Issue # 18 - June 21, 2024
Dear GEMS American Academy Community,
As we draw the curtain on the 2023-2024 school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to each member of our vibrant community. This year has been one of exceptional growth and achievement, and none of it would have been possible without the collective efforts of our students, parents, faculty, and staff.
To our students, you are the heart and soul of our school. Your dedication to learning, creativity, and perseverance has been inspiring. Whether you were engaged in academic pursuits, sports, arts, or community service, you have shown remarkable adaptability and enthusiasm. Your achievements, big and small, are the true markers of our success. The Group IV Project today demonstrated the strengths of a GAA education - Well done Students and Science Department Team.
Parents, your unwavering support and trust in GEMS American Academy are the foundation upon which our community thrives. Your involvement, whether through volunteering, attending events, or supporting your children at home, has been invaluable. We appreciate your partnership and the important role you play in enriching the educational experience for your child(ren).
We are pleased to inform you that report cards will be released next week on Wednesday, June 26. Please keep an eye on your emails for detailed instructions on how to access them. These reports will provide a comprehensive overview of your child's achievements and areas for growth over the past year.
Additionally, I am excited to announce that 167 juniors will become the Senior Class of 2025 on June 28. I look forward to their leadership in all aspects of school life and am confident that they will continue to inspire and elevate our academy with their passion and commitment.
As we move into the summer months, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, rejuvenate, and reflect on the achievements of this year. Let us carry forward the lessons learned and the memories made, as we prepare for another exciting and enriching school year ahead.
Garth Wyncoll
You've no doubt heard of BNS, the Buddy Networking System. In case you haven't, it's a system that provides new students with "buddies", students who can support new students in joining GAA's community.
We as a team have recently created a recruitment slideshow to advertise BNS in preparation for next year. Our aim is to enroll a total of 100 members into BNS by the end of this year. Please view and get in touch with us at bns_gaa@gaa-ad.com
Much thanks,
BNS Team
Congratulations to all students for successfully passing the DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) exam held at Abu Dhabi International School last May!
This exam, organized by France Education International, assesses French-language proficiency for non-native speakers.
This achievement reflects their hard work, dedication, and the high-quality education we provide at our school.
We are particularly delighted to highlight the outstanding performance of Ryan Baridi, who scored an impressive 96 out of 100. This exceptional score has earned him the third place among all students in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. His remarkable achievement showcases his dedication and the effectiveness of our teaching methods.
Dear Families,
We had our grade 6-8 awards on Thursday. Well done to our Heads of Grades for facilitating the awards as well as Mr. Paul for all the hard work he put into making it a success. Congrats to our students as well! Here are some of the students who won awards yesterday:
Grade 8: Norah Riera/ Alden Frumkin
Grade 7: Valentina Land
Grade 6: Salma Abdel Samad
Grade 8: Maryam Bajwa / Ramy Arayssi
Grade 7: Hyunuk Kim/ Noor Alkhashti
Grade 6: Jax Palma / Noor Abu Salem
Grade 8: Sara Alqubaisi / Abdulla Al-Redaini
Grade 7: Rayana Alkhatheeri/ Joaquin Bauni
Grade 6: Emma Pringault / Yusuf Thabit
Grade 8: Lamar Eleiwat / Shay Kennedy-Smith
Grade 7: Chloe White/ Marcello Hauranieh
Grade 6: Noura Alhammadi / Francisco Germano
Reminders:
Monday is a White week, starting with A block
Dress down day on Friday.
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Williams
On Friday, June 14th, the Islamic Department held a heartwarming assembly, sharing the story of Prophet Ibrahim and the Holy water of Zamzam, and explaining pilgrimage rites. To celebrate Eid, they also distributed chocolates and Zamzam water to the students.
The English School Middle Teachers hope that you have the most amazing, fun and safe summer.
Whilst you are relaxing during your summer vacation, please take some time to read each day. There have been lots of books on offer at the books fairs this year so hopefully there are some that you have at home to read. Otherwise, there are loads online too. Find a good book – it may take looking through a few before you find something you love – and just read. You can choose what you want to read, when you want to read and where you want to read. It is that simple. Look at the image below as well. Those of you who read for only 20 minutes a day will see a huge improvement in your overall grades. How easy is that!
REMINDERS:
Have you paid for your 2022-2023 yearbook and not collected? - Please get your copy from Main Reception.
Would you like to purchase past years' copies? - Still available at discounted price. Please visit Accounts office.
June 24 - GAA Got Talent!
June 28 - LAST DAY OF 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
August 26 - FIRST DAY OF 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Head of School
Robert Rinaldo, email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com
ADMISSIONS
Registrar: registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 515
Admission Secretary (GR6-GR12): c.dumo_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 603
Admission Secretary (KG-GR5): s.ramakrishnan_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 604
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)
Shahd Hamdan: s.hamdan_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: c.davies_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 627
Secondary Principal
Garth Wyncoll, email: g.wyncoll_gaa@gemsedu.com
Middle School Vice Principal (Grades 6-8)
Mollie Williams, email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Vice Principal (Grades 9-10)
Zahra Bhatty, email: z.bhatty_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Vice Principal (Grades 11-12)
Monica Martin, email: m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com
Secondary Secretary:
Email: secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com
Middle School Counsellor (Grades 6-8)
Almyra Duarte, email: a.duarte_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Counsellors
Catherine Sciolis (Ali-Alp, I-P), email: c.sciolis_gaa@gemsedu.com
Lia Noronha (Aaa-Alh, B-H), email: l.noronha_gaa@gemsedu.com
Amy Copland (Alq-Azz, Q-Z), email: a.reyescopland_gaa@gemsedu.com
IBDP Coordinator:
John Thompson, email: j.thompson2_gaa@Gemsedu.com
Curriculum Coordinator:
David Dasari, email: d.dasari_gaa@gemsedu.com
Dean of Students:
Middle School - Paul Teehan, email: p.teahan_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School - Kelly Jamieson, email: k.jamieson_gaa@gemsedu.com
Heads of Grades:
Grade 6 - Kimberly Jeanette Strong k.strong_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 7 - Alan Hogan a.hogan_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 8 - Alan Anthony Richardson a.richardson_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 9 - Donal William Moynihan d.williammoyni_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 10 - Carlos Antonio Cotman c.cotman_gaa@Gemsedu.com
Grade 11 - Ana Chainho a.chainho_gaa@Gemsedu.com
Grade 12 - Deniza Ibrahimi-Dzaferovic d.ibrahimidzaf_gaa@Gemsedu.com