The Panther
The Secondary Newsletter of GEMS United School
Embedded Files
Secondary School - June Edition
Secondary School - June Edition
Casey Doumitt
Casey Doumitt
Secondary Principal
Well, we have "reached beyond" and come to the end. It's been an exciting and fulfilling year - our first year as GEMS United School. We started with a new mission statement and a renewed commitment to improving our students' learning. We have focused on offering our students the expertise, resources, care, and community that fosters learning and builds positive relationships. It's been a pleasure to meet and work with our students and our supportive parent community. Next year, we will build on what was begun this year and GUS will only get better. Have a wonderful and relaxing Summer and, if you are traveling, a safe journey.
Paul Fandre
Paul Fandre
High School Assistant Principal
As the year is coming to a close I would like not to think of it as an ending, but rather as a going on. We are all going on to the next chapter of our lives. Perhaps for some of us this is a move from up in grade levels, maybe moving on to our dream college, or accepting the new challenges that are before us. This year has been a journey and as we look back to what has gone on we can see the impact and growth that has brought us to where we are. Take a moment or two with the friends and connections that have been made this year. I encourage us all to look back at what has happened and applaud the developments, appreciate the struggles overcome, and embrace the challenges that are yet before us. Together we are stronger and together we will keep going on embracing and fostering each others journey. Thank you all for a wonderful year!
Stefanie Lahbil
Stefanie Lahbil
Middle School Assistant Principal
I have seen some tears and given a lot of hugs. This is my reminder that the end of the school year has come. It is important that we take the time to say goodbye and enjoy these last few days with those who are moving on. I am so happy to see the journey our middle school has embarked upon. Our last assembly was filled with love, laughter, tears, and all that you would expect from a community that is so close to each other. The boys and girls have shown their maturity as they get ready for high school and as they wrap up the year with projects and final assessments. I am proud to be a member of the GUS school community and I look forward to another year of new challenges, experiences, and exciting opportunities. Have a wonderful summer and most importantly, relax!!
Attendance
Attendance
Morning Tardiness:
Morning Tardiness:
Please ensure your sons/daughters are arriving with plenty of time to prepare for the learning day. This will help them feel ready and be able to connect with teachers and friends in the morning.
Punctuality shows respect for their fellow classmates and their teachers. Tardiness affects not only the student who is late, but disrupts the entire classroom as well. If your child is late to school in the morning these are being recorded as an unexcused tardy. Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. are considered tardy and will be issued a tardy slip.
Tardiness is recorded and appears on the student's academic report card.
If students are habitually tardy for first period, consequences in accordance with the Student Handbook will be followed.
8th Grade Graduation
8th Grade Graduation
Our middle school student council put together an amazing event! The auditorium looked beautiful and the catered dinner from Shakespeare Co. contributed a joyous occasion. The music department performed and one of our 11th grade students was asked to be a keynote speaker. It was a lovely evening and we are excited to send the 8th graders on to their next journey in high school.
Mario Guraieb Mantecon was invited to be the keynote speaker for the evening.
Student council president Eva Livadaris and student council secretary Mary Albul led the evening.
Our MS choir gave an uplifting performance.
Parent Association Activities
Parent Association Activities
The teacher appreciation brunch was fantastic! Everyone enjoyed all of the different dishes and it was nice to have a meal together during these final weeks of school. Students were ecstatic on pizza day!! We've never seen so many smiles.
The teacher appreciation brunch was fantastic! Everyone enjoyed all of the different dishes and it was nice to have a meal together during these final weeks of school. Students were ecstatic on pizza day!! We've never seen so many smiles.
Counselors' Corner
Counselors' Corner
Middle School Counseling
Middle School Counseling
Dear Middle School Parents,
It has truly been an amazing five years as the School Counselor here at GEMS US. I have really enjoyed working with your children and empowering them to become the best version of themselves. Unfortunately, it is with great sadness that I inform you that this will be my last year at GEMS US. I will be moving back to the USA with my husband and daughter. I made the hard decision to move back so my daughter can be raised around her family. I wish all of your children the best and they will forever be in my heart.
Ms. Woods
Please contact us if you need anything.
Please contact us if you need anything.
