Dear GAA Families,

In these challenging times, our commitment to fostering a culture of kindness, self-care, and respect remains strong. The current global climate has presented us with challenges, but also an opportunity to come together and support one another.

We must prioritize self-care and continue our efforts to create a nurturing environment for all members of our school community. In this message I want to highlight some of services available to support this effort.

We are encouraging our teaching staff to be vigilant in their observations of students, recognizing behavioral issues, and supporting each other. Our dedicated counselors are available to help students cope with the challenges they face. We are also extending our counseling support to any teachers or families that may need assistance. I have added the contact information of our counselors below, where they can be reached if you would like to schedule an appointment. 

Student assemblies are being planned at the Elementary and Middle School levels with a focus on the values of kindness, anti-discrimination, and coping skills to ensure a positive and inclusive environment for all.

Let’s continue to stay together as a united and compassionate school community. Thank you for your dedication to our school’s values and contributing to the well-being of our students, teachers, and families.

Warm Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

GAA Counseling Team:

Elementary Counsellors:

• Alison Haswell, KG-Grade 1 Guidance Counsellor, email: a.haswell_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• Melanie Moses, Grades 2-5 Guidance Counsellor, email: m.moses_gaa@gemsedu.com 

High School Counsellors (by students' last names):

• 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   

Dear GAA Parents,

GEMS American Academy has always held the values of unity, respect, and cultural diversity close to its heart. To embrace and celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of the United Arab Emirates, we are excited to announce that we will commemorate UAE Flag Day on November 3rd, which coincides with the day the late HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan became president of the UAE. 

UAE Flag Day, celebrated annually on November 3rd, holds a special place in the hearts of Emiratis and residents alike. It is a day that brings people from all walks of life together to honor the UAE's unity, vision, and spirit. On this day, the UAE flag is raised high in the sky, symbolizing the pride and strength of the nation. It is a time when citizens and residents come together to reflect on their shared values and aspirations.

At GAA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and culturally diverse environment. We recognize the importance of celebrating the UAE's rich heritage and the significance of national events. UAE Flag Day is an excellent opportunity to further promote these values among our students and community.

Dress Down Day for UAE Flag Day:

On November 3rd, we invite all students, staff, and faculty to participate in a special dress-down day to mark the occasion. This dress-down day is a chance for everyone to express their solidarity with the UAE and its people by wearing the colors of the UAE flag, which are red, green, white, and black, or the National Dress of the UAE. This is an opportunity for all members of our school community to come together and show their appreciation for the country that has welcomed us and provided us with opportunities for growth and development.

What to Wear:

• Red, green, white, and black clothing or accessories

• UAE-themed attire (scarves, t-shirts, hats, etc.)

• UAE flag pins or badges

• Traditional Emirati dress for those who wish to showcase the culture

IMPORTANT REMINDER: 

Please respect UAE and GAA dress code:

• No tight clothes,

• No spaghetti strap shirt,

• No exposed mid-riff,

• Skirts/shorts must be below the knees,

• No hoodies,

• No offensive logos or expressions on clothing.

In addition to the dress-down day, GAA will also organize various educational activities to help students understand the significance of UAE Flag Day during their class time. These activities will include informative presentations, discussions, and arts and crafts, allowing students to engage in meaningful learning experiences.

We invite all parents to commemorate this special day by encouraging their children to participate in the dress-down day and engage in educational activities. Let us unite with our UAE community, and together, we can celebrate the spirit of this great nation.

Finally, we thank you for your efforts, help, and support! 

Happy UAE Flag Day!

Hold it with pride and raise it high.

