Dear GAA Families,
I hope this message finds you all safe and well following the recent weather. I am pleased to announce that we had a synchronized CIS/NEASC/IB re-accreditation this week. The examiners had the opportunity to meet with many stakeholders, and in a short time, developed an understanding of our school’s strengths and areas of improvement. Their validation of our teaching, learning, and school program initiatives, along with their positive feedback, will greatly aid in our improvement efforts. Thank you to all community members that took part in the meetings throughout the week.
I would also like to extend an invitation to all parents to attend the GEMS American Academy Parent Association (GAAPA) Annual General Meeting on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 8:00 am. This meeting will provide a report on this year’s activities and finances, as well as allow the opportunity to propose new members to the board (please scroll down to read more about upcoming GAAPA elections).
Another upcoming event is our music department presentation of “A Night of Music” scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 6:00 pm in the school auditorium. We invite you to attend and support our talented students in support of the Arts at GAA.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for being a vital part of our community.
Warm Regards,
Robert Rinaldo
Come out and enjoy “A Night of Music” with the Elementary Choir, 6th Grade Choir, and Secondary Band on May 16th at 6:00p.m. in the GAA Auditorium. We can’t wait to share our music with you! Hope to see you there!
Message from Registrar
MS. ASMA EL-DERBY
email: a.elderby_gaa@gemsedu.com
REENROLLMENT CLOSING SOON!
Dear GAA Parents,
We hope this message finds you well. As we gear up for another exciting academic year at GEMS American Academy- Abu Dhabi, we want to take a moment to remind you about the importance of re-enrolling your child for the upcoming school year 2024-2025.
Re-enrollment is crucial for ensuring that your child's place at GAA is secured for the next academic year. It also allows us to accurately plan for staffing, resources, and other necessary arrangements to provide the best possible educational experience for your child.
To re-enroll your child, please follow the instructions provided below:
Log in to the parent portal using your credentials: https://connect.gemseducation.com
Navigate to the re-enrolment section. (Communication- Service requests- Re-enrolment)
Follow the prompts to complete the re-enrolment process for each enrolled child.
Please note that the deadline for re-enrollment is May 6th. It's important to complete the process before this date to avoid any disruptions to your child's education. After this date, your child’s seat will be offered to other families on our waitlists.
If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties during the re-enrollment process, our administrative team is here to assist you. Feel free to reach out to us at registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in making GAA a thriving learning community. We look forward to another fantastic year with your child!
Asma El Derby
Registrar
Message from K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction
MR. JUSTIN KIRBY
Dear GEMS American Academy Families,
We are thrilled to share a significant event in our school’s journey towards excellence in education. This week, GEMS American Academy proudly underwent a comprehensive joint reaccreditations visit from three prestigious institutions: the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the International Baccalaureate (IB). This pivotal evaluation not only affirmed our commitment to providing the highest standards of education but also marked a new chapter in our approach to teaching and learning.
In our pursuit of excellence, we chose to embark on a new and rigorous accreditation process known as Pathway 2. This method involves a deep dive into the core aspects of our educational practices and is a testament to our commitment to going beyond the conventional norms. By selecting this pathway, GEMS American Academy has positioned itself as a pioneer among global educational institutions. We are proud to announce that we are only the fourth school worldwide to undergo this reaccreditation via Pathway 2, underscoring our leadership in educational innovation.
The accreditation team, composed of visitors from CIS, NEASC, and IB, spent several days engaging with our community. They observed and interacted with our dedicated teachers, enthusiastic students, visionary leaders, and supportive parents. The feedback from the accreditation team was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the vibrant energy and the exemplary teaching and learning environment that defines our academy.
The visitors were particularly impressed by the passion and professionalism of our faculty and the curiosity and engagement of our students. They commended the active involvement and collaboration of our parent community and the visionary guidance of our leadership team. It was evident to them that GEMS American Academy is not just a place of learning, but a thriving community where education is a shared responsibility and joy.
As we move forward, this reaccreditation serves as a reaffirmation of our educational practices and our relentless pursuit of academic and ethical standards that prepare our students not only for academic success but also to be global citizens of character and resilience.
We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are deeply grateful for the continued support and trust that you, our GEMS families, place in us. Together, we are shaping a future that is bright with possibilities and rich with opportunities for our children.
