Upper School
Updates for Grades 6 - 12
Updates for Grades 6 - 12
Hello GAAQ Parents and Students:
We have a lot of events and information, so please read the information below carefully!
Did you happen to know? As our students are from GEMS, they are eligible to apply for scholarships from the following universities: GEMS Scholarship Opportunities. For more fantastic information, please check out www.gemsforlife.net
March 12th - May 7th - Course Request Forms - Course selection forms for the next academic year will be live and available to complete during these dates. Please find attached the GAAQ Catalogue 26/27. We will be hosting either live or online information sessions in April to explain new course offerings, changes, and general information, so we have plenty of time to answer individual questions and discuss student options. Please make sure to look at pages 15-17 in the Catalog to see requirements for AP courses and some of our specialist classes. Teachers will start giving their recommendations where required after the Eid Break. The MAP data being used will be from Fall 2025.
May 3rd - 7th - Week 32
May 3rd - 7th - Teacher Appreciation Week - It's teacher appreciation week; a small thank-you email or card can go a long way in showing our teachers how much we appreciate them.
May 4th - Spirit Day - Star Wars Spirit Day, may the fourth be with you. Students can wear Black, White, or Star Wars Attire. If not participating, please wear the full school uniform.
May 4th - 15th - AP Exams - Our AP students will be taking their AP exams during this period.
May 7th - Course Request Deadline - Course Request form deadline. They must be submitted by this date.
May 10th - 14th - Week 33
May 4th - 15th - AP Exams - Our AP students will be taking their AP exams during this period.
May 17th - 21st - Week 34
May 17th - 20th - MAP Testing - Second MAP Testing window for the school year.
May 18th - 20th - Senior Exams - Final exams for our senior students. Student Version
May 20th - Sports Awards - Annual evening to acknowledge our amazing athletes and teams. More information to come.
May 21st - Spring Band Concert - Our Band students will perform for parents and students.
May 24th - 28th - Eid Break - School Closed
May 31st - June 4th - Week 35
May 31st - Senior Week - More information to come.
May 31st - Senior Awards Night
June 3rd - Mandatory Rehearsal and Senior Walk
June 4th - Mandatory Rehearsal at QNNC in the morning.
June 1st-3rd - Upper School Assemblies - Assemblies to be held for each grade level.
June 4th - Graduation - Graduation Ceremony at QNCC at 6 pm.
June 6th - SAT Test Date - The SAT will be held on campus for students who have signed up through the College Board.
June 7th - 11th - Week 36
June 7th - 11th - Arts Week - Arts Displays throughout the school.
June 11th - Grade 8 Ceremony - The Grade 8 Promotion ceremony and celebration. More information to come.
June 14th - 18th - Week 37
June 11th - 16th - Glow Up Week - The Grade 5 transition to middle school during this week.
June 16th - Glow Up Day - Middle School students will welcome Grade 5 students! Spirit Day for Upper School students: wear Neon Colors or a full school uniform.
June 17th - 22nd - Exam Week - High School Semester 2 exams. More information to come.
June 14th - 18th - Week 38
June 17th - 22nd - Exam Week - High School Semester 2 exams. More information to come.
June 24th - Final Report Cards - Report Cards will be sent home.
June 24th - Last day of School - Students' last day of school. Enjoy the summer break.
Other Information:
High School Assistant Principal - Please contact Mr. Van Mierlo if you have questions about High School. Email him at b.vanmierlo_aaq@gemsedu.com
High School Counsellor - Please email our High School Counsellor, Dr Shanell Leggins, s.leggins_aaq@gemsedu.com.
High School Dean - Please reach out to Ms. Steyn if you have questions about High School Advisory. Please email her at n.steyn_aaq@gemsedu.com
Middle School Assistant Principal- Please get in touch with Mr. Griffiths if you have questions about Middle School; email him at t.griffiths_aaq@gemsedu.com
Middle School Counsellor - Please email to meet with our Middle School Counsellor, Ms. Julia - j.slojkowska_aaq@gemsedu.com
Middle School Dean - Don't hesitate to get in touch with Mr. Lamza if you have questions about Middle School Advisory. email him at j.lamza_aaq@gemsedu.com
Advanced Placement - Please contact Ms. Ali for any inquiries about AP courses; email her at m.ali11_aaq@Gemsedu.com.
Nurses - Please get in touch with our nursing team if you have any medical issues; email them at clinic_aaq@Gemsedu.com.
IT - Please contact our software engineer, Ms. Shobana if you can't access ALMA or Gmail; email her at s.sivalingam_aaq@gemsedu.com
Secretary - Please get in touch with Ms. Maureen to book meetings with principals. Email her at d.lastimosa_aaq@Gemsedu.com
Attendance - To update attendance, please email attendance_aaq@gemsedu.com with a copy of the medical note. Medical notes must be submitted within 5 days of absence to be updated to excused. All other absences will be unexcused.
Canteen Card - Please get in touch with the school store for a lost/new canteen card at store_aaq@gemsedu.com
Safeguarding - Please speak with any member of the safeguarding team if you have a concern. Mr Griffiths, Mr Van Mierlo , Ms.Steyn or Mr Lamza.
Looking forward to another great week!
Eamonn Gregory
Upper School Principal