Phone Policy at GAA

Drawing on insights from Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, parents and I have engaged in meaningful discussions about phone use, learning, social media’s effects on the adolescent brain and the social emotional health of our students at GAA. The following points outline the rationale for restricting phone use in schools. It is evident that phones are a distraction to learning. While much of the data presented is USA centric, the data does hold true globally.

This article in The Atlantic provides more information on many of Mr. Haidt’s points.

• Mental Health and Anxiety: Haidt emphasizes the correlation between increased smartphone use and rising levels of anxiety and depression amongst teenagers. Removing phones during school hours can help create a mental health-friendly environment by reducing exposure to social media and the pressures it imposes on students.

• Focus and Academic Performance: Phones are a major distraction, leading to reduced attention spans and hindered academic achievement. Restricting phones aligns with GEMS' commitment to academic excellence, ensuring that students remain engaged and focused during lessons. The graph below notes that a dip began in 2012 - the year the iPhone came out. 

• Social Development: Excessive phone use can diminish face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for developing social and emotional skills. By encouraging in-person connections, GEMS reinforces its values of kindness and community-building. 

• Reduced Exposure to Cyberbullying: Haidt highlights how constant connectivity increases the risk of cyberbullying. Restricting phones during school hours can mitigate this issue, providing students a safer, more inclusive environment. The UAE clearly defines the consequences for cyberbullying, video and photo use.

• Promoting Well-Being and Balance: A phone-free school environment helps students experience balance by providing time away from the digital world. This supports GEMS' focus on student well-being and aligns with the IB’s emphasis on fostering balanced, reflective learners.

Thank you for discussing these topics with your child. I am happy to speak with you as well.

Grade 10 Student and Parent Information Session about Course Options for Grade 11

On Wednesday evening, GAA will present Pathways to Graduation to our Grade 10 students and parents - all are welcome to attend. The session will be recorded and shared as well.

Auditorium - 6:30 p.m. - Wednesday, November 27.

Healthy Eating Policy

Union Day

Union Day Celebration at GAA is coming soon. We will celebrate over two days and invite parents to join us. Unfortunately, this year we are unable to accommodate non GAA siblings and cousins because of ADEK school capacity limits. The Union Day Shows will begin on Thursday for Grades 6-10 and Union Day breakfast and events on Friday, 29 November. Please note instructions for dress code (regular GAA uniform on Thursday and UAE National Dress on Friday) and instructions for the timings of events. 

Students must wear their Student ID around their necks all day. This is a health and safety requirement. Students have been reminded that they can purchase an ID before National Day in Room 008 (27dhs). Any student not wearing their ID, will be asked to go home and collect it. 

A potluck will be held during Advisory A block.  Please adhere to the following steps:

• Students will bring a dish to share (due to allergies NO NUTS are allowed in any food item brought to school). 

• Students are asked to bring food with them to school. We have intentionally planned this Potluck Breakfast at the start of the day, so students can bring the food with them at the start of the day and NOT use delivery services which create unsafe environments for our school due to security being used for non required services. 

Dear Families,

Lot of fun this week with Spirit Week. I tried to capture as much as I could throughout the week. Next week we are celebrating Union Day. Below you will find our schedule for Union Day. Please note on Thursday the students will attend the Union Day dance performances and on Friday the students will have an advisory potluck breakfast. After the potluck breakfast, students will have Union Day activities in the classroom followed by activities outside. 

A reminder that the following items are not allowed during our Union Day celebrations:

• Silly String

• Poppers

• Water Guns

• Animals

Next week is a white week- starts with A block.

National Day dress on Friday November 29.

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Williams

University Fairs (held in Secondary Library)

• November 26: Trinity College Dublin

• November 27: University of Alberta

for Grade 12 Students

Dear Seniors,

Please take a few minutes and watch this important video about entering university applications,preferences, and decisions in Unifrog.  It is to be noted that every senior must complete this task.  Feel free to speak to your counselor should you have any questions.

• November 27 - Grade 9 Official School Photoshoot

• November 27 - IB/AP Information Session for Grade 10 Parents @6:30pm

• November 28-29 - UAE National Day Celebration

• December 2-3 - UNION DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY (subject to confirmation by Abu Dhabi Authorities)

• December 16 - WINTER BREAK STARTS

• January 6 -  SCHOOL RESUMES