Dear Parents,

As we engage in a week dedicated to accreditation inspections, it’s a time of both introspection and celebration at our school. This annual process isn’t merely about ticking boxes or meeting standards; it’s a profound opportunity for us to reflect on our journey, assess our progress, and chart the course for our collective growth. At the heart of this endeavor lies a fundamental value: the power of self-reflection and feedback.

Here at GAA we promote a culture of continuous improvement. It’s ingrained in our culture, driving us to constantly evolve, innovate, and excel. This year, our deep dive focus centers on teaching and learning, recognizing that they form our educational mission. Our commitment to growth extends far beyond administrative corridors; it permeates every classroom, every interaction, and every facet of our community life.

Why do we place such emphasis on self-reflection and feedback? Because we believe that they are catalysts for transformation. When students pause to ponder their learning journey, when they assess their strengths and areas for development, they take ownership of their progress. Likewise, when educators engage in reflective practice, they refine their pedagogical approaches, tailor instruction to meet diverse needs, and ultimately, nurture a culture of academic excellence.

But reflection isn’t a solitary endeavor; it thrives in dialogue, in the exchange of ideas, and in the spirit of collaboration. That’s where feedback enters the picture. Constructive feedback, delivered with empathy and intentionality, has the power to ignite growth. Whether it’s a teacher guiding a student through a complex problem, a peer offering insights on a group project, or a parent providing encouragement at home, every feedback loop reinforces the value of reflection and fuels the engine of learning.

As parents, you play an indispensable role in this growth. Your engagement, support, and feedback are invaluable ingredients in your child’s educational journey. Encourage them to reflect on their experiences, celebrate their achievements, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Take an active interest in their learning, ask probing questions, and offer gentle nudges when needed. Your partnership with us is instrumental in nurturing a culture of reflection and excellence.

As we have navigated the reaccreditation process this week, let us remember that it’s not merely an exercise; it’s a testament to our commitment to growth, to excellence, and to each and every learner entrusted to our care. Together, let us continue to cultivate a culture where ideas flourish, where implementation is purposeful, and where the impact is profound.

Sincerely,

Leia Kraeuter

Elementary Principal

Celebrating Achievement: Completion of the PYP Exhibition!

Dear Parents,

We are thrilled to share with you the remarkable culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and creativity: the completion of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition! This extraordinary journey has been a testament to the collaborative efforts of our students, teachers, and mentors, and we couldn't be prouder of what they have achieved.

The PYP Exhibition is a significant milestone in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, where students in the final year of the programme showcase their learning and understanding of the essential elements of the PYP. It's not just a project; it's a profound exploration that encourages students to inquire, research, reflect, and take action on real-world issues.

Throughout this process, our students have delved deep into topics close to their hearts, topics that resonate with global significance. From environmental conservation to cultural diversity, from social justice to scientific exploration, each student has embarked on a unique journey of discovery. They have not only developed a deeper understanding of these complex issues but have also honed essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

But the success of the PYP Exhibition wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of our dedicated teachers and mentors. They have served as facilitators, encouragers, and mentors, nurturing our students' curiosity and empowering them to take ownership of their learning. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment has truly been remarkable.

As parents, you have played an integral role in this journey as well. Your support, encouragement, and involvement have been invaluable in helping our students navigate through the challenges and triumphs of the PYP Exhibition. Whether it was providing resources, offering words of encouragement, or simply being there to listen, your support has made a significant difference in our students' lives.

Now, as we celebrate the completion of the PYP Exhibition, let us continue to nurture and support our students as they embark on their next step in their educational journey, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values instilled in them through the PYP Exhibition. Together, we can inspire them to become lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Once again, congratulations to our students, teachers, and mentors on this remarkable achievement. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence.

Warm regards,

Tiffany Pulci

PYP Coordinator

On 2024-4-30, I had one of the biggest days of my life, which was an exhibition. I was with Adam and Isabella. Our group topic was about Education and AI. At the beginning of the day, we set up all the things in Mr. Walter's classroom, we put on our PYPx T- shirts, set up our provocation piece, and were ready to show it to other people. I chose the topic Education and AI because I was actually only interested in Education, but then Adam and Isabella encouraged me to AI, so we combined both of the topics together and it actually went very well. In the morning, AISA school came, we performed the song I am the change to them, then they came to our booth and learned about Education and AI. It seemed like that the AISA school really enjoyed our booth. As time went along, I felt more and more confident, even talking to the parents. Our group was very loud and clear, the parents also enjoyed our booth very much. Overall I really enjoyed the exhibition day, I really appreciate all the wonderful job that my group did!

Welcome to KG1B Class News!

In our exciting journey through Unit 4 of "How The World Works", we've been diving deep into the wonders of measurement and materials. Our little KG1B explorers have been curious about the absorbent and strong properties of various materials and their purposes. 

We kicked off our unit by wondering about materials and how they behave. Why does a sponge soak up water while a plastic bag does not? To find out, we conducted a fun DIY experiment where we made instant snow using diapers! It was magical watching how different materials absorb liquids.

Next, we put our engineering hats on and designed some super-strong tents to help our Three Little Camels. We wanted to create a tent that could withstand the strong huffs and puff of the big bad wolf.  Using different materials in our classroom, like popsicle we were able to design sturdy tents to keep the camels safe in the future!

But why stop at tents? We also challenged ourselves to design bridges that could hold the weight of our toy cars. We experimented with different shapes and materials, learning how to make structures that are both strong and stable. 

Throughout our exploration, we've been asking lots of questions and trying out new ideas. We've discovered that materials are amazing—they can be soft like cotton candy or tough like superhero armor. We can't wait to continue our journey of discovery and see where it takes us next!

Keep up the fantastic work, KG1B!

After a disruptive first week of Term 3 due to the adverse weather, it has been great for the students to get back into the swing of things in GAA. It has been a busy week or so for them with many amazing events taking place in school!

Last week, the students got the opportunity to attend the Bookworm Book Fair. They were very excited and intrigued to see what was on display and they weren’t disappointed!

As well as this, many of the students attended an Arabic play in the auditorium called “The Kind Beast” to enrich their Arabic Language skills. When returning to class, the students remarked on how much they enjoyed it!

The highlight for 4C was the Elementary Arts Festival. It was very well organized and the students really got into the spirit of it. A very enjoyable day was had by all! From musical chairs to folk dancing to face painting and the gallery walk, it had it all!

Last week Grade 5 students went on a field trip to Apple Store:  it was fantastic opportunity for our students to learn important tech skills that are not only valuable for school but also for life. We had a learning session at the Apple Store, focusing on the Apple operating system and the devices that our students use every day at school

• May 6 - Grade 2 and 3 non-native speakers Arabic Spelling Bee

• May 9 - Grade 5 non-native speakers Arabic Spelling Bee

• May 10 - Deadline to submit Candidacy for GAA Parent Association

• May 15 - Grade 4 non-native speakers Arabic Spelling Bee

• May 16 - A Night of Music @6pm, GAA Auditorium

• May 17 - GAA Parent Association Annual General Meeting

• May 24 - Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club

• May 28 - Senior Gratitude and Senior Walk