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Issue # 2 - September 13, 2024

The GAAzette Online
  • Whole School News
  • Elementary News
  • Secondary News
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The GAAzette Online

ELEMENTARY NEWS


SECONDARY NEWS


Message from Head of School

MR. ROBERT RINALDO

email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com

Dear GAA Families,

We’ve just wrapped up the third week of school, and I’m happy to report that we are off to a fantastic start! Students are settling into their routines, and the atmosphere around campus is filled with excitement. We’ve worked through the initial schedule changes, and it’s wonderful to see the students happy to be back, reconnecting with friends, and engaging in their learning. We’ve also had an outstanding turnout for our after-school clubs and season one sports programs, and we look forward to seeing even more students get involved as the year progresses.

Thank you to all members of our community for your continued support and partnership in making this possible. Your cooperation helps us provide the best learning environment for your children.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host our Back to School Nights:

  • Middle School – Monday, September 23rd

  • High School – Tuesday, September 24th

  • Elementary School – Wednesday, September 25th

We’ve spread these events across three days to accommodate families with children in different divisions. Back to School Night is an important opportunity to meet school leadership and classroom teachers, as well as to learn more about what your child will be experiencing in the classroom this year.

As a reminder, please observe and respect the directions of our parking lot traffic team. Their goal is to ensure the smooth and safe flow of traffic. We appreciate your cooperation in following their instructions.

Thank you for your partnership and support. 

Warm regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Message from Deputy Head of School

MS. SAMAH AWAD

email: s.awad_gaa@gemsedu.com

Dear GAA Parents,

In celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we reflect on the profound values of compassion, kindness, and wisdom that he exemplified. As a school community, we are honored to share this moment with our students and families, fostering these same values in our daily lives. I hope this message finds you well and refreshed. 

Our school community is where dreams take shape, knowledge is nurtured, and friendships flourish. As partners in your child's educational journey, we are excited to collaborate with you to create an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. Together, we will continue to inspire our students to reach for the stars and become compassionate, resilient individuals ready to impact the world positively.

This year, we remain committed to upholding our excellence, inclusivity, and innovation values. Our dedicated team of educators has been preparing engaging lessons and meaningful experiences that will ignite your child's passion for exploration and discovery. We also focus on maintaining a safe, nurturing atmosphere where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive.

Communication between school and home is crucial for your child's success, and we encourage you to participate in school activities, meetings, and events. Our doors are always open, and we welcome your input, feedback, and involvement in our school community.

We understand that there may be times when you have concerns or complaints regarding your child’s education. In such cases, we encourage you to contact your child's teacher directly to seek clarification and share your perspective. Open communication between parents and teachers is essential for resolving issues and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Teachers will do their best to respond within 24 to 48 hours, providing the necessary information or addressing your concerns.

If, after contacting the teacher, you feel that the issue still needs to be resolved to your satisfaction, you may escalate the matter to the Vice Principal. You can contact the divisional principal to help solve the problem. After that, if you are still unsolved, you can reach out to the Deputy Head of the School should further attention be needed. Please follow this communication hierarchy to handle each concern appropriately before reaching the Head of School. This process helps us maintain a collaborative and practical approach to addressing your concerns.

As we kick off the academic year, we look forward to meeting you during the "Back to School" event. At this event, you will connect with our talented faculty, learn about classroom expectations, and gain insight into the exciting curriculum ahead. It was a pleasure meeting you all.

If you couldn't attend, please stay tuned for more updates and important information via our school's communication channels, including our website, newsletters, and social media platforms.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating and nurturing your children. Let us join hands to make this school year an unforgettable chapter in their educational journey.

Here's to a year filled with boundless learning, cherished memories, and meaningful growth. Once again, welcome back, and I look forward to a successful and inspiring year ahead!

Warmest regards,

Samah Awad

Deputy Head of School

أولياء الأمور الكرام،

تحيّة طيبة وبعد،

تتقدم أكاديمية جيمس الأمريكية بأحر التبريكات  بمناسبة المولد النبوي الشريف، فقد احتفل طلابنا بهذه المناسبة مع أساتذتهم. نلتقي كل صباح بابتسامة أمل وإشراقة حياة، و يسعدنا التعاون والعمل معًا لخلق بيئة تعليمية تشجع الفضول وتغذي الإبداع وتغرس شغفًا حقيقيًا للتعلم، سنواصل جهودنا في تحفيز طلابنا على تحقيق أهدافهم العالية، وتعزيز تعاطفهم ومرونتهم، وإعدادهم لإحداث تأثير إيجابي على العالم.