Thank you for being a part of our community’s journey towards continuous improvement and excellence. We look forward to our continued collaboration and the many successes that our students will achieve in the years to come.
Justin Kirby
K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction
NEWS
Annual General Meeting
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We would like to inform you of the upcoming GAAPA Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will be held on May 17th, 2024 at 8am at GAA (location to be advised).
The agenda will be as follows:
Reports of activities
Financials report
Election of the Executive Committee for 2024-2025 school year.
As all parents and guardians are members of the school Parent Association, you are encouraged to attend and participate in the meeting, it is a perfect way of finding out what the board team have been up to and also what plans have been suggested for the coming year.
We encourage each and every one of you to become a part of our team.
In doing so, you also help us but there are many more advantages:
By becoming a board member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education.
By volunteering with your board, you gain valuable experiences and personal confidence. It’s an opportunity to put your skills and hobbies to good use, for a good cause.
GAAPA functions provide opportunities to meet other parents and teachers.
GAAPA is a forum for exchanging ideas, attending the Association meetings throughout the year to make suggestions, and provide your input.
The executive committee is composed of Elected positions (Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer) and Appointed positions.
The following Elected positions are open to election for the coming year and you can also join us by applying for an appointed position.
Executive positions:
Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
Appointed positions:
Volunteer Coordinator
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Coordinator
Event Coordinator
Parent Ambassador/Secondary School Liaison
Parent Ambassador/Elementary School Liaison
Position descriptions can be found HERE.
Anyone interested in becoming a board member are advised to submit their name before May 10th, 2024 by filling up the Google form https://forms.gle/TtL3bZfc8vbmheCM9
Look forward to seeing you all.
Flore and Kausar
GAAPA Co-Chairs, 2023-2024 School Year
AUTISM AWARENESS
Please take a moment to read the wonderful messages our Students have posted during Autism Awareness event last week.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT!
We are proud to announce that 16 of our students, under the guidance of our French Language teacher Ms. Liliane Beayni, recently participated in the DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) exam held at Abu Dhabi International School. This exam, organized by France Education International, assesses French-language proficiency for non-native speakers.
Their dedication to the DELF afterschool club reflects their commitment to mastering French, and we commend them for their passion and hard work. We eagerly await their results, confident that their efforts will yield excellent outcomes.
Special thanks to Ms. Liliane for her guidance and encouragement, and we encourage our students to continue their French language journey with the DELF program. This achievement not only benefits them personally but also reflects positively on our school community.
We're thrilled to announce that our Grade 11 Math Trio - Hanseo Lee, Manaka Yamakawa, and Siwon Lee - have clinched 1st place in the prestigious Purple Comet Math Meet 2024! This international online competition, tailored for Middle and High School students, recognizes our team's exceptional dedication and talent for the second consecutive year. Congratulations to our outstanding mathematicians on this remarkable achievement!
Big congratulations to Agustin Parra Donoso of Grade 9 and his fellow teammates from the U14 Rugby Team "Small Blacks Abu Dhabi"! Their hard work and dedication have paid off with a fantastic 2nd place finish in the final match of the rugby season in the U14 Category League B.
EXCITING AFTERSCHOOL AND SUMMER ACTIVITIES
Dear Parents,
We are thrilled to announce another incredible opportunity for your children to unleash their creative potential and immerse themselves in the world of performing arts. After the success of last summer's course, West End Stage, the world-famous ultimate theatre summer school is returning to Dubai this July.
This unmissable five-day course, running from Monday 8 to Friday 12 July 2024, at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, offers students the opportunity to be taught by West End stars and leading industry professionals in acting, singing, dance and musical theatre.
Throughout the week, students will rehearse some of the biggest numbers from the most well-known and well-loved musicals, which will then be performed to an audience of friends and family. Furthermore, the summer school will also include exclusive workshops based around hit musicals.
With teachers to be announced soon, students will learn from the very best in the business.
West End Stage began in London with the aim of igniting a global passion for theatre, bringing young people from all over the world together through their shared love of performing. Students will build their confidence, learn new skills, make friends for life and have an enormous amount of fun.
The summer programme is open to students aged 8 to 18, of all abilities and from all schools.
GEMS families are entitled to a 20 per cent discount when signing up, meaning that the summer school will cost just AED1450 per child.
