًا.

شهدنا ارتفاعًا كبيرًا في إنجازات الطلاب، ومشاركتهم الفعالة في الأنشطة الأكاديمية واللاصفية على حد سواء. من التفوق في القراءة والكتابة والرياضيات، إلى المبادرات الرائدة في الخدمة المجتمعية، والقيادة، والصحة النفسية — لقد كان عامًا حافلًا بالنمو الحقيقي. يواصل طلابنا إظهار الفضول، والمرونة، والإحساس القوي بالمسؤولية الاجتماعية — وهي صفات نفخر بها للغاية.

وفي إطار التزامنا المستمر بتحقيق التحسينات على مستوى المدرسة، نستثمر الآن بشكل أكبر في الرعاية النفسية والاجتماعية للطلاب ورفاههم. ويسعدني أن أشارككم أن دوري قد تطور هذا العام — حيث أعمل حاليًا كـ رئيسة قسم الهوية الوطنية والإرشاد التربوي وهو منصب يعكس تركيزنا المتزايد على رعاية الطلاب بشكل متكامل — أكاديميًا، شخصيًا، وعاطفيًا. يمثل هذا التطور فرصة مهنية مثيرة بالنسبة لي، والتزامًا أعمق من المدرسة بدعم ورعاية كل طالب في رحلته التعليمية الشاملة.

نعمل حاليًا على تعزيز برنامج الرعاية الطلابية، ونتطلع إلى مشاركتكم بالمبادرات الجديدة بعد عطلة الصيف. سنواصل العمل على ترسيخ ثقافة المدرسة القائمة على اللطف، والشمولية، والرعاية.

ومع بدء العطلة الصيفية، أشجع جميع العائلات على الاستمتاع باستراحة مستحقة، وصناعة ذكريات جميلة مع أحبائهم، والعودة بحماس لعام دراسي جديد مليء بالفرص والمغامرات في أكاديميتنا. لا يسعنا الانتظار للترحيب بكم من جديد!

شكرًا مرة أخرى على ثقتكم ودعمكم وشراكتكم الفعالة في مجتمعنا المدرسي النابض بالحياة. معًا، نبني مستقبلًا مشرقًا لأبنائنا.

مع أطيب التحيات،

 سماح عوض

 رئيسة الهوية الوطنية والرعاية الطلابية

 أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية - أبوظبي

Dear GAA Families,

As the school year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to share some personal news with you. After much reflection, I have made the heartfelt decision to move on from my role as Director of Inclusion at GEMS American Academy.

It has been a privilege to be part of this inclusive community. Over the past 3  years, I have witnessed numerous moments of compassion, growth, and resilience from our students, families, and staff. I feel incredibly proud of the work we have done together to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

From the smallest accommodations in classrooms to school-wide initiatives that embraced neurodiversity and cultural understanding, GAA has shown what it means to lead with empathy and purpose. I am especially grateful to our families for your partnership, trust, and unwavering advocacy for your children. Your commitment has been instrumental in shaping an inclusive culture that I believe will continue to thrive.

Though I am stepping away from GAA, I carry with me the memories, the lessons, and the deep sense of purpose that came with being a part of this exceptional school. I have every confidence that our incredible team of dedicated Inclusion specialists and coaches will continue to champion the needs of all learners and nurture a space where every student can shine.

Thank you, once again, for allowing me to be a part of your child's journey. I will always look back at my time here with warmth and gratitude.

Wishing you all a restful summer and a future filled with success, joy, and inclusion.

Warmest regards,

Jackie Wyncoll

Director of Inclusion

GAAPA is excited to introduce the newly elected board for the 2025–2026 school year! We look forward to another amazing year filled with community spirit and meaningful events.

As we wrap up the school year, we wish you all a relaxing and joyful summer break!

Before you head off, please consider donating your gently used uniforms. Donation boxes are available in the school lobby. All collected items will be part of our uniform sale happening after the summer break.

Thank you for your continued support and for being such a wonderful part of the GAA community!

The GAAPA Team

Emirati Football Star Nouf Al Anzi Inspires GAA Students

On June 10th, GEMS American Academy had the privilege of welcoming Nouf Al Anzi, celebrated Emirati footballer and captain of the UAE National Women’s Football Team, for an inspiring session with our Grade 5 students and Athletics Council.

Nouf, a trailblazer in women’s sports in the UAE, shared her remarkable journey of balancing life as both a dedicated student and a professional athlete. Her story offered a powerful message about perseverance, time management, and the importance of following one’s passion - no matter the challenges.

The visit was made even more special by a personal connection: Nouf is a former student of Mr. Walter Samuela, one of our Grade 5 teachers, making this a truly full-circle moment for our school community.

At GAA, we are proud to support and celebrate our student-athletes who represent both the UAE and their home countries in a wide range of sports - from football and tennis to swimming and track. Nouf’s visit served as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, discipline, and determination.

Please check out this link for exciting summer camps in Abu Dhabi!

• 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