نؤكد لكم التزامنا الثابت بالحفاظ على قيمنا الأساسية المتمثلة في التميز والشمولية والابتكار، ولنضمن ذلك، يجتهد أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية لدينا بصياغة دروس اثرائية وتجارب تعليمية هادفة ومصممة بعناية من أجل إشعال حماس طلابنا للتعلم واكتشاف آفاق جديدة، بالإضافة إلى ذلك، تستمر جهودنا ليحصل طلابنا على مستوى تعليم متميز هدفه الأساسي هو الحفاظ على بيئة آمنة وصحية، حيث لا يتم الاعتزاز بكل طالب فحسب، بل يتم تمكينه أيضًا من الازدهار.

نتطلع بفارغ الصبر للالتقاء بكم يوم  "العودة إلى المدرسة"،، ونرجو من الله أن يحقق  هذا الحدث الغاية المرجوة من خلال  تواصلكم مع أعضاء هيئة التدريس الموهوبين لدينا، والتعرف على توقعات الفصل الدراسي، واكتساب نظرة ثاقبة حول المناهج الدراسية المثيرة المقبلة.

لمن لن يتمكن من الحضور من أولياء الأمور، نود أن نؤكد لكم أننا نتفهم ذلك ونعمل جاهدين لضمان إبقائكم على اطلاع ، لذلك، ترقبوا المزيد من التحديثات والمعلومات المهمة عبر قنوات الاتصال الخاصة بمدرستنا، بما في ذلك موقعنا الإلكتروني والنشرات الإخبارية ومنصات التواصل الاجتماعي، حيث أننا نؤمن بأهمية تواصلكم معنا و إبقائكم على اطلاع دائم بكل مستجدات مجتمعنا المدرسي.

كما أننا نؤمن بأهمية التعاون بين المدرسة والبيت لضمان أفضل تجربة تعليمية لأطفالكم، فعندما يشارك أولياء الأمور في  عملية تعليم أطفالهم، يكون لذلك أثرًا بالغًا على نجاح الطلاب، لذلك ندعوكم دائمًا إلى المشاركة في أنشطة مدرستنا واجتماعاتها وفعالياتها، وستظل أبوابنا مفتوحة للترحيب بملاحظاتكم ومشاركاتكم الفعالة.

نتفهم أنه قد تنشأ بعض المخاوف أو القضايا خلال السنة الدراسية فيما يتعلق بتعليم طفلكم، و لمعالجة هذه الأمور بشكل فعّال، نوصي أولًا بالتواصل مع معلم طفلكم مباشرةً، حيث يعتبر التواصل المفتوح بين الآباء والمعلمين أمرًا أساسيًا لحل المشكلات وضمان الشفافية، ويلتزم معلمونا دائمًا بالرد على استفساراتكم خلال 24 إلى 48 ساعة، وتقديم المعلومات اللازمة أو معالجة أي قلق قد يكون لديكم.

 في حال عدم التوصل إلى حل مناسب لكم بعد التواصل مع معلم الفصل، فإن مكتب نائب المدير  المسؤول عن المرحلة موجود لمساعدتكم، وفي حال عدم التوصل إلى حل نشجعك على التواصل مع مدير المرحلة قبل اللجوء لي شخصيًا أو للمدير العام ، علمًا بأننا نرحب بكم دائمًا لتقديم الدعم اللازم،  وبالرغم من ذلك، نؤمن أن اتباع هذا التسلسل في التواصل ضروري لضمان معالجة القضايا بشكل عملي وفعال.

نتوجه لكم بجزيل الشّكر والتقدير لثقتكم بنا ومنحنا فرصة المساهمة في عملية تعليم طلابنا، كما ندعوكم جميعًا إلى

التكاتف لجعل هذا العام الدراسي فصلاً لا يُنسى في رحلتهم التعليمية!  وليكن عامًا غنيًّا بفرص التّعلم اللامحدودة والذكريات الرائعة والنمو الهادف!