What West End Stage Dubai offers students:
Learn from leading professionals
Masterclasses in West End shows
An intensive week of theatre training in acting, singing, dance and musical theatre
Perform at the end of the week in front of family and friends
Boost confidence, self-esteem and creativity
Develop social skills and have fun!
To book your child’s place on the summer school or to find out more information visit https://westendstagedubai.com
Space on the summer school is limited, so don't miss this opportunity for your children to experience the magic of the stage and learn from the very best in the industry.
Click here for a glimpse of what’s in store for your child with West End Stage this summer.
Register today to secure a place for your child in this extraordinary summer stage school.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact West End Stage by emailing info@westendstagedubai.com
IMPORTANT UPDATE TO GEMS CO-BRANDED CREDIT CARD
Exciting News!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS!
PARENT ID AND LANYARDS
Gentle reminder to wear your Parent IDs with yellow lanyards when entering school premises.
If you have ordered new IDs and received confirmation that they are ready, please remember to collect from Main Reception.
If you have not received your Parent ID yet, please email your photo to pre_gaa@gemsedu.com as soon as possible.
If you have received your Parent ID before August 1, please visit Main Reception to reprint the new scannable ID and replace your lanyard.
While on campus parents and guardians are to wear the new GAA yellow lanyard. If lanyard is not worn, we kindly request you to register as a guest before entering the campus. This is to ensure that every adult in school is identified clearly for the safety and security of everyone on campus.
SCHOOL TRAFFIC COURTESY
DO'S
Please be mindful of UAE Traffic Laws (UAE Government Website and LIST OF TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND VIOLATIONS)
Please exercise Culture of Kindness towards your Community members.
Be attentive and follow the guidance of our staff members! You will see them directing traffic and ensuring the safety of our students.
Instruct your drivers to follow the pickup/dropoff guidelines and instructions of our staff members.
Park in designated parking spaces.
Please continue forward in the pick-up lane if the car in front of you has picked up his/her child and is exiting. Do not stop midway – continue forward to allow cars lining behind you to enter parking.
Keep the sidewalks and crosswalks clear.
DON'TS
Do not double park.
Do not exit your car if waiting in pick up lane.
Do not park on the sidewalks (red-bricked areas near back gates) – this is in violation of UAE Traffic Rules.
Do not drop off or pick up students from the Main Road. For the safety of your children and to avoid traffic congestion, PLEASE DROP OFF AND PICK UP FROM DESIGNATED SCHOOL GATES.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you arrive early to park in designated areas within school parking, please be mindful that you may find it difficult to exit immediately after pick up, as transiting cars may be blocking your way. We recommend to arrive during dismissal time. Alternatively, please park in designated parking areas in public roads (for example, after Beverly Cakes pastry shop, on Al Mutaabid Street, or Al Waqaa street).
Carpool when possible
Consider using school bus service
Weather permitting, consider using bikes or walk, if living near school.
PARKING ENTRY/EXIT PROCEDURE:
We have assigned 2 entry points and 1 exit point in the back parking area (see attached map). NO EXIT IS ALLOWED THROUGH DESIGNATED ENTRY POINTS.
To enter the back parking area, please use one of the entry points indicated in the map. The 1st entry point is near tennis courts (in front of SmileRite), the 2nd entry point is through Bus parking. If the 1st entry is full, please continue forward on the main street towards the 2nd entry (through the Bus Parking).
Please continue forward in the pick-up lane if the car in front of you has picked up his/her child and is exiting. Do not stop midway – continue forward to allow cars lining behind you to enter parking.
Exit from center (EXIT ONLY POINT) as indicated in the map. Please use common courtesy and Culture of Kindness when exiting from parking and follow our staff members’ directions.
