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Kate Vavpetic
Kate Vavpetic
Head of School
Head of School
Dear GUS Community,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! It’s 2020--hard to believe that we have finished another decade, isn’t it? I trust you’ve had a family-centered, restful three weeks and that your children are eager and excited to see their teachers and friends. My family and I spent two weeks on a cruise through Asia—Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. It was an incredible new adventure for us vacationing in a new way in a part of the world we’d never seen.
When I hear 2020, I can’t help but think of “20-20 Vision” (i.e., perfect eyesight), as I look back on the last decade and forward to the new one. My “vision” for this amazing school when I took over as Head in January 2018 was to create a community of learners, whose curiosity about the world, each other, and themselves would inspire those around them to reach beyond themselves in all ways. The evidence of this success, among other things, is the enthusiasm of our students who cannot wait to get to school each day (as reported by many, many parents and students), the high parent satisfaction (we earned 98% per KHDA this year!) and the happiness of our teachers and staff. We’re on an exciting journey together!
As we start a new decade here at school, there’s still a lot to “see”! From the United Parents’ Family Fun Run on Jan. 17, to the “The Little Mermaid” production in the spring, to Week Without Walls, to the sports teams that are forming, to more maker mornings, and everything else that our creative teachers and students have dreamed up for all of US to do!
We’re excited to see each and every one of your children (and you!) on Sunday, Jan. 5. Here’s to a wonderful second half of the year!
Educationally yours,
Kate
CALENDAR & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALENDAR & ANNOUNCEMENTS
News & Announcements
News & Announcements
- ASA REGISTRATION OPEN - Term 2 ASAs for students in grades 1-12 will begin on Sunday, Jan. 19th and registration is NOW OPEN until Thursday, Jan. 9th. Click here to view offerings and register.
- SEASON 2 SPORTS TRYOUTS - Are you ready for track n' field, volleyball, badminton and basketball? We are!!!! Tryouts begin this week. See the schedule below for full details.
- SLT PARENT COFFEE MORNING - On Wednesday, Jan. 8th from 8:45-9:45am in the staff lounge (behind Accounts Office) our leadership will host a discussion about what the CAT4 measures and how to read the report. You will walk away with a better understanding of your child’s learning preferences and what abilities can be further developed to support them in exceeding their potential.
- FAMILY FUN RUN & BAZAAR VOLUNTEER MEETING - If you are interested in being involved in our very first Fun Run and Bazaar coming up on Friday, Jan. 17th, join us on Sunday, Jan. 5th at 8:30am in room F005 to plan and prepare. We are looking for volunteers, sponsors and vendors. See the United Parents sections for more details.
- EXTREME READING CHALLENGE - Did you read somewhere spectacular or peculiar over the holidays? Send in your photo(s) by Thursday, Jan. 9th via Seesaw for elementary and Google Classroom for secondary students.
- FAMILY FUN RUN & BAZAAR - Get your running/walking shoes ready. Our GEMS US Parents are hosting our first-ever Fun Run on Friday, Jan. 17th and we hope to see all of our families join in the fun - moms, dads, all of our students, your friends and even our tiniest supporters. We will have both a 1K and 5K race here in Dubai Sports City starting at the school. More details outlined below.
- HIGH SCHOOL SEMESTER 1 EXAMS - It's about that time. High School exams will take place Jan. 19th - 23rd. Details regarding study guides and testing times will be communicated to students & parents via email upon returning from the holidays.
- MIDDLE SCHOOL ECOVENTURE REGISTRATION - If your Middle School child is interested in our local Week Without Walls Water Adventure Feb. 23-26th, click here for more information about the trip. The cost is 2258dhs and payable through Accounts. The last day to register and pay is January 26th.
- SEMESTER 2 BEGINS: For all secondary students, grades 6-12, the second semester will begin on Sunday, Jan. 26th
- STU WILLIAMSON PICTURES: RETAKES - SEASON 2 SPORTS - STUDENT COUNCIL - AMBASSADORS - MUN - ELEM. CHOIR - Jan 28-30th. More details for your child's photo day to be communicated closer to the photo session.
- INTERNATIONAL DAY - Mark your calendars. International Day is coming early this year and it's on a Friday so all of our working families can enjoy! Yay!!!
PANTHER SPORTS
PANTHER SPORTS
Season 2 - Are You Ready?
Season 2 - Are You Ready?
We are ready and excited to kick-off Season 2 of our Panther Sports Program. Try-outs begin Sunday morning. See all of the details below for days and times.
Students interested in Season 2 sports, should attend the first scheduled session per the training table outlined below for try-outs. This time-table is also the practice schedule for you to know the time commitment for the duration of Season 2.
Coaches will communicate during the first session if there will be additional try-out dates or not. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the coaches or to Mr. Kirwan.
