Dear GAA Families,

I am very proud to address you as Head of School, after this week’s incredible performances of Matilda, Jr. by our Middle School Drama team. It was for me, and many others, a highlight of the school year! The level of acting, singing, and choreography, showcased the immense talent and dedication of our students. All that attended were entertained and impressed with the high-level performances and quality of all aspects of the production.

I want to extend my gratitude to the amazing team of educators that came together to teach, inspire, and motivate students, led by the Middle School Musical Director, Lamitra Cotman, and supported by our GAA Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, Amara Pugh, and the entire team. The guidance and encouragement of our talented faculty and staff made the production possible, and their commitment to modeling teamwork, collaboration, and presentation skills enriched the lives of our students.

The memories created from the performances will last a lifetime, and I am confident that the skills learned will serve our students well in their future endeavors. Our community was made stronger through their example of hard work and commitment.

On another note, I want to remind all parents of the upcoming Parent/Teacher conferences scheduled for next week, Monday, March 4, and Tuesday, March 5. Your participation and attendance are important factors in your child’s academic success.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Dear Parents,

We hope this message finds you well and in high spirits as we approach the blessed month of Ramadan. As part of our commitment to strengthening family bonds and fostering meaningful connections, we are delighted to invite you to two special events:

On behalf of the GAA community, I would like to greet you all for The Holy Month of Ramadan. This is a holy time as we commemorate and celebrate God's revelation of the Qur'an as a guide to humanity.

Ramadan is a particular time of year for all Muslims around the world. We are using this time to celebrate and foster a sense of community amongst students. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and increased devotion to God, so it's important to provide activities that help students embrace these values and make the most of this month.  

We celebrated the month of Ramadan at GAA through different activities and initiatives. By engaging in activities that involve multiple senses and that allow students to explore and express their creativity, students can gain a more holistic understanding of Ramadan. This will help them to learn more about the religious and cultural aspects of the month. 

On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, and in our efforts to spread the month's spirit, we cordially invite you to share with us at GEMS American Academy Families Shared Ramadan Iftar.

Embrace the spirit of Ramadan and join us for a joyous family Iftar gathering. Break your fast together in a warm, welcoming atmosphere surrounded by loved ones. Share in the blessings of this sacred month as we come together as a community to celebrate unity, gratitude, and togetherness.

• Date: March 14th

• Time: 6:00- 9:30 

• Location: GAA Field 

During this blessed month, let us focus on spiritual nourishment, strengthening the bonds of kinship, and fostering a sense of belonging within our community.

We extend our heartfelt invitation to you and your family to participate in these meaningful events. Your presence will enrich our gatherings and contribute to the spirit of unity and harmony.

Please RSVP using THIS LINK by March 11th to confirm your attendance for the GAA Community Iftar event. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact our PRE, Miss Fatma, at f.chabanova_gaa@gemsedu.com 

We eagerly anticipate coming together, learning, and celebrating as a community during this auspicious time.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, joy, and abundant blessings.

Best regards,

Samah Awad

Deputy Head of School 

أولياء الأمور الكرام،

تحيّة طيبة وبعد

يسرّ مدرسة أكاديميّة جيمس الأمريكيّة أن ترسل لكم مع قرب حلول شهر رمضان المبارك أطيب التّهاني والتبريكات، أعاده اللّه علينا وعلى الأمة باليمن و الخير والبركات سائلين المولى عزّ وجلّ أن يتقبل منّا ومنكم صالح الأعمال، و يُعيننا جميعًا على قيامه وصيامه، ويعيده علينا وعليكم باليمن والخير والبركات.

 ولا يسعنا في هذا الشّهر الفضيل سوى أن نتحلى بالصبّر والإيمان، وأن نشجع أبنائنا على صيامه وقيامه، وأداء مناسكه، ولذلك، لقد عملنا على تعليم و تدريب طلابنا على استقبال هذا الشهر الفضيل، ومشاركة أقرانهم عاداتنا وتقاليدنا من باب الاعتزاز بالهوية والدين. 

