Sunday October 24 - next checking of PCR test results for students below 12.

If you missed free in-school testing of October 14, please take your child to the designated testing location at Biogenix Lab in Masdar City (school code KS-9086). Students without recent PCR test results will not be able to enter the school premises.

Uploading PCR Results to Parent Portal

Parents are still required to upload PCR results in the GEMS Parent Portal before school gates open at 7:30 am on Sunday, October 24 for all students attending school on campus. See instructions here: UPLOADING RESULTS ON PORTAL

PCR Result Sources

Parents must upload screenshot of:

• Al Hosn green screen with new PCR results; or

• PCR report PDF in Al Hosn; or

• SMS results; or

• PCR lab report.

Print out of PCR results

To speed up the gate check of new PCR results, please send a print out of results to avoid using phones. It helps guards and staff quickly & easily read and check results.

Grade 4 Explores the Systems of the Human Body

This week the grade 4 classes had the opportunity to examine animal organs to get them thinking about the human body and how the different systems work together to keep us functioning and healthy. They looked at real cow hearts, intestines, stomachs, kidneys, a liver and brains. The students did the visual thinking routine “see, think, wonder” to describe the organ, think about what it might do in the body, and ask questions about its location or function. While many students acted like they were grossed out - almost all jumped at the chance to feel and hold the organs. They were fascinated with the weight and texture that the different organs had. For example, the stretchiness of the stomachs, the thickness of the walls of the heart, the firmness of the liver and the wrinkles of the brain.

Students in 3rd grade had the opportunity to showcase their creativity during a lesson in the Makerspace Room this past week. Students created a piece of music using Garage Band that reflected the mood of a chosen image.

In our Unit of Inquiry, How we Express Ourselves, students are inquiring into how The arts engage an audience and invite a response. Students’ creativity and confidence really shines during this unit as we explore many forms of Art.

In Performing Arts this semester 3rd grade students are learning basic elements of music through story telling. 3rd grade students will begin their recorder lessons hopefully, later this month. 4th grade students have been learning how to read and play sheet music while learning the recorder (4D, 4E) and ukulele (4A, B, C). Students have learned 5 notes on the recorder and how to play 3 chords on the ukulele. Students in 5th grade are working on reading and writing music. They have learned about melody and are currently writing and playing (via the xylophone) their very own music compositions!

Dear GAA Families,

You are cordially invited to attend the Positive Parenting workshop, first of the Triple P events, organized by our Elementary Counsellors:

• Date: October 12th

• Time: 10am

• Location: Via ZOOM link

The following topics will be discussed:

• Children’s behavior

• Creating a safe, interesting home environment

• Having a positive learning environment

• Assertive discipline

To register your participation and to receive ZOOM link, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/dFwidMjg3U8CtTWX6

We look forward to seeing you all!

Melanie Moses – Grade 2-5 Guidance Counsellor

Alison Haswell – KG-Grade 1 Guidance Counsellor

Dear Parents,

Beginning next week, your child will have an opportunity to participate in a READMarathon. A READMarathon is a friendly reading challenge (see this site for more information: https://www.readwithmalcolm.com/readmarathon/). If your child chooses to participate, he/she will read for 26.2 days straight, building their reading stamina, developing his/her endurance and crossing the Finish Line by reading either 400 minutes (10K), 800 minutes (Half-Marathon) or 1600 reading minutes (Marathon). Talk to your child to see which reading goal they want to set for themselves throughout the 26.2 days. If your child isn't reading yet, you can read with/to them to meet the challenge goal. You can read books on EPIC (https://www.getepic.com/). Raz Kids (https://www.raz-plus.com/), books from home, library books, etc. throughout the 26.2 days.

The READMarathon 2021 starts on October 12 and ends on November 7.

If your child chooses to participate, please fill out this Google form (https://forms.gle/HEmDspcR192dfodLA). After you complete it, Mrs. Jennifer or Mrs. Kirby, the elementary librarians, will send home paper copies of a reading log, course map (to help you on your reading journey), and a suggested reading schedule with your child. Your child will turn in the reading log to Mrs. Jennifer or Mrs. Kirby on or before November 7.

By participating in this reading challenge, you will help your house team earn points! Be a risk-taker and sign up for the READMarathon today!

Kind regards,

Jennifer Thompson

KG/Grade 1 Librarian

• October 12: Triple P with Elementary Counsellors (Positive Parenting Workshop). Sign up here.

• October 12-November 7: READMarathon with PYP Library

• October 14: In-school free PCR testing for students in KG-Grade 5

• October 14: Elementary House Spirit Day (wear your House Colors)

• October 17-21: Mid-term Break

• October 24: School resumes, PCR checking

• October 28: Half-Day, school dismisses at 12. Elementary School dress down day theme: Crazy Day - get crazy with hair and mismatched clothing (in support of GAAPA with 5 AED donation)