Dear GAA Families,

I hope this message finds you safe and well following the recent storm. I want to express my gratitude for your patience and understanding during this time. While we faced some challenges, most have been resolved. However, there remains a drainage issue in the surrounding area that is affecting services like sewer and wastewater drainage for the school. We are monitoring the situation and doing our best to open the school on Monday. Please be on the lookout for updates throughout the weekend.

Once we return to campus, I want to remind you of several upcoming important events and activities in the school calendar. Next week, we will be focusing on final preparations for the CIS/NEASC/IB synchronized five-year school re-accreditation visit scheduled for April 29th – May 4th.  Representatives from these organizations will be supporting us as we continue in our efforts to improve our school programs and offerings.

As we progress through the final quarter of this school year, there will be numerous activities and events happening on campus, such as the GAA PYP Exhibit 2024, GAA Book Fair, Elementary Art and Music Festival, and other community events. These events showcase the talents and achievements of our students and foster a sense of community and belonging tour school.

I encourage you to continue to take part in the educational journey of your child and thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Warm Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

GAA Community,

I trust this message finds you well and in good spirits. As we prepare to welcome our students back to school after the recent Eid Al-Fitr and Easter celebrations, I wanted to take a moment to extend a warm welcome to each of you.

The convergence of these two significant holidays gives us a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of unity and community within our school. Regardless of our diverse backgrounds and beliefs, we are bound together by our shared commitment to the well-being and success of our children.

At our school, we cherish the richness of our cultural tapestry and celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger as a community. As we unite again, let us embrace the values of inclusivity, compassion, and mutual respect underpinning our collective identity.

As parents and guardians, your role in nurturing a sense of belonging and unity within our school community is invaluable. Your support, involvement, and partnership are instrumental in creating a positive and inclusive environment where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

As we embark on this new term, please join us in fostering a spirit of togetherness and collaboration. Let us work hand in hand to ensure that our children receive the guidance, support, and encouragement they need to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant and inclusive community where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Welcome back to school, and here's to a successful and enriching term ahead!

Samah Awad,

Deputy Head of School

Preparing Our Students for Tomorrow: Future-Ready Skills Starts at Home

Hello GAA Community,

As we live through an ever-evolving educational landscape, it becomes increasingly clear that preparing our students for the future is not just a responsibility but a necessity. At GEMS American Academy, we are committed to equipping students of all ages with the essential skills they need to thrive in tomorrow’s world. This commitment extends beyond the classroom and into your homes, where learning and development takes place.

Future-ready skills include a broad set of skills and abilities that enable individuals to face the complex challenges of tomorrow. These include, not only technical skills, such as digital literacy and computational thinking, but also critical soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Our curriculum is designed to foster these skills through innovative teaching methods and an integrated approach to learning.

So, how do we cultivate these skills at school, you might ask. 

• We integrate technology into our lessons to ensure students are comfortable using and understanding digital tools. From interactive learning apps in elementary grades to coding exercises in high school, students gain hands-on experience that builds their technical proficiency.

• Our project-based and inquiry-based learning approaches encourage students to tackle real-world problems, ask questions, and develop solutions. This method helps them apply what they learn in the classroom to outside situations.

• Group projects and team-based activities are regular parts of our curriculum, helping students learn to work effectively with others and communicate their ideas clearly and respectfully.

• We provide opportunities for students to explore their interests through electives, clubs, and technology-based assignments that require creative thinking and innovation.

How can you support at home? The role of the family in education is crucial and extends the learning environment from our classrooms to your living rooms. Here’s how you can help.

• Regardless of age, daily reading can significantly enhance literacy, understanding, and empathy. Discuss the books your children are reading and share articles that might pique their interest.

• A quiet, organized space at home can help your child focus on homework and projects, making learning more enjoyable and effective.

• Support your child in using technology responsibly. Engage with the digital content they use at school and encourage them to teach you about what they’re learning.

• Encourage your children to solve problems on their own, whether it’s fixing a broken toy or deciding how to manage their time. Offer guidance, but let them find the solution.

• Make connections between school subjects and real-life situations to help children see the relevance of what they are learning.

Together, we can create a supportive learning environment that prepares our students for the challenges of tomorrow and inspires them to become lifelong learners and problem solvers. Your involvement is key to making this happen. We appreciate your continued support and partnership in this journey.

Thank you for being an integral part of our educational community.

Justin Kirby

K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction

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 1st, 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

GAA celebrates Autism Awareness and Acceptance April 22-26!

All students at GAA from PK-12 will be involved in a variety of activities throughout the week to help them gain a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges of their peers with autism. Our focus will be on celebrating differences, as well as including and extending kindness towards others. 

We will have puzzle pins available at reception for you to wear in support of our friends with ASD.

Why the puzzle?

The puzzle piece symbol was first introduced in 1963 by the National Autistic Society as a way to represent the complexity of autism. Each person on the autism spectrum has a mind that is unique.

Our SEND parent support group is held on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 8-9am. On Wednesday May 1st we are hoping to host a guest speaker! Will keep you posted.

Here’s a recent article on empathy through the lens of neurodiversity and an upcoming free webinar on emotional regulation.

Jackie Wyncoll

K-12 Inclusion Director

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 

GEMS CO-BRANDED CREDIT CARD

GEMS American Academy has partnered with First Abu Dhabi Bank to offer our parents discounted school fees*. 

• Apply for your GEMS card with FAB and avail amazing discount and instalment plan on your child's school fee

• Avail up to 4.25% discount on advanced payment on GEMS school fee

• Convert school fees into Easy Payment Plan for up to 12 months

• EPP 1st 3 months with zero charges no processing fee & no interest, 6 months 1% , 9 months 2% and 12 months 3% processing fee 

• Card is free for the 1st year 

Apply through our School Assigned Staff:

• Amjad Nazir

• Mobile: +971564010406

• Email: Amjad.nazir@bankfab.com

*Terms and conditions apply

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. 

• April 22-26 - Bookworm Bookfair (extended)

• April 25 - Grades 3-5 Art Festival

• April 26 - PreK-Grade 2 Art Festival

• April 26 - Whole School Dress Down Day - Wear Blue for Autism Awareness Month

• April 26 - Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club

• April 29 - GAA Graduation Pathways, Parent Info Session @6pm

• April 30 - PYP Exhibition Opening Ceremony @4pm

• May 1 - Parent Support Group meeting with Ms. Jackie Wyncoll, K-12 Inclusion Director

• May 3 - GAAPA Monthly Board Meeting @9:00am

• May 17 - GAA Parent Association Annual General Meeting