Delisa Woods - MS Counselor d.woods_gus@gemsedu.com
Matthew Abbate - HS Counselor m.abbate_gus@gemsedu.com
GEMS US SPORTS
GEMS US SPORTS
Our Panthers are unstoppable! Congratulations to our U14 boys and girls basketball teams who both have qualified for finals next week. We wish both teams the very best of luck. Also well done to our U14 badminton team who competed in the DASSA badminton tournament and our boys doubles team even picked up a bronze medal!
High School Sports Awards
High School Sports Awards
We have enjoyed some amazing success this year and recently we recognized our high school student-athletes for their awesome efforts and achievements this year.
The individual award winners were as follows:
Varsity Captain Recognition
- Varsity Boys Basketball Captain - Kamal ElShereif
- Varsity Girls Basketball Captain - Salma Abdelazim
- Varsity Boys Soccer Captain - Nicholas Assaf
- Varsity Girls Soccer Captain - Raven Rice
- Varsity Boys Volleyball Captain - Giannia Eyaa Riva
- Varsity Girls Volleyball Captain - Aliya Guitierrez
Most Improved Player Award
Most Improved Player Award
- Varsity Boys Basketball Most Improved - Kamal El Sherif
- Varsity Girls Basketball Most Improved - Tala Kotob
- Varsity Boys Soccer Most Improved
- Ramses Eya’’a Allogo
- Varsity Girls Soccer Most Improved
- Sierrah Augustin
- Varsity Boys Volleyball Most Improved - Carlos Herrera
- Varsity Girls Volleyball Most Improved - Salma Ammar
Most Valuable Player Award
Most Valuable Player Award
- Varsity Girls Volleyball Most Valuable Player - Aliyah Guitierrez
- Varsity Boys Volleyball Most Valuable Player - Omar Aly
- Varsity Boys Basketball Most Valuable Player - Sparsh Kadayan
- Varsity Girls Basketball Most Valuable Player - Ebba Lindh
- Varsity Boys Soccer Most Valuable Player - Vincent Walters
- Varsity Girls Soccer Most Valuable Player - Sophie Ellner
- Secondary Track and Field Most Valuable Athlete - Lucas Larsson
Sports Male and Female of the Year 2018-2019
Sports Male and Female of the Year 2018-2019
Intermediate Sports Female of the Year- Tala Kotob
Intermediate Sports Male of the Year - Ramses Eya’a Allogo
Senior Sports Female of the Year - Sofia Herrera
Senior Sports Male of the Year - Gianni Eya'a Riva Allogo
Outstanding Achievement Award 2018-2019
Outstanding Achievement Award 2018-2019
Omar Aly
MS Panther Awards Assembly & Our Gratitude
MS Panther Awards Assembly & Our Gratitude
Next week we will recognize our amazing Middle School Panthers during their assembly.
Thank you to all of our student-athletes for their amazing dedication, enthusiasm and school spirit throughout our three seasons this year! Also a huge thank you to all of our coaches for their commitments to our teams, and also our parents for their support and encouragement. Our small school wins BIG and that is down to the efforts of our whole community.
LET'S GO PANTHERS, LET'S GO!
LET'S GO PANTHERS, LET'S GO!
Liam Kirwan, Athletic Director
Liam Kirwan, Athletic Director
For any questions regarding sports teams, please email l.kirwan_gus@gemsedu.com
Week Without Walls 2020
Week Without Walls 2020
We are in the process of choosing destinations for next year’s Week Without Walls trips in February. Please take a moment and fill out the survey below so we can continue to provide great experiences for your children.
Jennifer Hamlet
Jennifer Hamlet
WWW Faculty Advisor
WWW Faculty Advisor
For any questions regarding Week Without Walls trips, please email Ms. Hamlet at j.hamlet_gus@gemsedu.com
Assemblies
Assemblies
In Middle school students are focusing on community and how we can show care towards ourselves and each other. The advisories spend a lot of time planning and preparing for these assemblies and students are proud to share with their peers. Our final assembly focused on TED Talks. 6th grade students shared topics that they were passionate about and led activities to support them.
Sharing is Caring
Sharing is Caring
What’s the best way to see what you have learned? Teach it to someone else. That’s exactly what some 10th and 11th graders did during Ramadan. Mr. Mohammad's Islamic B students prepared a whole lesson for grades 1B and 2A. The students planned a mini-lesson, designed two games and a hands-on activity, they created a Kahoot for active engagement of content, and gave a survey to check for understanding.