تقبلوا فائق الاحترام والتقدير،

دمتم بألف خير،

نائب مدير المدرسة

سماح عوض

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE IN EVERYDAY PARENTING (for Arabic speakers)

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce an 8-session workshop on Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting. This workshop will provide you with valuable tools to foster a positive and peaceful relationship with your children.

Workshop Details:

  • Duration: Every Monday, starting September 16

  • Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

  • Location: room number to be confirmed after sign-up

  • Language: This course will be conducted in Arabic (info about English course will follow shortly).

Limited spots available!

To secure your place, please register using THIS LINK.

We look forward to your participation in this enriching program!

Best regards,

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi

NEWS FROM ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

email: r.demarco_gaa@gemsedu.com

SEASON 1 UPCOMING GAMES

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS INFO SESSION RECORDING

Thank you to all parents and students who were able to attend the International Trips presentation on September 3. Your presence and engagement were greatly appreciated. We also want to express our gratitude to those who reached out for more information and details.

The presentation was recorded. If you were unable to attend or would like to review it, you can access it using THIS LINK.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions or concerns at r.demarco_gaa@gemsedu.com

Camps International with Parents .mp4

EXCITING AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITY FROM ESM

With the new academic year having commenced, we are delighted to open registration for Term 1, and your chance to secure your child’s space on this terms Football sessions at GEMS American Academy.

Please see below for full details of your chosen session: -

  • Activity: ASA FOOTBALL

  • Venue: GEMS American Academy

  • Session Options:

      • Friday 12.15 – 1.15pm (KG1 – Grade 5)

  • Start Date: Sessions commence Friday 13th September 2024 (7 sessions)

  • Register – www.esm.ae 

Registration can be secured via the ESM Portal via the link below, and can be completed to secure your child's space, and with SPACES STRICTLY LIMITED, places are offered on a first come first served basis. 

TERM 1 REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

In addition, Elite Sport are also delighted to offer football sessions in our community programme, post 5.00pm at the school during the week, with full information available via https://elitesports.ae/academy/football-academy-abu-dhabi/ 

We cannot wait to welcome your child to their chosen session and look forward to seeing you this week.

2023-2024 YEARBOOKS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

ORDER FORM.pdf

2023-24 YEARBOOKS ARE HERE!

Pay at Accounts office or through Parent Portal (http://connect.gemseducation.com) and collect your copy from Main Reception!

Price: AED 175

REMINDERS:

  • Have you paid for your 2023-2024 yearbook and not collected? - Please get your copy from Main Reception.

  • Would you like to purchase past years' copies? - Still available at discounted price. Please visit Accounts office.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!

PARENT ID AND LANYARDS

Gentle reminder to wear your Parent IDs with yellow lanyards when entering school premises.

  • If you have ordered new IDs and received confirmation that they are ready, please remember to collect from Main Reception.

  • If you have not received your Parent ID yet, please email your photo to pre_gaa@gemsedu.com  as soon as possible.

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. 

SCHOOL TRAFFIC COURTESY

DO'S

  • Please be mindful of UAE Traffic Laws (UAE Government Website and LIST OF TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND VIOLATIONS)

  • Please exercise Culture of Kindness towards your Community members.

  • Be attentive and follow the guidance of our staff members! You will see them directing traffic and ensuring the safety of our students.

  • Instruct your drivers to follow the pickup/dropoff guidelines and instructions of our staff members.

  • Park in designated parking spaces.

  • Please continue forward in the pick-up lane if the car in front of you has picked up his/her child and is exiting. Do not stop midway – continue forward to allow cars lining behind you to enter parking.

  • Keep the sidewalks and crosswalks clear.

DON'TS

  • Do not double park.

  • Do not exit your car if waiting in pick up lane.

  • Do not park on the sidewalks (red-bricked areas near back gates) – this is in violation of UAE Traffic Rules.