و كجزء من التزامنا بتعزيز الروابط العائلية و الهادفة، يسعدنا أن ندعوكم لحضور حدثين مميزين:

١. محاضرة تعزيز التواصل الإيجابي:

ندعوكم للانضمام إلينا في محاضرة قيمة حول "فن التواصل وأهمية بناء العلاقات مع الأبناء المراهقين، والتي تهدف إلـى تزويدكم بالمهارات التي نؤمن أن لها أهمية كبيرة في تحقيق تواصل فعّال مع أبنائكم المراهقين وفهم تحدياتهم بشكل أفضل، نشجعكم على حضور هذه المحاضرة  لتكونوا جزء من هذه التجربة المميزة التي ستمكنكم من اكتساب نصائح قيمة واستراتيجيات عملية لتعزيز التواصل الإيجابي وتعميق الروابط الأسرية. 

يمكنكم التسجيل عبر الرابط  هنا 

• التاريخ: 7 مارس

• التوقيت: الساعة 3:00 عصراً

• الموقع: مسرح أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية 

 ٢. تجمع الإفطار العائلي في رمضان:

رمضان هو وقت استثنائي لجميع المسلمين في جميع أنحاء العالم، والذي نسعى دائمًا لاستغلاله بحفاوة لنعزز شعور الانتماء بين طلابنا، ونحن نؤمن بأهمية توفير الأنشطة التي تساعد الطلاب على تبني القيم الفضيلة وتحقيق أقصى استفادة من في هذا الشهر المبارك الذي يبعث التأمل الروحي، وتحسين الذات، وزيادة الإخلاص لله.

نستقبل شهر رمضان في أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية من خلال أنشطة ومبادرات مختلفة، ويتضمن ذلك دمجهم في الأنشطة التي تحفز حواس متعددة لدى الطلاب وتسمح لهم باستكشاف قدراتهم الإبداعية وطريقة التعبير عنها، ليستخدمها الطلاب في اكتساب فهم أكثر شمولاً لهذا الشهر المبارك و ليستطيعوا فهم المزيد عن الجوانب الدينية والثقافية لهذا الشهر.

بمناسبة شهر رمضان المبارك، وفي إطار جهودنا لنشر روح الشهر، نتشرف بدعوتكم للمشاركة معنا في إفطار رمضان الجماعي لعائلات أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية، انضموا إلينا في إفطار عائلي بهيج وشاركونا الإفطار في جو دافئ ومرحب مع عائلاتكم وأصدقائكم.

التاريخ: 14 مارس -

الوقت: 6:00 - 9:30 -

الموقع: المساحة الخارجية في أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية -

يرجى تأكيد حضوركم الإفطار الرمضاني قبل ١١ مارس عبر الرابط  هنا.  

 إذا كان لديكم أي استفسارات أو كنتم بحاجة إلى مزيد من المعلومات، يمكنكم التواصل مع السيدة فاطمة مسؤولة علاقات أولياء الأمور عبر البريد الالكتروني f.chabanova_gaa@gemsedu.com.

نتطلع إلى لقائكم و الاحتفاء معكم  في هذا الشهر المبارك. 

مع تحيات، 

نائبة مدير المدرسة 

سماح عوض

Unlocking Potential: The Power of Engagement at GEMS American Academy

Dear GEMS American Academy Community,

As our school engages in Book Week, I was reminded of the importance of being involved in the school community events. In our ever-evolving journey of education and development, one thing stands prominently: the active involvement of students and families in school events and extra-curricular activities is not just beneficial; it's transformative. Recent research underscores the significant impact that engagement in school life has on academic success and personal growth. As a community dedicated to fostering a culture of kindness, it is heartening to see how our collective participation in the vibrant life of GEMS American Academy propels our students towards remarkable achievements.

The Ripple Effect of Engagement

Active participation in school events and extracurricular activities is a cornerstone of the holistic educational experience at GEMS American Academy. This engagement goes beyond the classroom, offering students the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and form meaningful connections. The benefits, however, extend far deeper, influencing not just personal development but academic performance as well.

