Issue # 2 - September 13, 2024
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you well. At GEMS American Academy, we are always looking for ways to support the holistic development of our students, ensuring their emotional well-being is just as nurtured as their academic growth. In light of this, I would like to invite you to read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a powerful book that examines the growing levels of anxiety and stress that today’s students face.
The book highlights many of the challenges that children and adolescents encounter today, from the pressures of social media and a phone based childhood. At GEMS American Academy, we are deeply committed to understanding these issues and fostering a learning environment that supports not only academic achievement but also emotional resilience and personal growth.
To delve deeper into the themes raised by Mr. Haidt and to explore how we as a school community can further support your children, we will be hosting a series of coffee mornings beginning on September 27:
Session 1 - September 27 - 8:00 a.m. - GAAPA Room
During these informal gatherings, we will discuss the points raised in The Anxious Generation, and how these insights relate to our students’ experiences here at GAA. It will also be an opportunity to exchange thoughts on how we, as parents and educators, can collaborate to help our children navigate these challenges.
We believe that an open dialogue between the school and our parent community is vital to fostering an environment where our students feel supported both academically and emotionally. I encourage all parents to attend, even if you haven’t had a chance to read the book yet, as your input is invaluable to us.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ growth and well-being.
Warm regards,
Garth Wyncoll
Secondary Principal
Dear Parents and Students,
Thank you for attending our meeting last Wednesday. Your presence and engagement were greatly appreciated.
For those who were unable to attend or who wish to review the information shared, I have included a recording of the meeting below and the AP Handbook. The handbook provides essential information and guidelines for the year ahead.
Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you once again for your support and participation and I wish you all a successful year ahead.
Warm regards,
Andreia Barbu
AP Coordinator
GAA’s Secondary Arts Program has announced the 2024 – 2025 Middle School Production: Beauty and the Beast JR. Auditions are happening soon and we are calling ALL interested students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 to come out and give it their best shot. See the flyer below for more details. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to reach out to Director Mrs. Cotman (l.cotman_gaa@gemsedu.com) or Producer Mrs. Woods (k.woods_gaa@gemsedu.com) via email.
September 16 - King's College visit, 12-1pm @Secondary Library
September 23 - Middle School Back to School Night
September 24 - High School Back to School Night
September 27 - Informal Parent Coffee Morning with Secondary Leadership, 8 am @GAAPA room
October 14-18 - MID-TERM BREAK (No School)
Head of School
Robert Rinaldo, email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com
ADMISSIONS
Registrar: registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 515
Admission Secretary (GR6-GR12): c.dumo_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 603
Admission Secretary (KG-GR5): s.ramakrishnan_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 604
FINANCE
Email: finance_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 102
CLINIC
Email: nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 688
Parent Relations Executive
Fatma Chabanova: pre_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 502
Government Relations Executive (for ADEK issues)
Shahd Hamdan: s.hamdan_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 505
SLICES CATERING
Email: slicesgaa@gmail.com, ext. 566
BBT BUS TRANSPORTATION
Rameez Rasheed, email: rameez.rasheed@sts-group.com, ext. 608
GAAPA (GAA Parent Association)
email: gaa.parentsteam@gmail.com
Booster Club
email: boosterclub.gaa@gmail.com
IT
Email: support_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 666
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
Email: c.davies_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 627
Secondary Principal
Garth Wyncoll, email: g.wyncoll_gaa@gemsedu.com
Middle School Vice Principal (Grades 6-8)
Mollie Williams, email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Vice Principal (Grades 9-10)
Zahra Bhatty, email: z.bhatty_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Vice Principal (Grades 11-12)
Monica Martin, email: m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com
Secondary Secretary:
Email: secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com
Middle School Counsellor (Grades 6-8)
Almyra Duarte, email: a.duarte_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Counsellors
Catherine Sciolis (Ali-Alp, I-P), email: c.sciolis_gaa@gemsedu.com
Lia Noronha (Aaa-Alh, B-H), email: l.noronha_gaa@gemsedu.com
Keisha McCray (Alq-Azz, Q-Z), email: k.mccray_gaa@gemsedu.com
IBDP Coordinator:
Elliot Brodie, email: e.brodie_gaa@gemsedu.com
AP and Curriculum Coordinator:
Andreia Barbu, email: a.barbu_gaa@gemsedu.com
Dean of Students:
Middle School - Paul Teehan, email: p.teahan_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School - Kelly Jamieson, email: k.jamieson_gaa@gemsedu.com
Heads of Grades:
Grade 6 - Kimberly Jeanette Strong k.strong_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 7 - Alan Hogan a.hogan_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 8 - Alan Anthony Richardson a.richardson_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 9 - Nour Hallab n.hallab_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 10 - Donal William Moynihan d.williammoyni_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 11 - Lauren Massman l.massman_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grade 12 - Ana Chainho a.chainho_gaa@Gemsedu.com