A Great Start!

There was a buzz of excitement throughout the hallways as students arrived and settled into their classrooms to begin the new school year. Thank you all for such a smooth and positive beginning!

How wonderful to see our new and returning families arrive on the first days of school. With 84 nationalities and 40+ languages represented in our school this year, we are truly a vibrant and warm international school. Our community is a diverse cultural and linguistic blend, which will give our children an incredibly rich experience. Our enrollment is just over 2,050 students this year with 413 students in the Kindergarten program, 824 in the Elementary School and 838 in the Secondary School.

We hope you consider joining our supportive GAA Parent Association, a great way to meet fellow parents while supporting a great school. Please feel free to contact our Parent Relations Executive (PRE) Ms. Fatma Chabanova for more information on upcoming parent volunteer opportunities.

Be sure to read each edition of the GAA Newsletter, filled with important information about our program and upcoming events, to stay informed and involved in the exciting and busy school year ahead.

GAA School Development Priorities for 2019-2020

To keep the pace with the current best practice in education and the changing needs of learners, each year we review our school development goals and launch the school year with a clear purpose and focus on high impact teaching and learning. An outstanding school continually improves its educational programs and practices to maximize student learning.

See our School Development Priorities for the coming year.

Health & Safety at GAA

Your child’s safety is our priority at GAA. Please be sure to wear and display your Parent ID badge at the gate. Our guards are instructed to not allow anyone through the gates without proper identification.

We are proud to share that GAA was awarded a 99.6% rating in a recent comprehensive and rigorous Health & Safety Inspection, led by the GEMS Health, Safety & Environment audit team, which recognized GAA for holding high standards for student safety.

Our swim program and pool was recently designated as a high quality exemplar in GEMS and Abu Dhabi by Hamilton Aquatics safety inspectors. Inspectors highlighted our safe, organized and orderly swim program as well as our safe and clean pool environment. We received a pool inspection rating of 96.43% by this independent safety team.

Our Health & Safety Committee, comprised of teachers, administrators and facilities team members meet formally each month to monitor systems, procedures and to review and take action on any Health & Safety concerns or topics brought forward from the GAA community.

Process for Handling Concerns

We hope that we have provided all the information and support necessary for your child and family during this first week of school. Our aim is that each child has a successful start to the school year and that every parent feels assured and heard.

Please know that we are all here to help and support your child. Our hearts, ears and doors are open.

Should you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact:

1. Your child’s teacher for support and assistance.
2. If your concern is not resolved, you would then contact the elementary or secondary vice principal or principal.
3. Then, the Head of School.

We’re here to help you with any questions you may have, just let us know how we can help to make the start of the school year a smooth one for your child and family.

With Thanks,

Kathryn Miner

Head of School and CEO

Dear New and Returning Parents,

Please remember to hand in your child's completed Health Forms to our Clinic. If you are returning family, and there has been no change in your child's medical history, please disregard this request.

You can find the forms in Medical Clinic page of this Newsletter or pick up your hard copy from Main Reception.

Alternatively, you can update your child's information through GEMS Connect App.

Dear Parents,

Please make sure to read the Procedures page of our Newsletter to be informed of:

• Pick-up Procedures
• Late Arrival and Early Pick up Procedures
• Campus Security Procedures, including how to apply for Parent ID

Dear all,

We have been informed that in the new Academic year, the School ID card will now also serve as the student canteen payment card (as well as bus card for students using school transportation), as the two systems have now been integrated/linked.

All returning and new students will be issued new School ID cards at the beginning of school year. Going forward all GEMS students are required to use their School ID card for Slices Canteen / Cafe Services to make payments.

Here are some clarifications:

Existing Students with Slices Cards:

• These are the students who already have slices cards.
• All these students are now required to use their School ID cards instead.
• Existing card balances on the Slices cards will automatically be transferred to the School ID card.

Existing Students without Slices Cards:

• These are the GEMS students who have School ID cards, but are not yet signed up with Slices. Old cards will be replaced with the new ones.
• They can register on pay@slices.ae and link their new School ID card to use Slices Canteen / Cafe services.

New GEMS Students (without School ID yet):

• These are new enrolments, who may not yet have School ID cards.
• Until they have received an School ID card, they can use Cash. Once they received, they can register and link the Student ID card to use Slices Canteen / Cafe services.

Benefits of using School ID Cards:

• By using the combined School/Bus/Slices card, students only carry one card.
• By using the combined School/Bus/Slices card, students do not have to wait for Slices card delivery, they can use Slices Services with their Bus/Slices card immediately after sign up.

Important Note:

• Once you click on the link it will automatically take you to the Slices Payment Portal.
• Sign up is compulsory for new students in order to use their School ID card, and they need to present their card to the cashier in order to make a purchase.
• In case of a lost card, students have to report to School.
• Under no circumstances will credit be given to staff or students.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE GAA EVENTS CALENDAR

(please note, updated regularly)