  • Do not drop off or pick up students from the Main Road. For the safety of your children and to avoid traffic congestion, PLEASE DROP OFF AND PICK UP FROM DESIGNATED SCHOOL GATES.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • If you arrive early to park in designated areas within school parking, please be mindful that you may find it difficult to exit immediately after pick up, as transiting cars may be blocking your way. We recommend to arrive during dismissal time. Alternatively, please park in designated parking areas in public roads (for example, after Beverly Cakes pastry shop, on Al Mutaabid Street, or Al Waqaa street).

  • Carpool when possible

  • Consider using school bus service

  • Weather permitting, consider using bikes or walk, if living near school. 

PARKING ENTRY/EXIT PROCEDURE:

  • We have assigned 2 entry points and 1 exit point in the back parking area (see attached map). NO EXIT IS ALLOWED THROUGH DESIGNATED ENTRY POINTS.

  • To enter the back parking area, please use one of the entry points indicated in the map. The 1st entry point is near tennis courts (in front of SmileRite), the 2nd entry point is through Bus parking. If the 1st entry is full, please continue forward on the main street towards the 2nd entry (through the Bus Parking). 

  • Please continue forward in the pick-up lane if the car in front of you has picked up his/her child and is exiting. Do not stop midway – continue forward to allow cars lining behind you to enter parking.

  • Exit from center (EXIT ONLY POINT) as indicated in the map. Please use common courtesy and Culture of Kindness when exiting from parking and follow our staff members’ directions.

  • Students exiting from the back gates will be waiting in the designated waiting areas to be picked up. Please make sure you discuss the pick up timing with your child before school.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • September 23-27 - PreK-Grade 5 Official School Photoshoot

  • September 23 - Middle School Back to School Night

  • September 24 - High School Back to School Night

  • September 25 - Elementary School Back to School Night

  • October 14-18 - MID-TERM BREAK (No School)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 

THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR 

(please note, updated regularly)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 

24/25 PARENT CALENDAR


IMPORTANT CONTACTS

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: r.demarco_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 627

Elementary Principal

  • Leia  Kraeuter, email: l.kraeuter_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. KG-2)

  • Lauren Sargent, email: l.sargent_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. 3-5)

  • Douglas Sherrill, email: d.sherrill_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Elementary Secretary

  • Email: elemsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com 

KG-Grade 1 Guidance Counsellor

  • Alison Haswell, email: a.haswell_gaa@gemsedu.com

Grades 2-5 Guidance Counsellor

  • Melanie Moses, email: m.moses_gaa@gemsedu.com

PYP Coordinator

  • Tiffany Pulci, email: t.pulci_gaa@gemsedu.com 

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

IT DEPARTMENT:

By Email:

ITSupport_GAA@gemsedu.com 

By Phone/WhatsApp:

02-2019-666

USEFUL APPS AND WEBSITES

Click here for  Summary

Welcome Pack is designed to provide you with all the information you require to gain a solid understanding of the policies and procedures in the division in which your child is learning. 

The information provided in this Welcome Pack gives you the basis of a successful start at GAA. 

If you have a question that is not covered here, our Parent Relations Executive (PRE), Divisional Secretaries, Reception and the Senior Leadership Team are all great next stops in helping to find answers. 

We present to you GAAPA Community Resource Guide, compiled with the help of our members, fellow GAA families. 

We understand the struggles each family faces when moving to a new country, new school, new residence, as we have all been through the same. It is only natural that we want to support each other as a Community.

This website is designed to provide that helpful information for all our community members. Your feedback and contribution will be highly appreciated to make sure that information is accurate and up-to-date. You can recommend your resource by clicking below link:

Please make sure you have downloaded GEMS Connect parent portal app for your convenience:

  • Pay fees online

  • Track your child's bus transportation

  • School communication (emails, newsletter, etc)

  • Submit requests (re-enrollment, Transfer Certificates)

  • GEMS Ambassador program (refer a friend, get 4% discount on school fees)

  • and much more...

GEMS Alumni App

As the GEMS community, we understand that it is not just mere nostalgia that we associate our alma mater with, it is much beyond that. Our GEMS alumni across 80 countries are doing amazing things and we want to celebrate their successes every step of the way! Download and join the #GEMSAlumni App today by clicking on the links below:

Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details…

App Store : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gems-alumni/id1496962338

Registration walkthrough - under 18.pdf

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