Dear GAA Families,

We are excited to announce that our first semester Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for next week. These conferences are a crucial opportunity for us to strengthen the important partnership between teachers and parents in your child’s education.

Building a strong teacher-parent relationship can add to your child’s success. It allows us to share insights into their progress, discuss their strengths, address any challenges, and work collaboratively to support their growth. 

On every opportunity to address the community, I stress involvement. This year has begun on a positive note. I have had the opportunity to meet with many families and am impressed with the commitment and willingness to actively engage in your child’s education. I will continue to emphasize the school-home relationship, believing that fostering this collaborative relationship will contribute to a successful academic year ahead.

Warm Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Dear GAA Parent,

Education remains the cornerstone of progress and personal development in our rapidly evolving world. However, the traditional approach to learning, confined to textbooks and classrooms, often falls short of preparing students for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in real life. 

Connecting learning with real-life situations is crucial to bridge this gap, allowing students to acquire knowledge and appreciate its practical relevance.

Education is most effective when it transcends the theoretical and engages with practical, real-world scenarios. Integrating learning with real-life situations and celebrations enriches the educational experience in several ways:

1. Contextual Understanding: Learning about historical figures or events like the birthday of Prophet Muhammad becomes more meaningful when students understand the cultural and historical context. This context provides a deeper understanding of the individual's life and teachings, fostering tolerance, empathy, and intercultural awareness.

2. Relevance and Application: Real-life connections make education immediately relevant to students. When they see how a concept or event impacts their lives, they become more motivated and engaged in learning.

3. Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity: Embracing celebrations from various cultures allows students to appreciate diversity and inclusivity. It fosters a sense of global citizenship and respect for different traditions and practices.

4. Critical Thinking: Connecting learning with real-life situations encourages critical thinking skills. Students are prompted to analyze, question, and evaluate information in a practical context, promoting problem-solving abilities.

Our students have been Learning about the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), which is an excellent example of connecting education with real-life situations. By understanding the significance of this day in Islamic culture, students gain historical knowledge and develop empathy and respect for the beliefs and traditions. It fosters an environment of inclusivity and tolerance, essential in today's diverse world. Furthermore, delving into the life and teachings of the Prophet encourages moral and ethical reflections, emphasizing values that transcend religious boundaries, such as compassion, justice, and humility.

Incorporating real-life situations and celebrations into education is not merely about adding a layer of fun to learning; it's about making teaching more effective, relevant, and meaningful. By connecting students with cultural celebrations and historical events, we equip them with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world. As educators, parents, and policymakers, let us prioritize this approach to ensure our students are prepared for tomorrow's challenges and today's celebrations.

We are looking forward to meeting you all during our Parent-teacher conferences.

Sincerely,

Deputy Head of School

Samah Awad

أولياء الأمور الكرام،

تحية طيبة وبعد،

يشكّل التعليم الركيزة الأساسية للتقدم والتطور الشخصي في عالمنا سريع التطور. ومع ذلك، فإن النهج التقليدي للتعلم، الذي يقتصر على الكتب المدرسية والفصول الدراسية، غالبا ما يثبت أنه غير كاف لتجهيز الطلبة لمواجهة تحديات الحياة الحقيقية والفرص التي تنتظرهم. 

يعد ربط التعلم بمواقف الحياة الواقعية أمرًا بالغ الأهمية لسد هذه الفجوة، فيكون التعليم أكثر فاعلية عندما يتجاوز التعليم النظري، ليتعامل مع سيناريوهات عملية وواقعية، مما يسمح للطلبة باكتساب المعرفة وتطبيقها في حياتهم العملية والشخصية.

إن دمج التعلم مع مواقف الحياة الواقعية يثري التجربة التعليمية بعدة طرق، منها:

１.  فهم السياق: يكون التعرف على الشخصيات أو الأحداث التاريخية أكثر فاعلية عندما يفهم الطلاب البعد الثقافي والتاريخي له ، حيث يمكّنهم التعمق في هذا البعد من تحقيق فهم أعمق لحياة الشخصية وقيمها، لينمي فيهم قيمًا مثل التعاطف والتسامح مع الثقافات الأخرى ، مثل مولد النبي محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم). فقد احتفل طلابنا خلال هذا الأسبوع بهذه المناسبة وتعلموا عن سيرة الرسول صلي الله عليه وسلم.

