Issue # 4 - October 27, 2023
At GAA, we believe in a holistic approach to education. In addition to Standards Based Assessments, our students also engage in a series of standardized assessments. The valuable insights gathered from these assessments play a pivotal role in shaping our teaching methods, ultimately enhancing the educational journey of your child.
In this week's newsletter, we are eager to shed light on the significance of this data. We want to ensure that parents understand how this information can be harnessed to provide tailored support for your child's growth and development.
September: PASS
October: MAPS
October: PSAT for Grade 10
November: CAT4, for grades 6, 8 and 10
May: PASS
June: MAPS
Stay tuned for upcoming updates on informative parent sessions led by our Curriculum Coordinator, Mr. David Dasari. We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a MAP Testing Parent Information Session in the near future. In the interim, if you have any inquiries or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist you.
Regards,
Ms. Zahra Bhatty (Grades 9-10 Vice Principal) z.bhatty_gaa@gemsedu.com
Mr. David Dasari (Secondary Curriculum Coordinator) d.dasari_gaa@gemsedu.com
As we have started to get settled, we are noticing that the uniform is not being followed as per the Student Handbook (see page 18) Please note that students are not allowed to wear their Middle School sweatshirt unless it is Friday. We are also seeing a problem with the length of the girls’ skirts/skorts. Please see the requirements below. On Monday, the teachers will begin to log any uniform violations as we are well into the school year.
Please respect UAE and GAA dress code:
No tight clothes.
No spaghetti strap shirt
No exposed mid-riff.
No hoodies
No offensive logos or expressions on clothing
No skirts/ shorts above the knee.
The Secondary Administration may require a student to return home for the purpose of changing clothing. Our policy is: Wear clothing that is respectful to yourself and others.
Dear Families,
The week the students met in the auditorium during their advisory classes to learn about the new ADEK Behavior Policy that we are following. The kids asked good questions and Mr. Paul and Ms. Samah did a great job at delivering the presentation.
Reminders:
Flag day is next Friday, November 3rd. Students can wear flag colors or National dress.
Next week is a Blue week, and starts with block G.
Have a nice weekend.
Ms. Williams
MS Vice Principal
The Earth Prize is an annual $200,000 environmental sustainability competition for students around the world between the ages of 13 and 19 that rewards the teams whose projects and ideas have the most potential to address environmental issues.
As part of the competition, participants have access to mentorship by students from top universities, and exclusive learning materials covering key environmental sustainability concepts and featuring young environmental change-makers from around the world. Students and teachers can now register on The Earth Prize website (www.theearthprize.org) until November 30th. Registration is free.
On Wednesday, November 1st, from 11:30-12:30, GAA will be hosting UIC Barcelona. The location of the session is the MPR.
PARENTS ARE WELCOME.
Despite the school shifting to online learning due to adverse weather conditions on Friday October 27th, secondary students still gladly participated to Pink Dress Down Day, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Click link below for photos.
Saturday, October 28, 2023, 7:30h to 12:00h
Sunday, October 29, 2023, 7:30h to 12:00h
Saturday, October 28, 2023, 13:30h to 18:00h
Sunday, October 29, 2023, 13:30h to 18:00h
It's a two days course.
Please let us know, who would like to give it a go.
NOTE: We may need to cancel the course because of the weather condition.
Hristo Hristov, General Manager / Principal
Mobile: 050 614 1689
Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy, operated by Fairwind Sailing Sports Club
October 30 - November 24: Read Marathon
November 3: UAE Flag Day Celebration at school
November 13: World Kindness Day
November 13-17: Official School Photoshoot for Grades 6-10
November 18: Fall Festival
November 24: Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club
November 29: UAE National Day Celebration at school
Head of School
Robert Rinaldo, email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com
ADMISSIONS
Registrar: registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 515
Admission Secretary (GR6-GR12): c.dumo_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 603
Admission Secretary (KG-GR5): s.ramakrishnan_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 604
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)
Shahd Hamdan: s.hamdan_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: c.davies_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 627
Secondary Principal
Garth Wyncoll, email: g.wyncoll_gaa@gemsedu.com
Middle School Vice Principal (Grades 6-8)
Mollie Williams, email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Vice Principal (Grades 9-10)
Zahra Bhatty, email: z.bhatty_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Vice Principal (Grades 11-12)
Monica Martin, email: m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com
Secondary Secretary:
Email: secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com
Middle School Counsellor (Grades 6-8)
Almyra Duarte, email: a.duarte_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Counsellors
Catherine Sciolis (Ali-Alp, I-P), email: c.sciolis_gaa@gemsedu.com
Lia Noronha (Aaa-Alh, B-H), email: l.noronha_gaa@gemsedu.com
Amy Copland (Alq-Azz, Q-Z), email: a.reyescopland_gaa@gemsedu.com
IBDP Coordinator:
John Thompson, email: j.thompson2_gaa@Gemsedu.com
Curriculum Coordinator:
David Dasari, email: d.dasari_gaa@gemsedu.com
Dean of Students:
Middle School - Paul Teehan, email: p.teahan_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School - Kelly Jamieson, email: k.jamieson_gaa@gemsedu.com
Heads of Grades:
Grade 6 - Kimberly Jeanette Strong k.strong_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 7 - Alan Hogan a.hogan_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 8 - Alan Anthony Richardson a.richardson_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 9 - Donal William Moynihan d.williammoyni_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 10 - Carlos Antonio Cotman c.cotman_gaa@Gemsedu.com
Grade 11 - Ana Chainho a.chainho_gaa@Gemsedu.com
Grade 12 - Deniza Ibrahimi-Dzaferovic d.ibrahimidzaf_gaa@Gemsedu.com