Coaching Opportunities
Coaching Opportunities
Are you interested in coaching? Our Panthers sports program wants to get more of our community involved so if you would like to be an assistant sports coach for season 2. Please email our athletic director Liam Kirwan at l.kirwan_gus@gemsedu.com
Our Season 2 Sports are as follows:
Secondary Sports Day
Secondary Sports Day
We had a great day of sports before we left for the holidays! Students enjoyed being active outdoors and the competition was fun to watch between houses. We would also like to extend a BIG thank you to our amazing United Parents for providing fruit, participating and running the tug-of-war station this year!
Who are the champions of 2019? We would like to congratulate the Green Hawks as this year's winning house team for Sports Day. Well done!!!
SECONDARY SPORTS DAY 2019
SECONDARY SPORTS DAY 2019
Best Sportsmanship, Respect and Positive Attitude
Best Sportsmanship, Respect and Positive Attitude
Top Athletes
Top Athletes
Liam Kirwan, Athletic Director
Liam Kirwan, Athletic Director
For any questions regarding sports training, games or events, please email l.kirwan_gus@gemsedu.com
UNITED PARENTS
UNITED PARENTS
GUS Family Fun Run and Vendor Bazaar- Friday, Jan 17th
GUS Family Fun Run and Vendor Bazaar- Friday, Jan 17th
Mark your calendars for this first time ever event. We are inviting you and your family/friends to this amazing community event. There will be lots of activities for all ages and all interests. Walkers/Runners are invited to join the 1K or 5K route through Sports City. There will be a small obstacle course for younger children and for all the shoppers - there will be a vendor bazaar while you wait for the runners to cross the finish line as well as food, drinks, and much more.
Each person crossing the finish line will receive a medal and treats and each participant will enter into the finisher raffle where at total of 1000 AED will be given away. You don't want to miss this event! Registration will start soon.
International Day - Friday, Feb 7th
International Day - Friday, Feb 7th
International Day is one of our annual cultural enrichment community events that we hold every year and is very similar to a day where we get to "travel around the world" together. This is a chance for all our families to come together and "travel" from country to country to learn about the other cultures while simultaneously hosting a table to share their own country.
While hosting (with other parents) your country's table, you can showcase geography, history, language, customs, food, culture and more. Through this process, students, parents and teachers together make discoveries and learn about diversity in the world. This year, we are holding this event on a Friday so all our parents can come and enjoy the festivities. We are looking forward to seeing everyone get involved. Sign-ups for this event will start in Mid Jan... for now start preparing your ideas and getting ready for an amazing day.
Support Staff Holiday Party
Support Staff Holiday Party
Thank You from the United Parents!
Thank You from the United Parents!
In the spirit of the holidays, we wanted to show our appreciation for and celebrate all of the support staff that help GEMS United School function smoothly each and every day. It takes a village! Thank you for supporting the sale of our holiday ornaments as all proceeds were used to sponsor their lovely party! They ate, danced, took a lot of pictures and enjoyed spending time with one another. It was pure delight to see so many smiling faces!
JEWELS OF KINDNESS
JEWELS OF KINDNESS
Tell US how your child exhibits core values of compassion, kindness, respect, helpfulness and empathy. Share your story and let's build a stronger and kinder community together. Kindness is contagious!
Write US at :
- Elementary - Megan Richardson at m.richardson_gus@gemsedu.com
- Secondary - Joseph Murphy at j.murphy_gus@gemsedu.com
Jewels Of Kindness Recipients
Jewels Of Kindness Recipients
The students highlighted below are nominated by their families or teachers and recognized by the school as children learn best when there is close collaboration between home and school on core values.
Cara Livadaris
Cara Livadaris
Gr. 6
Gr. 6
Cara received recognition for her kindness, compassion and empathy. Her mother shared she not only strives to exhibit these traits at school but also at home, and particularly through her work volunteering with children who have special needs.
Cara volunteers in a fitness program designed to help children of determination find enjoyment in a healthy lifestyle. Mom states, "she truly enjoys her time with the children and finds it very humbling to see them strive to be all they can be. The coaches tell me nothing is ever too much for Cara; she uses her humor and wit to turn every frown upside down!!"
Fares Alhezaimi
Fares Alhezaimi
Gr. 9
Gr. 9
Fares was nominated by his sister, Yara, in Gr2. She wanted to recognize her brother for always being "so kind to me and my friends when he sees us at school. Fares also helps me with my homework at home so I can do well at school." This compassion and helpfulness is a great example of qualities that build character and pave the way to a bright future and strong family bonds!
