Dear GAA Families,

I want to extend my gratitude for your presence at the recent-parent teacher conferences. Your active involvement in nurturing strong home school connections is deeply appreciated.

As we continue through the academic year, our activities calendar is up and running with a robust list of offerings. Local, national, and international competitions are taking place across the various Season One sports at all levels. Students are engaged and showing their passion for performance and arts, and currently rehearsing for upcoming musical theater presentations and both vocal and instrumental concerts. Exciting student government initiatives like Spirit Week and our beloved Powder Puff games are upcoming, and eagerly awaited by all. These events not only show our commitment to a holistic education, but also enrich our school culture and unite us in the pursuit of excellence.

At the same time, our faculty and staff are producing school improvement plans aligned with our mission and priorities, which will serve as evidence during our reaccreditation visits later this school year. Additionally, our faculty and administrators are all engaged in professional development, focused on project-based learning at the Secondary level, and interdisciplinary teaching, phonics, and literacy in the Elementary divisions.

As we settle into the academic year, I am encouraged to share that we are well on our way to creating a positive educational experience and students’ success through our unity and determination.

Warm Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

As the K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction, I had the privilege of recently presenting an informational session on the topic of Standards-Based Learning (SBL) to a dedicated group of parents. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on that session and share my thoughts on why we, as educators, believe so strongly in the power of SBL. 

Standing in front of parents, I couldn't help but feel a sense of shared responsibility and enthusiasm. There is a vital partnership between parents and schools. We are all stakeholders in the education of our children, and our collective commitment to their growth and success is the cornerstone of our community.  

During the presentation, I spoke about how SBL shifts the focus from just receiving a letter grade to truly understanding what students know and can do. It's about celebrating their unique progress, ensuring that students know what to do next to improve, and giving them the tools to excel. The SBL approach provides a roadmap for each student's journey, with clear learning targets and feedback loops, enabling them to navigate their education effectively and provide them with a sense of ownership. 

Reflecting on that session, I was reminded of the profound impact that SBL can have on our students. It allows them to take ownership of their learning, fostering a sense of independence and self-motivation. Through ongoing assessments and feedback, they learn to set goals, track their progress, and make informed decisions about their academic paths. Ultimately, it empowers them to become lifelong learners who are well-prepared for the challenges of the future. 

Another aspect that became apparent during the session was the importance of equity in education. SBL ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, have an equal opportunity to succeed. When speaking last week, I used the example of a driver’s test. Maybe you got yours on the first try, or maybe it took you ten attempts! Either way, you have a license that is equal to all others, no matter how many times it took you. We all learn at different rates and SBL supports this.  

I encourage you to ask questions of your children in a way that supports the learning we do at GAA. As a parent, I know that I always seem to start off with “how was your day?”. As you get further into the conversation with them, however, ask questions that are specific to help your child reflect on their learning. Questions like;

• What was difficult today? What resources/tools do you have to help make it easier?

• What Approach to Learning did you focus on today and how do you think that skill will be helpful to you in the future?

• Do you know how to act on any teacher feedback you received today? 

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to all the parents who attended the informational session. Your presence and engagement reaffirmed our shared commitment to the education of our students. I look forward to more growth, learning, and collaboration as we continue to work hand in hand to provide the best possible education for our children.

Justin Kirby

K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction

The second edition of the Art of Recycling is now taking place. There are seven categories, and schools is one of them including Primary and Secondary sections.

Having witnessed the resounding success of the campaign last year, this year’s version promises to be to be bigger and better.

The theme of this year’s competition is ‘No Time To Waste’, and once again, Yalla Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Mall are set to become the canvas for sustainable artistry for a month of artistic ingenuity and environmental responsibility.

This year's edition promises even more excitement, with over AED 50,000 in prizes up for grabs.

Having been such a hit with schools last year with over 300 entries, this is the ideal opportunity for teachers and educators to engage in an enjoyable project with their class as part of art, moral education, or any other classes!

Remember though, all projects submitted are done so on behalf of the class, therefore any individual who wins will gain the prize for the class.

So how do you get started? 

• Collect some materials and add your personal artistic flair to it! 

• Once you’re satisfied, submit your creations at a designated spot in Abu Dhabi Mall (TBA) starting 1 November on Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm, and Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm.

• The submission window closes on 9 December, with winners set to be announced when schools reopen in January.

All you need to do to get started is head to THIS LINK where you will find all the details you will need or check the below poster.

Terms and Conditions apply. For more information, please see below poster or visit The Art of Recycling 2023

Please check below information from last year entries by GAA students!

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

More information on the date of TEDx will follow.

Regina and Carlos did it again! These athletic siblings participated to Gulf Multi Sport Wolfie's Duathlon on September 23rd in Hudaiyrat Island. Well done!

You want to know what Happiness is? Then listen to what 5th grader Amnah Shahein Al Nuaimi has to say! She shared her views on Happiness during an event by Fujairah Health Department.