Studies have consistently shown that students who are engaged in extracurricular activities and school events exhibit higher levels of academic achievement. These students are more likely to achieve higher grades, show increased motivation and self-esteem, and possess better time management skills. They are also more adept at navigating challenges and setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

A Family Affair

The impact of engagement is not limited to students alone. Families that actively participate in the school community contribute significantly to their child's academic success. When families attend school events, support extracurricular activities, and engage with teachers and staff, they reinforce the value of education and the importance of being part of a community. This involvement creates a supportive environment that encourages students to strive for excellence and fosters a sense of belonging and confidence.

Building Our Future Together

At GEMS American Academy, we are committed to creating an environment where every student can thrive. Our diverse array of events and extracurricular activities is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and talents, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways. From sports teams and art clubs to academic competitions and community service projects, our school is a bustling hub of creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

We encourage every member of our community to dive into the vibrant life of our school. Whether it's attending a school play, cheering on our sports teams, or participating in a community service project, your involvement makes a significant difference. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that not only elevates academic performance but also shapes well-rounded, confident, and compassionate individuals.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, let us continue to build on the strong foundation of engagement and participation that defines GEMS American Academy. Let's celebrate our achievements, support one another, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we are not just preparing our students for the challenges of tomorrow; we are empowering them to create a brighter future for themselves and for the world.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our school community. Here's to continued growth, achievement, and unforgettable memories at GEMS American Academy.

Justin Kirby

K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction

We had an amazing turn out for our Whole-School Community event – GAA’s 1st Cook-A-Book Challenge on Thursday, February 29th!  The theme for this year’s book week was “Reading Connects Us”, and we saw that this week!  The event was a great success, and included sampling foods, games for students young and old, music by the Secondary Band (directed by Mr. Jefferson, Secondary) and face painting (assisted by Ms. Mary, Elementary).

Thank you so much to all of the families who participated in such creative ways by connecting books and food!  We had over 40 families sign up, with students ranging from PreK to Grade 12.  These families shared their time and delicious food and drinks with over 200 of our students, family members, and GAA staff.  We really appreciate how they contributed to the success of this community event!

Thank you to teachers and staff who assisted, and CAS students who led activities and helped with setting up and running the event!

Votes for “Favorite Book-Related Food” and “Best Designed Table” will be tallied and the winners will be announced next Wednesday, March 6th.

It is our pleasure to serve as the GAA Library staff!  Thank you for your support!

GAA Library Department

Mrs. Jennifer Thompson (PreK-G1)

Mrs. Kristine Kirby (G2-5)

Ms. Karen Wayne (Library Assistant)

Ms. Anna Parente (Secondary)

What we did the past few weeks?

Do you want to get involved in school events and help GAAPA?

The mission of the GAA Parents Association (GAAPA) is to build community for the benefit of GAA parents, students, faculty, and staff.

Every GAA parent is automatically a member; no fees or dues. 

GAAPA organizes community-building events such as Community Iftar, Pizza day, Student Appreciation day, International Food Festival and Staff Appreciation Week and much more.

Come and help as much as you can. Any help will be so much appreciated for GAA community.

If you want to be informed when we need volunteers, please join this whatsapp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FnnB4uuNS5KFlH8I8TeFTt 

What We Will Do Next?

🌙 Dear GAA Community 🌙

GAAPA would like to invite you to our community iftar. Please join us for iftar in the Holy month of Ramadan.

When: Thursday March 14,2024 at 6 pm

Where: GAA Football field

⭐️ Performances

⭐️ Bouncy Castles, ⭐️ Inflatables

⭐️ Games and Prizes!

Fun for the whole family !

Cost is free! We kindly ask you bring food to share for our IFTAR potluck. Dates drinks and Appetizers will be provided.

Kindly join the dedicated IFTAR WhatsApp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/HvjOtQs4SiEI6rj2Cf8pbI 

and the Google form for potluck sign up will be shared there. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSef6DnsmEnub2SEgrHT7CqBikihomLfm0D_hG8AZ8uTXaakpA/viewform 

We look forward to seeing you all.

What Else We Do?