Students exiting from the back gates will be waiting in the designated waiting areas to be picked up. Please make sure you discuss the pick up timing with your child before school.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 6 - Grade 2 and 3 non-native speakers Arabic Spelling Bee
May 8-9 - Grade 6-7 Islamic Exhibition
May 9 - Grade 5 non-native speakers Arabic Spelling Bee
May 10 - Deadline to submit Candidacy for GAA Parent Association
May 15 - Grade 4 non-native speakers Arabic Spelling Bee
May 16 - A Night of Music @6pm, GAA Auditorium
May 17 - GAA Parent Association Annual General Meeting
May 22-23 - Middle and High School Arabic Exhibition
May 24 - Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club
May 28 - Senior Gratitude and Senior Walk
May 30 - Senior Graduation Ceremony
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Head of School
Robert Rinaldo, email: hos_gaa@gemsedu.com
ADMISSIONS
Registrar: registrar_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 515
Admission Secretary (GR6-GR12): c.dumo_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 603
Admission Secretary (KG-GR5): s.ramakrishnan_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 604
FINANCE
Email: finance_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 102
CLINIC
Email: nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 688
Parent Relations Executive
Fatma Chabanova: pre_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 502
Government Relations Executive (for ADEK issues)
Shahd Hamdan: s.hamdan_gaa@gemsedu.com ext. 505
SLICES CATERING
Email: slicesgaa@gmail.com, ext. 566
BBT BUS TRANSPORTATION
Rameez Rasheed, email: rameez.rasheed@sts-group.com, ext. 608
GAAPA (GAA Parent Association)
email: gaa.parentsteam@gmail.com
Booster Club
email: boosterclub.gaa@gmail.com
IT
Email: support_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 666
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
Email: c.davies_gaa@gemsedu.com, ext. 627
Elementary Principal
Leia Kraeuter, email: l.kraeuter_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. KG-2)
Lauren Sargent, email: l.sargent_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Vice Principal (Gr. 3-5)
Douglas Sherrill, email: d.sherrill_gaa@gemsedu.com
Elementary Secretary
KG-Grade 1 Guidance Counsellor
Alison Haswell, email: a.haswell_gaa@gemsedu.com
Grades 2-5 Guidance Counsellor
Melanie Moses, email: m.moses_gaa@gemsedu.com
PYP Coordinator
Tiffany Pulci, email: t.pulci_gaa@gemsedu.com
Secondary Principal
Garth Wyncoll, email: g.wyncoll_gaa@gemsedu.com
Middle School Vice Principal (Grades 6-8)
Mollie Williams, email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Vice Principal (Grades 9-10)
Zahra Bhatty, email: z.bhatty_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Vice Principal (Grades 11-12)
Monica Martin, email: m.martin1_gaa@gemsedu.com
Secondary Secretary:
Email: secsecretary_gaa@gemsedu.com
Middle School Counsellor (Grades 6-8)
Almyra Duarte, email: a.duarte_gaa@gemsedu.com
High School Counsellors
Catherine Sciolis (Ali-Alp, I-P), email: c.sciolis_gaa@gemsedu.com
Lia Noronha (Aaa-Alh, B-H), email: l.noronha_gaa@gemsedu.com
Amy Copland (Alq-Azz, Q-Z), email: a.reyescopland_gaa@gemsedu.com
IBDP Coordinator:
John Thompson, email: j.thompson2_gaa@Gemsedu.com
Curriculum Coordinator:
David Dasari, email: d.dasari_gaa@gemsedu.com
USEFUL APPS AND WEBSITES
Welcome Pack is designed to provide you with all the information you require to gain a solid understanding of the policies and procedures in the division in which your child is learning.
The information provided in this Welcome Pack gives you the basis of a successful start at GAA.
If you have a question that is not covered here, our Parent Relations Executive (PRE), Divisional Secretaries, Reception and the Senior Leadership Team are all great next stops in helping to find answers.
We present to you GAAPA Community Resource Guide, compiled with the help of our members, fellow GAA families.
We understand the struggles each family faces when moving to a new country, new school, new residence, as we have all been through the same. It is only natural that we want to support each other as a Community.
This website is designed to provide that helpful information for all our community members. Your feedback and contribution will be highly appreciated to make sure that information is accurate and up-to-date. You can recommend your resource by clicking below link:
Please make sure you have downloaded GEMS Connect parent portal app for your convenience:
Pay fees online
Track your child's bus transportation
School communication (emails, newsletter, etc)
Submit requests (re-enrollment, Transfer Certificates)
GEMS Ambassador program (refer a friend, get 4% discount on school fees)
and much more...
GEMS Alumni App
As the GEMS community, we understand that it is not just mere nostalgia that we associate our alma mater with, it is much beyond that. Our GEMS alumni across 80 countries are doing amazing things and we want to celebrate their successes every step of the way! Download and join the #GEMSAlumni App today by clicking on the links below:
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details…
App Store : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gems-alumni/id1496962338