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news following our recent swim meet at ACS on Saturday, 23rd of September. 

Our team's performance was nothing short of exceptiona!

Middle School Swimmers: Nihal Sakni, Tala Altrabulsi, Hamdan Alobeidli, Omar Nour(Gr.5), Noah Maiato, Luca Gallione and Salma Abdel Samad.

Junior Varsity Swimmers: Shokran Hassan, Victoria Perez, Sarah Vaillancourt, Cameron Pattison, Karl Murr, Soyeon Lim, Hamza AbdelHady, Zaid Basbous, Seo(lucy) Hyeseon, Seth Aborot, Thaphoom Juemjarung, Naya Alltrabulsi, Andrea Mahfouz, Malak Nour, Gabriel Figueroa. 

Varsity: Caitlin Oeser, Yuseline Larrouilh, Manaka Yamakawa, Janika Ramirez, Yousef Alduaij, Siwon Lee, Mustafa Shawki, Mishka Ramirez, Farida Ayyad, Platon Nikolaev, Hussein Ayyad and Julianne Dizo. 

We broke 8 school swim records in 1 event, which is amazing result for any team and they belong to:

Congratulations once again to Coach Jackie, Coach Nadia and all swimmers.

Way to Go Wildcats!

In the past few weeks our students have participated to athletic competitions and achieved amazing results. Please click below for photos.

GAA Language WhatsApp Groups

If you wish to connect with parents from your home country or sharing the same language, feel free to join any of the below language whatsapp groups:

NOTE: If you do not see your country chat group and wish to create one to keep in touch with the parents from your country, please feel free to contact pre_gaa@gemsedu.com.

• CANADA: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BidSAYo9IWO1DFmTQNNAT0

• EGYPT:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/GUQkFxADYEc8r8eKPQJ3yH

• FRANCE (or french-speaking): https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dy9tJw6aUlz5XG42JaGoCY

• GREECE: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CB1HNYXo9GFAIeGWqu1wMe

• INDIA: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L31NkcohPK91VzgN58KFZP

• ITALY: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CXlpYU7xCqPLJ7kdVEAwdK

• JAPAN: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KkYIgxIE7yi3iD1lt0ZkwP

• JORDAN: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GWY4eDazMAtJ7uB6FIXFG8

• KOREA: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LPDcvAK7QbVKrTfFe6ArON

• LEBANON: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FP5hpOGBkb63z2X3BN8zuF

• PAKISTAN: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GxMEyjsUVbKGVcXIRxNyfv

• PALESTINE: https://chat.whatsapp.com/InEFKYOfbQs7CarFybw6rC

• RUSSIAN: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IkmrAb3OSNw45h8eJafP6w

• SABOR LATINO: https://chat.whatsapp.com/J1DYxngtt7mDsU8FqguJSc

• SOUTH AFRICA: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CY4FDbfrnNXEZOO7T3z2Kp

• SPAIN (or Spanish speaking): https://chat.whatsapp.com/EpSbCYVGwMFKsIBl8ProYy

• SWEDEN: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DGLgDcKRT6dBB4GWucNyLK

• SYRIA: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KZfUeXpSFoI9lcbWy2duyR

• UAE: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H72TWZDsS1JLtsvt2JMz64

• USA: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FmrBVlj97WlAOiW4TqqUsr

IMPORTANT! Please read the Whatsapp Group Rules before you join!

Thank you to all parents who completed BMI Screening Consent form and emailed to GAA Nurses.

If you haven't already done so, kindly complete the below form and email to nurse_Gaa@gemsedu.com

As per ADEK and DOH guidelines, every school in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi must complete a BMI and vision screening for all students annually. To fulfill GAA’s commitment in promoting the health and well-being of all our students, we would like to start the screening process from October 2023. 

Please be assured that BMI screenings will be conducted in a private and confidential manner. Only trained and authorized personnel will be present during the screening, and the results will be kept confidential. Please be aware that we are required to share the information with DOH and ADEK, which will be utilized for health and wellness purposes. 

We value your involvement in your child's health. Kindly find attached the BMI and vision screening consent form. We request you to please fill in the information, either agree or disagree to the screening and email to nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the BMI screening, please do not hesitate to contact us at nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.  

GAA Nurses

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 9-13: Elementary School official student photoshoot (PreK-Grade 5)

• October 16-20: Mid-term Break, no school in session. Admin offices open 8:00am - 2:00pm

• October 23: PYP Exhibition Information Session for Grade 5 Parents: 8 am and 2 pm.

• October 25-26: Matilda Musical Auditions for Middle School

• October 27: Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club - Dress Down Day theme for ELEMENTARY: Real Life Heroes!

• November 2: UAE Flag Day Celebration at school

• November 13-17: Official School Photoshoot for Grades 6-10

• November 18: Fall Festival