Sincerely,

Deputy Head of School

Samah Awad   

أولياء الأمور الكرام، 

تحية طيبة وبعد،

يسعدنا أن نعلن احتفالنا بيوم العلم الإماراتي في الثالث من نوفمبر، والذي يتزامن مع اليوم الذي تولى فيه المغفور له صاحب السمو الشيخ خليفة بن زايد آل نهيان رئاسة دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، يحمل يوم العلم الإماراتي، مكانة خاصة في قلوب الإماراتيين والمقيمين على حدٍ سواء حيث إنه يوم يعكس وحدة وتلاحم الإمارات، ليكون الوقت الذي يجتمع فيه المواطن والمقيم للتفكير في قيمهم وتطلعاتهم المشتركة، ويمثل فرصة ليعبر الجميع عن فخرهم واعتزازهم لكونهم جزء من هذا الوطن.

نفخر في أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية بكوننا جزء من المجتمع الإماراتي و نعتز بمشاركتنا في هذا الحدث الوطني، وندرك أهمية الاحتفاء بالتراث الغني لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ودوره في تعزيز الهوية الوطنية، حيث يُعتبر يوم العلم الإماراتي فرصة قيمة لتعزيز هذه القيم بين طلبتنا وأعضاء المجتمع المدرسي. 

لبس ألوان العلم الإماراتي: 

يسعدنا أن ندعو الطلبة والموظفين وأعضاء هيئة التدريس للمشاركة في احتفالاتنا بهذه المناسبة في الثالث من نوفمبر من خلال ارتداء ألوان علم الإمارات وهي الأحمر والأخضر والأبيض والأسود، أو من خلال ارتداء الزي الوطني لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة كتعبير عن تضامننا مع دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة وثقافتها وقيمها، وثقتنا بأنها ستكون فرصة مثالية لجميع أعضاء مجتمعنا المدرسي للالتقاء وإظهار التقدير لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة التي ينعم بترحيبها الجميع ويحظون بفرص وفيرة من النمو والتطور. 

خيارات الملابس التي يمكن ارتداؤها:

• الملابس أو الإكسسوارات ذات اللون الأحمر والأخضر والأبيض والأسود

• ملابس ذات طابع دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة (الأوشحة، القمصان، والقبعات، إلخ).

• دبابيس وشارات علم دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

• اللباس الإماراتي التقليدي لمن يرغب في إبراز الثقافة الإماراتية

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يسرنا أن نعلن عن تنظيم العديد من الأنشطة التعليمية في هذا اليوم خلال فترة الدراسة لتحفيز الطلبة في استشعار أهمية يوم العلم الإماراتي، حيث سنقدم عروضًا تسلط الضوء على تاريخ و قيم دولتنا الحبيبة أثناء الحصص الصفية، و سنوفر أيضًا فرصًا للمشاركة في مناقشات تعليمية وأعمال فنية صفية لنعزز روح الانتماء لدى الطلبة وتفاعلهم.  

ندعو جميع أولياء الأمور تشجيع أطفالهم على المشاركة في يوم العلم من خلال ارتداء ملابس العلم الإماراتي وتحفيز المشاركة في الأنشطة التعليمية.

دعونا نتحد مع مجتمعنا الإماراتي، و نحتفل معًا بوحدة هذه الأمة العظيمة.. فلنرفعه عاليًا ليبقى شامخًا! 

لكم جزيل الشكر على دعمكم وتعاونكم المستمر، 

مع تحيات نائب مدير المدرسة، 

سماح عوض 

Exploring Potential: Project-Based Learning at GEMS American Academy

At GEMS American Academy, we believe that education is a journey, not just a destination. We are committed to empowering our students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to thrive in the ever-changing world. We also believe this to be true of our leaders and teachers. To support our mission, we are thrilled to introduce a new exploratory initiative in our secondary school: Project-Based Learning (PBL). This innovative approach cultivates students who not only dream big but also have the confidence and conviction to pursue their dreams and impact the world.

What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-Based Learning is an educational approach that emphasizes active, hands-on learning through projects and real-world experiences. In PBL, students engage in in-depth, long-term investigations of real-world challenges, questions, and problems. It encourages critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity as students work together to develop solutions and explore their interests.

Students work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a semester – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience. As a result, students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Project Based Learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy among students and teachers.