２.  الملائمة والتطبيق: يأخذ التعليم بعدًا جديدًا تمامًا عندما يتمكن الطلبة من ربطه مباشرة بحياتهم الحقيقية. وعندما يرون كيف أن لمفهوم أو حدث ما أن يحدث تأثيرًا ملموسًا على تجاربهم اليومية، مما يحفز دوافعهم للتعلم بشكل أكبر.

３.  الوعي الثقافي والشمولية: إن الاحتفال بمناسبات مختلف الثقافات يمكّن الطلبة من تقدير التنوع والشمولية، كما أنه يساهم في تعزيز الشعور بالمواطنة العالمية واحترام التقاليد والممارسات المختلفة.

４.   التفكير النقدي: إن ربط التعلم بمواقف الحياة الواقعية يحفز مهارات التفكير النقدي لدى الطلبة، الذي بدوره يشجع الطلبة على التحليل والتساؤل وتقييم المعلومات ضمن سياق عملي، وبالتالي تعزيز قدراتهم على حل المشكلات.

من أبرز الأمثلة لفاعلية ربط التعليم بمواقف الحياة الواقعية لدى الطلبة، هو تعلمهم عن مولد النبي محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم) والذي من خلاله تمكن الطلبة من فهم أهمية هذا اليوم في الثقافة الإسلامية، واكتساب المعرفة التاريخية بهذا الحدث، وبالتالي استطاعوا أن ينموا تعاطفهم واحترامهم لمعتقدات وتقاليد أقرانهم المسلمين، حيث يعزز تقدير هذا اليوم على وجود بيئة قائمة على الشمولية والتسامح، وهو أمر ضروري في عالم اليوم المتنوع. علاوة على ذلك، فإن التعمق في حياة النبي وتعاليمه يشجعهم على التفكير بالجانب الأخلاقي والمبدئي، مع التركيز على القيم التي تتجاوز الحدود الدينية، مثل الرحمة والعدالة والتواضع.

إن دمج مواقف الحياة اليومية وأيام الاحتفالات في التعليم لا يقتصر فقط على إضافة نوع من المرح إلى التعلم؛ بل يتعلق بجعل التدريس أكثر فعالية وحيوية وذو معنى، فمن خلال إقامة روابط بين طلبتنا والاحتفالات الثقافية والأحداث التاريخية ، فإننا نزودهم بالمعرفة والمهارات ووجهات النظر التي يحتاجونها للنجاح في عالم مترابط ومتنوع بشكل متزايد. كمعلمين وأولياء أمور وصانعي سياسات، دعونا نعطي الأولوية لهذا النهج للتأكد من أن طلابنا مستعدون لمواجهة تحديات اليوم وفرص الغد.

نتطلع للاجتماع معكم يوم اجتماع أولياء الأمور

يري عدم التردد في التواصل معي في حال وجود أي سؤال أو استفسار

تحياتي

نائب مدير المدرسة

سماح عوض

Cultivating Young Minds: The Power of 20 Minutes a Day

Hello GAA community,

I had the pleasure of stepping into a few early-years classrooms this week to read stories related to International Day of Peace. As I read to some the youngest minds in our school, I was reminded of the importance of reading - both shared and independent.

Research demonstrates that dedicating 20 minutes daily to reading exposes children to an incredible 1.8 million words in each school year. This exposure significantly enhances their likelihood of scoring highly on standardized tests.

Beyond academic success, consistent reading widens a child's vocabulary. A broad vocabulary contributes to more engaging and proficient writing. It equips them with the ability to convey meaning effectively, articulate thoughts persuasively, use figurative language, and engage the emotions of their readers. Strong writing skills are a valuable asset for students, whether they are crafting a short story at age 10, composing an essay at age 13, or preparing a college application letter at age 17. 

Imagine what else reading can do! Immerse your child in a fictional world for 20 minutes each day, and you'll witness their creativity flourish. Exposure to new situations, worlds, characters, thoughts, and emotions encourages creativity. Additionally, reading introduces them to the idea that individuals can make a livelihood through writing, inspiring them to explore their creative potential and shape their future career choices.

Children, regardless of their age, lead busy lives filled with learning and transitions. Encouraging your child to read independently or sharing a bedtime story can help them unwind and relax after a long and demanding day.

Reading even fosters empathy by prompting children to consider the thoughts and emotions of characters in a story. Parents can further support the development of empathy by asking thought-provoking questions, which encourages children to think critically about the perspectives of others. This practice can lay the foundation for compassion in all aspects of life and here in GAA’s Culture of Kindness.