Jana Ammar
Jana Ammar
Gr. 8
Gr. 8
Jana is being recognized by Mr. Jones for showing empathy towards another student struggling, due to injury, to gather her supplies and transition to the next class. She recognized the need for assistance and helped the student bring her backpack and belongings to her next class. This is just a simple act that can bring a smile to a difficult situation and help brighten someone's day. Thank you Jana! Keep rising above!
Ariannah Laurent: KG1A
Ariannah Laurent: KG1A
Ariannah's mother has been ill for some time and Ariannah demonstrated empathy quite remarkably. She understood her mom couldn’t be active with her nor do the normal things she has been accustomed to. Ariannah began, without being prompted to dress herself, make her bed, brush her teeth, put on her shoes and pack her lunch bag, all in an effort to help her mother during her illness. - Ariannah's Family
Joseph Schneider: 2A
Joseph Schneider: 2A
Joseph is a kind hearted boy, always ready to help others, and he loves all his friends at school and outside the school. Despite his quietness, Joseph has a strong character inside and always sticks to his values. He has begun taking martial art classes and has learned so much from this. We hope he will continue to shine and spread his kindness to others, as he does to us. - Joseph's Family
Pheonix Zmudzinski Gr: 3A
Pheonix Zmudzinski Gr: 3A
We would like to recognize Pheonix for his kindness and helpfulness. Every day Pheonix borrows and exchanges books from the library from the series “Fly Guy.” He does this so that he can read them to his little sister in the car on our way home from school. - Phoenix's Family
Panagiotis Kourlas: 4B
Panagiotis Kourlas: 4B
Panos has been showing a lot of empathy, thoughtfulness and compassion towards others. When a new student comes in the middle of the year to his class, he sympathizes with them. In two cases, he has invited the new students to his birthday party saying: “I really think they need a friend right now because they might feel lonely and sad.” - Panos' Family
ELEMENTARY WINTER CONCERT
ELEMENTARY WINTER CONCERT
Joy, Laughter and Sweet Sounds
Joy, Laughter and Sweet Sounds
Our Elementary students from Pre-K through Grade 5 dazzled their parents on stage to showcase all of their hard work and preparation. Their music was pure delight and helped us all welcome the festive spirit of the season.
SECONDARY WINTER CONCERT
SECONDARY WINTER CONCERT
A Night to Remember
A Night to Remember
Our Secondary students sang the night away with a beautiful performance for all our families and staff to enjoy. You couldn't help but leave the evening with a heart full of joy, a smile on your face and a genuine feeling of happiness.
EVERYDAY NEEDS
EVERYDAY NEEDS
January Menus (Gr. 5-12)
January Menus (Gr. 5-12)
Located on our GEMS US website under the Parents tab; you can also click here - January Menus & additional selection
We also offer a live cooking station daily. Please see the details below for the weekly menu. Cost is 15dhs per meal.
Slices Registration
Slices Registration
Want to register for Slices canteen services? Click the parent Sign-Up link below.
Absences
Absences
When your child is ill or will not be attending school, you will need to inform the school about your child's absence to the following GEMS US staff member:
- Elementary (Pre-KG-Gr5): Notify Ms. Marlee Fernan at m.melendres_gus@gemsedu.com
- Secondary (Gr.6-12): Notify Ms. Reem Abdullatif at attendance_gus@gemsedu.com
Please include your child's name, grade & section along with a day of expected return (if known).
For extended absences , please complete the absence form and return to the appropriate staff member noted above for approval by the Principal.
To view your child's report cards, grades (Gr. 6-12), MAP results and CAT 4 (for applicable grades), visit our Plus Portals login page (Secondary). Elementary families need to login at Plus Portals login (Elementary)
Your user name is your registered email (each parent has a separate account) and your password is specific to your requirements.
You can select "can't access your account" to recover/reset your unique password. If you need assistance, please contact Suja at s.vijayakumari_gus@Gemsedu.com
GEMS EDUCATION
GEMS EDUCATION
GEMS Music Hub - Term 2
GEMS Music Hub - Term 2
Is your child interested in playing an instrument or taking vocal lessons? Look no farther. See below for more details.
Interested in applying for the FAB GEMS Credit Card?
Interested in applying for the FAB GEMS Credit Card?
Contact Mr. Mohamed Abdul Wajeed at 050-6167137 or Mr. Jijesh K 052-7575967 to learn more about the GEMS FAB credit card. Alternatively, you can email mohamed.faisal@bankfab.com
Have you downloaded GEMS Rewards?
Have you downloaded GEMS Rewards?
Don't miss the opportunity to save! Download the app today from the App store or Google Play and begin saving today.
There are many discounts on food, entertainment, beauty and attractions and you can apply for the GEMS FAB credit card to save on tuition and apply for the the GEMS Ambassador program at your fingertips.
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GEMS United School Website
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Visit our website to review information regarding the school calendar, news and for our student & parent handbooks.
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