The Islamic B students had a blast interacting and teaching the grade 1 and 2 students. The big hit was the Kahoot and the Sphero SPRK+, which integrated ICT by using the Sphero SPRK+. Elementary students had the chance to play an educational board game designed by the high school students themselves. The younger students were very excited to have the older students join them and share their expertise. All of the students benefited from this shared exchange.
What's Happening Around Campus?
What's Happening Around Campus?
Important Information
Important Information
GEMS US Uniforms -
Please see the flyer below for details regarding school uniforms for the upcoming academic year. Our school uniform will not be changing.
We would also like to remind parents that ALL students will be required to wear the GEMS United School uniform this fall. BPA uniforms will no longer be permitted as outlined at the end of the last academic year. We granted a one year transition period from 2018-19 for students to change over to our new school uniforms.
The only other change to our school attire is that students will only be permitted to wear Threads official GEMS US sweaters and hoodies along with any school sponsored attire. Plain sweaters and sweatshirts will no longer be permitted as part of our school attire.
GEMS US swimsuits are required from grades 2-8 and high school students do not need to purchase swimwear unless participating in our Panther aquatics program. Early childhood and grade 1 swimmers will be allowed more flexibility in attire for swimming classes. In addition to swimwear, all students participating in swimming classes are required to purchase a swimming cap and goggles are highly recommended.
Additionally, as you purchase new shoes, please be sure school shoes for students in grades 1-12 are ALL BLACK (including black soles and laces). Our Pre-K through KG2 students are to wear comfortable closed-toed footwear, but they can vary in color. For all physical education classes, students are to wear athletic shoes and they may be any color, but must have non-marking soles.
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment
The re-enrollment window is now closed. Please contact Admissions if your child is returning next year and you haven’t re-enrolled.
For those who haven't confirmed, we will need you to contact the Registrar as soon as possible. Any update is appreciated as we are preparing our final numbers for teaching staff and need to confirm the number of classes and sections for the upcoming academic year. We cannot confirm a seat for your child without receiving the re-enrollment payment.
Hope to see you with US next year! If you have any questions, please stop by the Admissions Office, call the school, or send an email to Ms. Moses at k.moses_gus@gemsedu.com
Leaving GEMS US
Leaving GEMS US
If you will be leaving the school, you will still need to login to the Parent Portal to request a Transfer Certificate and inform the Registrar if you will need any documents from the school. Please reach out if you have any questions or issues logging in.
If you have any questions, come by and see me in the Admissions Office, call the school, or send me an email at k.moses_gus@gemsedu.com
Thank you,
Kambree Moses
Registrar
GEMS Jewels of Kindness
GEMS Jewels of Kindness
At GEMS US we care about values education and seek to encourage our students to grow and develop in their personal and interpersonal qualities. We also value our partnership with parents: children learn best when there is close collaboration between home and school. We thank you for your continued support and the regular close contact we have between home and school.
At GEMS US we see acts of Kindness daily at school as our students demonstrate care and concern for one another. The value of kindness begins at home and we are excited to recognize the respectful, empathetic, helpful and compassionate acts that our kids show towards their family members and friends outside of school.
Our GEMS US Jewels of Kindness initiative begins next week and we are reaching out to parents for support. Please let us know when your child demonstrates an act of kindness at home. Maybe they cleaned up their room without being asked, gave a compliment to someone, or perhaps they just gave you a hug and said they love you. Our children demonstrate kindness each day and we would like to recognize and reinforce this important family value.
How has your son or daughter shown empathy, compassion, respect or helpfulness? Please send your “Jewels of Kindness” to Ms. Lahbil @ s.lahbil_gus@gemsedu.com
We will recognize each student’s special achievement through our MS Newsletter and our weekly assemblies.
Together we are GEMS United School and we thank you for your continued support!
Tommaso Tricamo
Destini Carter
GEMS Credit Card: A chance to win back up to AED 25,000 in school fees and more. Simply apply for a FAB GEMS Credit Card and spend AED 1,000 to get 10 entries into the draw. Already have the card? Keep spending and get 10 entries for every AED 1,000 spent. Paid your GEMS school fees with the GEMS card? Then get an additional 20 entries into the draw. All of this is on top of a 4.25% discount* available on advance payment of GEMS school fees on a GEMS Credit Card. To register send an SMS to 2121 and write “GEMS”.
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