How will PBL work at GEMS American Academy?

This year is an  exciting phase of exploration. Certain teachers, grade levels, and/or subjects will be implementing PBL. We have the great pleasure of having the Buck Institute provide PBL Works training for several teachers and leaders. In our secondary school, we've designed our PBL approach to be engaging, enriching, and reflective of our mission. Students will work on a variety of projects that connect to their coursework, interests, and the world around them. These projects can span various subjects and themes, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking. While the specifics of projects may vary, the core principles remain constant:

• Inquiry and Investigation: Students will delve into real-world questions and issues, fostering a love for learning and a natural curiosity.

• Collaboration: PBL promotes teamwork and communication, ensuring that students develop essential social and problem-solving skills.

• Real-World Application: By addressing genuine problems or creating meaningful products, students see the tangible impact they can have on the world.

• Reflection and Assessment: Regular evaluations encourage self-awareness and the development of critical thinking skills.

Parents as Experts

As we embark on this exciting journey of Project-Based Learning, we will likely be reaching out to invite parents to participate as well. In the future, you may receive requests to share your expertise on specific subjects or projects. Your involvement will enrich the educational experience for your children and their peers, providing real-world insights and mentorship that can be invaluable.

At GEMS American Academy, we are excited to embrace Project-Based Learning as an integral part of our commitment to empowering our students. This initiative ensures that our students develop the confidence and conviction to not only pursue their dreams but to impact the world in a way that reflects the values and mission of our school. Together, as a community, we can inspire our students to be the change-makers and dream-chasers of the future, creating a brighter world for all.

Justin Kirby

K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction

This year’s TEDx theme is Breaking Barriers and Redefining Life. The talk is how individuals break through challenges to redefine how life looks for them. This can be seen in how AI has removed barriers in Education and Medicine, or how a person overcomes a personal challenge and redefines what life could be for them. 

We invite our Parents to participate as SPEAKERS! Share your wisdom with the young minds and future leaders of the World:

Speaker Sign Up Link

TEDx will take place on January 18!

Please see below links for photos from recent Athletics events of our students.

During Mid-term break, the Arabic Language, Islamic Education, and Social Studies department teachers had two wonderful and effective days of training with the educational expert, Dr. Mohammad Salama from Queen Rania Academy. The workshop focused on the topic of differentiation and teaching practices that create opportunities for every student to achieve their best educational level in an atmosphere of interest and enjoyment. 

أمضى معلمو قسم اللغة العربية والتربية الإسلامية والدراسات الاجتماعية يومين رائعين وفعالين من التدريب مع الخبير التربوي الدكتور محمد سلامة من أكاديمية الملكة رانيا، حيث تناولت ورشة العمل موضوع التمايز والممارسات التعليمية التي تخلق لكل طالب الفرصة في الوصول لأفضل مستوى تعليمي في جو من الفائدة والمتعة.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Gentle reminder to wear your Parent IDs with yellow lanyards when entering school premises.

• If you have not received your Parent ID yet, please email your photo to pre_gaa@gemsedu.com as soon as possible.

• If you have received your Parent ID before August 1, please visit Main Reception to reprint the new scannable ID and replace your lanyard.

While on campus parents and guardians are to wear the new GAA yellow lanyard. If lanyard is not worn, we kindly request you to register as a guest before entering the campus. This is to ensure that every adult in school is identified clearly for the safety and security of everyone on campus. 

Please visit our Lost and Found sections from Monday through Thursday between 7:30AM to 4:30PM and Fridays 7:30 - 12:00 (except on public holidays) to retrieve your child's lost items:

• On the way to Clinic: all clothing items, lunch bags, books, folders, water bottles, etc

• Main reception: all valuables, such as, phones, headphones, airpods, ipads, jewellry, wallets, etc.

Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Please label all clothing items of your child.

• 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 22: Real Hero Day (dress down)

• November 24: Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club

• November 29: UAE National Day Celebration at school