Issue # 16 - May 9, 2025
As we approach the close of a truly memorable school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. This has been a year of meaningful growth—not only for our students, but for our entire school community. Every lesson learned, every challenge overcome, and every success celebrated has brought us closer to our shared mission: to help every child achieve, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
With the end of the year comes natural change—students move forward, teachers evolve in their practice, and new ideas begin to take shape. Each shift is made to strengthen our programs, uplift learning, and build even better pathways for growth.
This year, we’ve deepened our focus on explicit instruction, especially in writing and math. By providing clear modeling and guided practice, we’ve helped students build confidence, sharpen skills, and think critically and creatively. As we look ahead, we are expanding our vision of what a truly holistic education can be.
In Grades 3–5, our Makerspace is being reimagined into a dynamic hub of creativity, engineering, and innovation—a space where ideas are designed, built, and brought to life. For our youngest learners, we are excited to re-introduce a vibrant program that celebrates rhythm, music, movement, visual art, and even the joy of cooking—enriching both imagination and foundational skills.
Through all of this, one thing remains unwavering: our culture of kindness, inclusion, and high expectations. It is the foundation of our school and the comfort in every change. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and even more excited for what lies ahead.
As you finalize your re-enrollment, know that your child is growing in a place where they are seen, supported, and inspired. Thank you for walking this journey with us. With your continued partnership, the future is bright—and full of possibility.
With appreciation and purpose,
Ms. Leia
Elementary Principal
We had so much fun at our recent school trip to Pizza Express on Reem Island. We got the chance to be professional chefs for the day. We learned all about hygiene around food, how to prepare the dough for the pizza base and to add the sauce and toppings. We looked the part in our chef’s hat and apron and the chef who helped us was very funny. He was called Chef Pepperoni. We had the best day, and we learned all about how to make our own pizza. There was a huge pizza oven that could cook up to 32 pizzas at one time.
In our literacy lesson we were able to write about what we did on our trip. We used colorful semantics to help us break down the information.
We had lots of fun dressing up as our favorite book character and we were able to tell our friends what we dressed up as and what our favorite story was. Even my teacher dressed up, she was little miss hugs.
As part of their inquiry into world cultures, KG2C explored the central idea that understanding different cultures can lead to respect and appreciation. We researched various countries with a special focus on Ireland, comparing its food, traditional clothing, and sports with those of the UAE. Students brought their learning to life by painting Irish landscapes, learning traditional Irish dances, and even trying out Irish sports like Gaelic football and hurling. We also wrote postcards to a student in Ireland, asking thoughtful questions about his culture and daily life. Through these meaningful experiences, we deepened our understanding of global diversity and the importance of cultural connections.
التّربية الإسلاميّة لتلاميذ الصّف الأوّل والثّاني :
في مادة التربية الإسلامية، حرصنا على الجمع بين الجانب القِيَمي والتطبيقي لترسيخ المعاني السامية في نفوس الطلاب، حيث قمنا باصطحابهم إلى مصلى المدرسة لتدريبهم عمليًّا على الوضوء والصلاة، مما منحهم فرصةً لمعايشة الشعائر في بيئة مدرسية هادفة.
واحتفاءً بـعيد الفطر المبارك، نظّمنا مجموعة من الأنشطة الاحتفالية التي أضفت جوًّا من الألفة والفرح، أبرزها كتابة بطاقات التهنئة لأسرهم، ليعبّروا من خلالها عن حبهم ومشاعرهم الطيبة. كما شهد الفصل تنظيم مسابقة لحفظ القرآن الكريم، شارك فيها نخبةٌ من الطلاب، وتم تكريم الفائزين تقديرًا لجهودهم وتشجيعًا لهم على مواصلة الحفظ.ولم تغب المنافسة الرمضانية عن الأجواء، فقد كنا قد أعلنا في بداية الشهر السابق عن مسابقة رمضان التي لاقت تفاعلًا مميزًا، وتم في هذا الشهر تكريم الفائزين وتوزيع الجوائز. كل ذلك إلى جانب باقة من الأنشطة الصفية التفاعلية كالألعاب التعليمية، والأسئلة التحفيزية، والمواقف التمثيلية، التي ساهمت في تعزيز المفاهيم الإسلامية وتنمية حب المادة لدى الطلاب في أجواء ممتعة ومليئة بالتفاعل.
رابط الصّور:
In the Islamic Studies classes, we focused on teaching values and enhancing practical learning. Students were taken to the mosque where they performed Wudo and prayer.
We also celebrated Eid Al-Fitr through joyful activities, including writing greeting cards to the families, expressing heartfelt messages.
The term featured a Qur'an memorization competition, with winners honored in a special ceremony, in addition to the announcement of Ramadan Contest results and prize distribution.
These efforts were accompanied by a variety of engaging classroom activities, combining fun and learning, and helping to strengthen students' understanding of Islamic values and principles.
May 1-June 11 - MAP Testing
May 15 - International Day of Families breakfast
May 21-22 - Jungle Book Elementary Musical Production
May 26 - PYP Exhibition
Head of School
email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com
ADMISSIONS
Registrar: registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 515
Admission Secretary (GR6-GR12): c.dumo_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 603
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)
Mahmoud Huraimel: m.huraimel_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: r.demarco_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 627
Elementary Principal
Leia Kraeuter, email: l.kraeuter_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. KG-2)
Lauren Sargent, email: l.sargent_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. 3-5)
Douglas Sherrill, email: d.sherrill_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Secretary
KG-Grade 1 Guidance Counsellor
Alison Haswell, email: a.haswell_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grades 2-5 Guidance Counsellor
Melanie Moses, email: m.moses_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Dean of Students
Cody Preston, email: c.preston_gaa@gemsedu.com
PYP Coordinator
Tiffany Pulci, email: t.pulci_gaa@gemsedu.com