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Please ensure all contact details and student/parent photos are updated on GEMS Connect before your first day of school
Head of Secondary
Mr Aaron Kane
Dear GIS Families,
As we look ahead to the 2025–26 school year, we want to warmly welcome both new and returning members of our community. It is a privilege to be leading the Secondary School together, and we are excited to begin this journey with you.
For me, Aaron, it is an honour to join GIS as Head of Secondary. I want to thank Amanda and the entire Secondary team for the excellent work they have done in building such a vibrant and innovative school. I have already seen the passion and purpose that drive our work here, from the world’s first IBCP pre-medical pathway to our internationally recognised approach to inclusive education.
This year is also special for me as I join GIS not only as an educator, but also as a parent. My children will be starting in Grades 9 and 11, and I look forward to sharing this experience with you, celebrating milestones, overcoming challenges, and creating lasting memories together.
The relationship between school, home, and student is built on strong communication. If you ever have a question or concern, no matter how small, please reach out to us. Our students are learning to be independent, but they still need support. Mistakes are part of learning, and when they happen, they need trusted adults such as parents, teachers, and counsellors to help them reflect, reset, and move forward. We will do this together.
Now, we would like to introduce two key members of our Secondary Leadership Team; Jen Grace and Nic Walters who will also share a few words as we begin the year.
Message from Jen:
Welcome to the new academic year, and a warm greeting to both returning and new families. It is a great privilege to join GIS as Deputy Head of Secondary for Academics.
I have held leadership positions in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, and Australia, and have been in executive management for 14 years. I believe strongly in the limitless potential of every student, and this belief shapes all my decisions.
My experience spans both operational and strategic school leadership, with a focus on innovative curriculum design and student well-being. I have developed and redesigned curriculum and pastoral care programmes that have inspired students, educators, and parents alike. I am proud of the collaborative cultures I have built, which have supported new initiatives and positive growth.
I bring to my role a passion for excellence and a commitment to celebrating the strengths and talents of every student. I look forward to working closely with the wonderful staff, students, and families here at GIS. We have an exceptional team, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you need guidance as we begin the year.
Message from Nic:
A warm welcome to all secondary school families as we embark on the new academic year.
A returning senior leader, this will be my tenth year at GIS. Passionate about fostering progressive skills and values, I am committed to enhancing the school experience through collaborative partnerships that support student wellbeing, personal growth, and long-term learning success. A strong advocate of the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, I believe its core values provide a well-rounded foundation for inspiring students to explore their passions and develop as global citizens.
In my role as Deputy Head of Secondary, I am principally responsible for pastoral care and well-being, and I serve as the student safeguarding lead for the secondary school. I’m excited to build on the foundations that have been established in recent years, and I look forward to continued partnership with GIS staff, students and families.
As we prepare to welcome everyone back to campus, we encourage you to explore the orientation resources on our GIS Parent Information site. This site includes important information about daily routines, communication, student well-being, digital safety, uniform, and BYOD guidelines.
If you would like to connect or have any questions, please contact us:
Aaron Kane – a.kane_gis@gemsedu.com
Jen Grace – j.grace_gis@gemsedu.com
Nic Walters – n.walters_gis@gemsedu.com
We are here to listen, to learn, and to support every student and family in making this year a meaningful one.
Important Dates:
Changes to the Academic Calendar
The Ministry of Education has recently announced updates to the school calendar that will take effect in the upcoming academic year. The key adjustments are as follows:
October Mid-Term Break: New dates - October 15, 2025, to October 17, 2025.
Winter Break: Extended to four weeks, from December 8, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
February Mid-Term Break: New dates - February 16, 2026, to February 17, 2026.
Spring Break: Extended to two weeks, from March 16, 2026, to March 27, 2026.
August 25: Orientation Day for new students and all of Grade 6 - 8.30am to 11.30am
August 26: All students return
Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and shared success. Welcome to the Secondary School at GIS. We are so glad you are here.
Kind regards,
Aaron Kane, Jen Grace & Nic Walters
Secondary Leadership Team Members
GEMS International School – Al Khail
Absence Process.pdf
Secondary students must wear their ID badges on campus. If your child has not yet received their ID badge, please direct them to Ms. Mary Ann at the Secondary Reception. Replacement ID badges can be ordered at the STS office.
Student leave requests should be submitted via the GEMS Connect app.
Personal Devices
Personal Devices
At GIS, we implement a 'Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) laptop policy. Students are expected to use their devices strictly as learning tools. They must safeguard their own possessions, as the school is not liable for any loss or damage.
Students receive education on digital citizenship and safeguarding to ensure they use digital platforms responsibly and safely. Mobile phones are not permitted during school hours (8:10 to 3:15), including breaks and lunch periods. Phones should be stored safely away in bags or lockers with notifications turned off. Non-compliance will result in confiscation of the mobile device.
For urgent communication between home and school, students or parents should contact the school's Front of House Team, who will support families accordingly.
Teachers may occasionally permit the use of mobile devices for specific learning tasks. However, lesson plans are designed so that phones are not essential. If a personal device causes distraction, teachers may implement stricter controls or temporarily confiscate the device to maintain focus in the classroom.
Keeping Our Children Safe Online
Keeping Our Children Safe Online
Digital devices like smartphones and tablets provide easy access to online platforms and content. While this seamless accessibility offers many benefits, it also poses potential risks to the health, well-being, and safety of young people. Both students and parents, along with schools, must be aware of these risks.
With rapid technological advances and the constant emergence of new online platforms, effectively monitoring and controlling the online activities of young people can be challenging. At times, students may seek out or accidentally encounter inappropriate online content. It is crucial that they feel comfortable and confident discussing such issues with trusted adults.
Establishing agreements around device usage is a healthy and productive approach to maintaining online safety and media balance. There are numerous tips and strategies available to support a well-informed and balanced approach to media use. We encourage parents to explore the E-safety: Parent Guidance, designed to assist GIS parents in promoting digital safety at school and at home.
Key Contacts
Key Contacts
Middle School Counselor (Grades 6 to 8): s.agrawal_gis@gemsedu.com
High School College Counselor: m.nambiar_gis@gemsedu.com
GIS Calendars
GIS Calendars
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