The benefits of dedicating just 20 minutes a day to reading are widesperead. Young children, pre-teens, teenagers, and adults can all benefit from this practice, whether it's through gaining a broader understanding of the world, excelling academically, nurturing their creative talents, or simply enjoying the pleasure of a captivating book.

I encourage you to take the initiative to read and encourage reading in your homes. Thank you for your commitment to the education and development of our students. As partners, we can continue to shape the bright minds of tomorrow.

Justin Kirby

K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction

The world came together to celebrate the International Day of Peace in 21 September,  and in honor of this global event, fifth-grade students have created a video spotlighting his highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of UAE, known for his commitment to peace. This initiative aims to integrate their UAE identity with the spirit of the international occasion.

Students engaged in different activities, reading books and making origami doves.

On September 20th GAA was excited to host Mr. John O’Sullivan from the Change the Game Project.

He spoke to our student-athletes about how to improve the athletic culture at school, and how to improve determination, grit and commitment in general.

He also talked with them about how to have a positive performing mindset and how to balance academics and athletics. These are all important concepts for High School students to embrace.

The following students braved the scorching heat and played in the ACS Golf tournament on Friday, September 6th at the Abu Dhabi City Golf Course. 

• Teddy Gleason

• Brady Carr

• Hannah Lee

• Neyl Cherrat

• Yunnah Lee

A total of 27 students from four different schools participated in this 9-hole tournament.

Hannah Lee, a dedicated and avid golfer, navigated through the manicured greens and managed to card an impressive 25 Stableford points, placing her second. While Neyl Cherrat played a remarkable 22 Stableford points, clenching third place in the tournament.

The camaraderie and sportsmanship throughout the tournament were evident as the players strategized their shots on the course. 

Well done, Wildcats!

The GAA Athletics & Activities Department will be offering a Skiing/Snowboarding Trip opportunity for our Grade 6-12 students this year to Meribel, France. See the below flyer for more info.

The first 24 Grades 6-12 students will go from Saturday, 16 December to Friday, 22 December 14, 2023.

These activities offer an opportunity for students to expand their world view and create lasting friendships and fantastic memories.

The downpayment for the trip is 4000 aed and is due by Friday, 6 October. This is a hard deadline and no students will be added afterwards. We must have a minimum of 10 students sign up for the trip to move forward. You can make your remittance to the finance office or through the provided link in this email.

Online payment link  https://connect.gemseducation.com/Fees/FeePayment Login with user name & password.

 Select the “Activities” and “Enroll”  SKIING/SNOWBOARDING TRIP-FRANCE, 1ST INSTALLMENT.   (AED 4000) options, then proceed with payment.)

The trip is subject to ADEK approval. The ADEK approval process has been put in place and I’m confident approval will be granted. If not you will receive your funds back.

Please feel free to contact Athletics department if you have any questions.

Mr. David Rashleigh

Athletics and Activities Director

• email: d.rashleigh_gaa@gemsedu.com

• mobile: +971 54 7773540

Dear GAA Parents,

We are pleased to inform you that our Arabic and Islamic Studies Department will be offering free course for our parents on Quran recitation.

• The goal: To engage parents in the learning process and create role models for students as they see their parents are still keen on learning the Quran & Sunnah.

• Content: Learning the 30th Juz’ with Tajweed reading the book "The Meadows of the Righteous" (Riyad us-saliheen)

• Timing: Every Thursday starting from the 5th of October from 3:15 to 4:15

• Where: In school (room will be communicated later)

• Targeted audience: GAA Parents

• Cost: Free of charge (attendees will receive a certificate)

For Registration please click THIS LINK. 

A kind reminder on the importance of submitting the forms and documents.

Consent forms needed:

• BMI-Vision Screening Consent Form: KG1 till Grade 12

• Comprehensive health screening consent form: Grade 1, Grade 5 and Grade 9

• Vaccination consent forms: Grade 1, Grade 8 and Grade 11 

Please look out for an email from Nurse GAA nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com with the necessary consent forms.

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.

• September 27-28: Parent-Teacher Conferences (no classes in session)

• September 29: Religious Holiday: Prophet Mohamad's (P.B.U.H) Birthday 

• October 2: Standards Based Grading at GAA by Justin Kirby, Curriculum Director @ 9:00AM MPR 2nd floor

• 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 27: Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club.