Good day GAA Community,

I hope that you and your family are adjusting well to the routines of school life. Each day I see children arriving at school a little more awake and ready to learn.

We have really gotten into a groove here at GAA and I must say that it has felt the most ‘normal’ since we entered the global pandemic close to 18 months ago.

I would like to continue to thank each and every one of you for your support and for helping us make this a special year for your children.

Please view my video message below:

And if you just want the summary notes, please read on.

Covid Testing

• Only students aged 12 and older need to show a negative test to enter campus this Sunday, September 12

• We expect the next display of test results to be Sunday, September 26 for our K-12 students

KG Full Day

• The KG staggered start ended Thursday and the full day starts on Sunday

• The school day will be from 7:45 to 2:15

Lateness

• Please be reminded that students who are not in their classroom by 7:45 are considered late and will need to collect a late slip

• Arriving to class on time is extremely important so that your child does not miss out on important learning time

Early Dismissal

• We have many parents asking for early dismiss

• Picking up children before the end of the day affects their learning

• Please only pick up your child early if there is an emergency, doctor’s appointment, etc,

• If you do need early dismissal, we need to know at least one hour before your requested dismissal time

End of Day Dismissal

• Children should be picked up by 3:00pm

• Please plan your afternoon so this is possible

• Elementary Students may only exit through the front of the school (picked up by parents, nannies, or older children at the QR codes)

Back to School Night

• Tuesday, September 14

• Your child’s teacher will share the way you can view the digital information

Dress Down Days for September

• Thursday, September 16- House spirit (Falcon = White, Scorpion = Black, Fox = Red, Viper = Green)

• Thursday, September 23 - Sports Theme (Favourite Team, Olympics Proud) - please donate 5 AED for this day to support our GAAPA initiatives.

Student Uniforms

Visit the GAAPA Used Uniform Facebook Page

Birthday Celebrations

Please be informed that we are currently unable to allow birthday treats (cupcakes, etc.) to be brought to school and shared with classmates.

SeeSaw

If you are not connected to your child’s Learning Portfolio yet, please reach out to your child’s teacher so they can support you.

Jewels of Kindness

If you would like to share how your child has been kind outside of school, please complete this form so we can help celebrate your child’s devotion to kindness

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mike Hopaluk

Elementary Principal

email: esprincipal_gaa@gemsedu.com

A very warm welcome to our Grade One and Two community!

My name is Joe Aldus and I am the Elementary Vice-Principal with the good fortune to be working with students in the Lower Elementary. I am going into my fifth year here at GAA, having spent the previous two years as the Elementary PYP Curriculum Coordinator. Previously, I have taught Grades 1-5 in international schools in Beijing and Mexico City, and began my career in London.

My hope is that you have enjoyed some wonderful family time over the summer break, and that you and your children are excited about getting back to school, seeing friends, and diving back into some exciting learning. We always love to hear about all the great things our students did over the summer holiday, and are amazed at how much they have grown. I spent the summer studying in Switzerland and visiting family and friends back home in the UK.

At this time of the year I am reminded of the wonderful book ‘First Day Jitters’ by Julie Dannenberg. This book playfully highlights how we can all feel excited and perhaps a little apprehensive on our first days of school and focuses on how we can all help each other to feel more comfortable when settling in. The main message is about how good it can make us feel to do nice things for other people, and I look forward to sharing it with classes again in the coming weeks.

I look forward to meeting you at drop-off or pick up, and and having a wonderful year of school.

Joe Aldus

Lower Elementary Vice Principal

eslgvprincipal_gaa@Gemsedu.com

• September 12: KG1 and KG2 students return to school full time

• September 14: KG & Elementary Back to School Night (virtual)

• September 26-30: Stu Williamson Photoshoot for KG & Elementary