Dear GAA Families,

As we approach the end of the first marking period, we are very proud of the progress our students have made thus far. Our students have started to settle in and relevant, rigorous lessons are taking place in every classroom.

As we prepare for parent teacher conferences of November 10 & 11, we invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to speak with our teachers about your child’s progress. Questions that help guide your conversation include:

• In which standards is my child having success?

• In which standards does my child need support?

• How can I support my child?

These questions will help parents and students gain key insight and a path to success. We recognize that the success of students relies on productive partnerships with families. We thank you for your continued partnership.

Best,

Ms. Erin Lumpkins

High School Vice Principal

Dear Families,

Please avail of the link below which captures the video from our IB Curriculum Night. If you should have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com.

Upcoming Events:

Earlier we hosted a curriculum night for both American Common Core and IB and will host IB College Night in January (primary target is grades 9-11) and IB Course Fair in February (this event is for rising 11th grade).

The counsellors for our students are as listed below:

• High School Counsellor (Grades 9-11 A-Alk & B-L/ Seniors A-D) Kimyanna Bradford, email: k.bradford_gaa@gemsedu.com

• High School Counsellor (Grades 9-11 Alm-Azz & M-Z/ Seniors E-Z) Catherine Sciolis, email: c.sciolis_gaa@gemsedu.com

Our grade 11 & 12 IB students have organized the ASA / CAS fair 2021 for our high school students on Sunday 31st October & Tuesday 2nd November during genius hour. Students will receive the link to the virtual fair.

The ASA fair is a great opportunity for our high school students to initiate, lead and participate in after school clubs. For full IB Diploma students this is an in school CAS opportunity / project.

Our fabulous student organizers Sarah Ahmad, Suaad, Nabel, Deniz, Sarah (grade 11) have put together a virtual gallery with all the information of the clubs. You can find it here.

On Sunday & Tuesday next week, high school students will access the virtual gallery during genius hour and have an opportunity to interact with the club leaders and sign up for the clubs. If you are a high school genius hour teacher, a humble request to make sure that your students open this virtual gallery and attend at least one club session. Students will need headphones / earpods to access the zoom sessions.

Thank you to all those teachers who have agreed to supervise some of these clubs.

Dear Parents,

Your child's photo will be live and available for purchase in 6 weeks.

The following additional photoshoot dates have been scheduled:

• February 6-7: ABSENTEE PHOTOSHOOT - for students who were absent during Elementary and Secondary Photoshoot.

• March 5 & 12: CLASS OF 2022 CAP & GOWN PHOTOSHOOT - for Grade 12 students and their family members.

IMPORTANT: We are currently working with Stu Williamson on solutions for Distance Learner photoshoot. We will inform families soon.

Welcome to GAA Secondary Library website! Your access to the library collection, research databases, learning resources and more!

SECONDARY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER

This month’s issue includes:

• Breast Cancer Awareness

• Spotlight: Library Volunteers

• Student and Staff Pick of the month – National Principals Month

• Library Resources

• October 31 & November 2: High School ASA Clubs Fair.

• November 3: UAE Flag Day

• November 10-11: Parent-Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL DAYS)

• November 13: Fun Fitness Hour at The Room (Zayed Sport City): Secondary students and families only.

• November 14-18: Kindness Challenge Week

• November 24: Powderpuff - Seniors vs Juniors

• November 25: Half-Day, school dismisses at 12.