Under the visionary guidance of the two Lead Organizers, Yashbrata Ghosh and Bogdan Delcea, GAA TEDx held its third annual themed event on February 3rd titled, “Breaking Borders and Redefining Lives”. This TEDx event hosted a diverse lineup of 13 speakers, each offering unique perspectives on transcending boundaries. This event was a success due to the collaboration and hard work of the following list of individuals, who all deserve praise and recognition.

The list of TEDx members:

Senior Members:

• Amey Varma - Treasurer

• Joie Ramos- Project Manager

• Thaphoom Jumeijang- Event manager

• Noah Tamasker -Curator

• Manaka Yamakawa - Curator

Marketers:

• Mishka Ramirez 

• Dana Mourad 

• Bethelhem Zere

• Siwon Lee

• Siyoung Park 

• Omar Arayssi

• Najjad Zeenni 

• Fares Alkatheeri

• Keria Stokes

• Jihaad Abdelrahim 

• Azan Ahmad 

Speaker Trainers:

• Mishka Ramirez 

• Azan Ahmad 

• Jacobo Muñoz Hurtado 

• Dalal Al Mukhtar

• Hannah Lee

• Juliane Dizor

• Lola Koukladas 

• Azan Ahmad 

• Amey Varma 

• Al Jazei Alkaabi 

We thank you all for supporting this event. We look forward to the next event in the 2024/25 academic year. Stay tuned for updates. 

In the meantime, please check out the event photos below:

Two weeks ago, our Secondary Band and Choir participated in the NESAC Band and Choir Conference hosted at AIS Kuwait, lead by Mr. Jefferson Aranda, Secondary Band Director and Ms. Patrice Powel, Elementary Music Teacher. The event brought together numerous American schools from the Middle East region, fostering four days of unparalleled musicianship and genuine camaraderie. 

Our students and teachers showcased their musical talents and represented GAA with grace and passion, contributing to the harmonious symphony of the conference. We are proud of our students and teachers who accompanied them to this distinguished event.

Please check out below links for photos and videos of the concerts.

LOST AND FOUND

Please visit our Lost and Found sections from Monday through Thursday between 7:30AM to 4:30PM and Fridays 7:30 - 12:00 (except on public holidays) to retrieve your child's lost items:

• On the way to Clinic: all clothing items, lunch bags, books, folders, water bottles, etc

• Main reception: all valuables, such as, phones, headphones, airpods, ipads, jewellry, wallets, etc.

Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity during Spring Break.

Please label all clothing items of your child.

GEMS CO-BRANDED CREDIT CARD

GEMS American Academy has partnered with First Abu Dhabi Bank to offer our parents discounted school fees*. 

• Apply for your GEMS card with FAB and avail amazing discount and instalment plan on your child's school fee

• Avail up to 4.25% discount on advanced payment on GEMS school fee

• Convert school fees into Easy Payment Plan for up to 12 months

• EPP 1st 3 months with zero charges no processing fee & no interest, 6 months 1% , 9 months 2% and 12 months 3% processing fee 

• Card is free for the 1st year 

Apply through our School Assigned Staff:

• Amjad Nazir

• Mobile: +971564010406

• Email: Amjad.nazir@bankfab.com

*Terms and conditions apply

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT

Dear GAA Families, 

Occasionally, we take photographs and videos of the students at school. We use these images as part of our school displays, school website, social media, yearbook.

Note: Official school photoshoot by Stu Williamson is mandatory and to be used in school records for identification purposes. Parents can choose to purchase the printed or digital photograph from the photoshoot. Stu Williamson photos are used for school yearbook.

• In Social Media or Website, if we use photographs of individual students, we will not use the name of that child in the accompanying text or caption.

• In Social Media or Website, If we name a student in the text, we will not use a photograph of that child to accompany the article.

• In Social Media or Website, If a student has won an award or achieved an accomplishment and parent would like the name of their child to accompany the picture, we will obtain permission from the parent before using the image.

• From time to time, our school may be visited by the media who will take photographs or film footage of a school event. Students may appear in these images, which will sometimes be published in local or national newspapers (digital or paper). 

To comply with the Data Protection Policy and Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes and its amendment by the Federal Law No. 12 of 2016 of UAE, we need your permissions before we can photograph or make any recording of your child.

