Issue #14 - May 22, 2026
As we move into the final stretch of the school year, our campus has been filled with energy, resilience, and excitement as students and staff successfully transitioned back to in-person learning following our recent periods of online instruction. While learning virtually brought unique challenges, our students demonstrated incredible adaptability, responsibility, and perseverance throughout the experience. We are proud of how smoothly everyone has returned to classroom routines and reconnected with their peers and teachers.
Over the past weeks, classrooms have been focused on completing important end-of-year assessments. These assessments provide valuable opportunities for students to demonstrate the growth they have made throughout the year and allow teachers to celebrate the progress achieved across all grade levels. From reading and writing to mathematics and science, students have shown determination and commitment to these assessments, as well as their classroom work.
We also recently celebrated a very successful Book Week, filled with fun and engaging activities planned by our librarians to inspire students and foster a love of reading both at school and at home. Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of reading-centered experiences that encouraged creativity, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for books. Reading is truly the foundation of education, and we value every opportunity to promote strong literacy habits and a lifelong love of learning within our school community.
At the same time, excitement is building across the school community as we begin preparing for upcoming promotion ceremonies and end-of-year celebrations. These special events recognize the hard work, achievements, and milestones of our students while giving families an opportunity to celebrate together. Whether students are moving into a new grade level or preparing for new learning experiences next year, this season is an important time to reflect on accomplishments and look ahead with optimism.
As we enter the final month of school, there is still much to look forward to: classroom celebrations, special activities, collaborative projects, and memorable moments with friends and teachers. We look forward to finishing the year with positivity, pride, and school spirit.
Ms. Kim Melloy
From KG2 to Grade 5, we were very proud to celebrate the winners of the Quran Competition for the academic year 2025–2026.
من الروضة الثانية حتى الصف الخامس، احتفلنا بكل فخر وسعادة بطلابنا الفائزين في مسابقة القرآن الكريم للعام الدراسي 2025–2026، ونحن فخورون بهم جميعًا
Our talented students first qualified at the EnjoyAI EduStream Regionals in January and went on to proudly represent our school at the Robotics Nationals in Dubai - the largest robotics competition in the region!
The event challenged students across coding, problem solving, teamwork, and drone soccer missions, pushing them to think creatively and collaborate under pressure.
We are delighted to celebrate Abdelaziz Fahad (3A), who earned the Best Innovative Solution award in ENJOY AI Drone Soccer, and Diva Sinha (5D) and Ayham Zalt (3D), who were recognised as Best Mission Accomplishers in the ENJOY AI Cyber City Senior category.
In an even more exciting achievement, all three students have qualified for the ENJOY AI Global Final in China this December. The ENJOY AI competition is a global platform that challenges young innovators to push boundaries in STEM and robotics through creative, real-world problem solving. Students from around the world design, code, and compete in robotics and drone challenges, culminating in the prestigious Global Final held annually in December.
A remarkable milestone for our students — we are incredibly proud of their creativity, perseverance, and teamwork.
Last week the children were treated to an assembly with the author Kathy Urban and she read out her new story to the children. She brought some of her special characters from the story also and the children were able to find out what happens in the story “A Tree for Everyone”.
This week the children in KG1 have enjoyed book week and have had so much fun taking part in the various activities.
We were able to learn about funny poems and share some that we had brought from home. On Thursday, some children enjoyed taking part in ‘Cook a book’ where they used their imagination to make wonderful creations.
We thoroughly enjoyed dressing up as our favorite book character on the last day of book week. We were able to discuss what our favorite book was and why we liked the story.
Grade 5 students have continued to show determination, resilience, and a positive attitude throughout their learning journey. During the recent transition to online learning, they adapted quickly and approached each day with enthusiasm and responsibility. As they completed their MAP assessments this week, we are incredibly proud of the effort, focus, and perseverance they have shown.
A highlight of the term was Provocation Day, which inspired curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful discussions among the students. It was wonderful to see them so engaged, collaborative, and excited about their learning experiences.
We also recently celebrated Book Character Day, and the students truly went all out with their creativity and enthusiasm! It was fantastic to see the effort students put into their costumes and the excitement they brought to the celebration of reading and storytelling.
We continue to celebrate the consistent hard work our Grade 5 students demonstrate every day, both in class and online. Their willingness to try their best, support one another, and stay committed to their learning has been truly commendable. We look forward to sharing more photos that capture their learning, teamwork, achievements, and memorable moments together as they prepare for the final weeks of Grade 5.
Grade 5 Provocation Day was an inspiring launch into the final stage of the elementary journey, designed to spark curiosity, action, and purpose. Students had the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of guest speakers, including Dr. Marwa, an aerospace engineer, and Dr. Huda Alkhzaimi, a specialist in cybertechnology and mathematics. Alongside them, 14 high school students shared their own insights and experiences, encouraging younger learners to think deeply about Mother Nature and the importance of taking meaningful action.
The day concluded with a series of engaging keynote speakers. Mr. Marcus spoke about entrepreneurship and innovation, while Mr. John shared stories from his time in the frigid Canadian region known as “The Pines.” Simeon, a student who has excelled in sailing, inspired peers through his dedication and achievements, and Ms. Linda spoke about her journey as a triathlete, highlighting perseverance and goal-setting.
Altogether, the day empowered Grade 5 students to begin shaping their own ideas and projects for the exhibition, encouraging them to be thoughtful, proactive, and inspired as they conclude their elementary school experience.
Upon our return to in-person learning, Mr. Ryan’s classes have been learning Handball. One of the fastest sports in the world, pupils have been highly energetic and enthusiastic whilst developing new skills and embracing team spirit. From keeping possession to scrambling to receive the ball, Handball has been a big hit amongst students who certainly have burnt off many calories which we discussed in the weeks previous.
Concluding this week, classes enjoyed a mini tournament against their peers and celebrated each other’s progress.
May 25-29: Public Holiday Eid Al Adha (no school in session)
June 10-11: Alice in Wonderland Middle School Musical
June 29-30: KG2 Promotion Ceremony
July 1: Grade 5 Promotion Ceremony
July 3: Last Day of School
Head of Inclusion Team
Christina Coley, email: c.coley_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Principal
John Ashenden, email: j.ashenden_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Assistant Principal
Lauren Sargent, email: l.sargent_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Counselor
Alison Haswell, email: a.haswell_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Dean of Students
Cody Preston, email: c.preston_gaa@gemsedu.com
Curriculum Coordinator
Kim Melloy, email: k.melloy_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Secretary
Elementary Attendance Secretary
Email: esattendance_gaa@gemsedu.com