Our records show that not all parents completed the consent form.

To complete the consent form, please access your parent Portal, and check the relevant boxes:

1. If using GEMS Connect app: please go to Student Info, scroll right to General Consent and tick relevant boxes. 

2. If using website version on http://connect.gemseducation.com, please go to Requests, scroll down to Update Student Details, scroll right to General Consent and tick the relevant boxes.

3. If you do not remember your login credentials, please contact pre_gaa@gemsedu.com.  

SCHOOL TRAFFIC COURTESY

DO'S

• Please be mindful of UAE Traffic Laws (UAE Government Website and LIST OF TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND VIOLATIONS)

• Please exercise Culture of Kindness towards your Community members.

• Be attentive and follow the guidance of our staff members! You will see them directing traffic and ensuring the safety of our students.

• Instruct your drivers to follow the pickup/dropoff guidelines and instructions of our staff members.

• Park in designated parking spaces.

• Please continue forward in the pick-up lane if the car in front of you has picked up his/her child and is exiting. Do not stop midway – continue forward to allow cars lining behind you to enter parking.

• Keep the sidewalks and crosswalks clear.

DON'TS

• Do not double park.

• Do not exit your car if waiting in pick up lane.

• Do not park on the sidewalks (red-bricked areas near back gates) – this is in violation of UAE Traffic Rules.

• Do not drop off or pick up students from the Main Road. For the safety of your children and to avoid traffic congestion, PLEASE DROP OFF AND PICK UP FROM DESIGNATED SCHOOL GATES.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• If you arrive early to park in designated areas within school parking, please be mindful that you may find it difficult to exit immediately after pick up, as transiting cars may be blocking your way. We recommend to arrive during dismissal time. Alternatively, please park in designated parking areas in public roads (for example, after Beverly Cakes pastry shop, on Al Mutaabid Street, or Al Waqaa street).

• Carpool when possible

• Consider using school bus service

• Weather permitting, consider using bikes or walk, if living near school. 

PARKING ENTRY/EXIT PROCEDURE

• We have assigned 2 entry points and 1 exit point in the back parking area (see attached map). NO EXIT IS ALLOWED THROUGH DESIGNATED ENTRY POINTS.

• To enter the back parking area, please use one of the entry points indicated in the map. The 1st entry point is near tennis courts (in front of SmileRite), the 2nd entry point is through Bus parking. If the 1st entry is full, please continue forward on the main street towards the 2nd entry (through the Bus Parking). 

• Please continue forward in the pick-up lane if the car in front of you has picked up his/her child and is exiting. Do not stop midway – continue forward to allow cars lining behind you to enter parking.

• Exit from center (EXIT ONLY POINT) as indicated in the map. Please use common courtesy and Culture of Kindness when exiting from parking and follow our staff members’ directions.

• Students exiting from the back gates will be waiting in the designated waiting areas to be picked up. Please make sure you discuss the pick up timing with your child before school.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• If you arrive early to park in designated areas within school parking, please be mindful that you may find it difficult to exit immediately after pick up, as transiting cars may be blocking your way. We recommend to arrive during dismissal time. Alternatively, please park in designated parking areas in public roads (for example, after Beverly Cakes pastry shop, on Al Mutaabid Street, or Al Waqaa street).

• Carpool when possible

• Consider using school bus service

• Weather permitting, consider using bikes or walk, if living near school. 

• March 4-5: Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences (no classes in session)

• March 6: KG1, KG2, GR1, GR2 Arts Festival, 8:00 - 12:00, GAA Tennis Courts

• March 6: Upholding UAE Heritage and National Identity at GAA, by Samah Awad @2:00pm, Auditorium

• March 7: GR 3-5 Arts Festival, 8:00-12:15, GAA Tennis Courts

• March 7: Nurturing Communication and the Importance of Building Relationships with your teenagers, Parent Session in Arabic, @3pm, Auditorium

• March 7: PowderPuff, Juniors V Seniors, @3pm, GAA Field

• March 13-14: Absentee and New-joiner Official School Photoshoot

• March 14: GAA Community Iftar @6pm GAA field

• March 25: SPRING BREAK STARTS!