Message from Our Superintendent Dr. Hildreth
Message from Our Superintendent Dr. Hildreth
Embedded Files
Dear DAA Community,
As we come to the close of another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for the unwavering spirit, dedication, and collaboration that defines our community.
This year has been filled with achievement and growth—academic excellence, personal development, creative expression, and community connection. From classroom innovations and student leadership, to outstanding performances, competitions, and global recognitions, we have much to celebrate. Most importantly, we’ve continued to build a school culture grounded in respect, belonging, and high expectations.
To our educators and staff: thank you for your tireless commitment to nurturing and challenging our students each day. Your professionalism, care, and creativity are the foundation of our success.
To our parents and families: your partnership, support, and trust have helped us create the conditions for students to thrive. Thank you for standing with us every step of the way.
To our students: your enthusiasm, resilience, and courage inspire us all. Whether you’re continuing with us next year or moving on to a new chapter, you remain part of the DAA family—and we are proud of all you’ve accomplished.
As we look ahead to the new academic year, we remain committed to delivering a world-class education, deepening our investment in student wellbeing, and continuing to evolve as a leading institution in the region and beyond.
Until then, I wish you all a joyful, restful, and well-deserved summer break. Thank you for being an essential part of the DAA journey.
Kindest regards,
Ethan
DIVISIONAL NEWS
DIVISIONAL NEWS
Staff SpotLight
Staff SpotLight
Dr.Mirrah Kandil, Group Medical Director
Dr.Mirrah Kandil, Group Medical Director
Dr. Mirrah Kandil received recognition from DHA leadership and renowned healthcare pioneers for her instrumental efforts in launching telehealth services across our school network, ensuring digitization and future-ready clinics. Her dedication to improving school health provision has significantly enhanced student care and underscored our commitment to well‑being.
Student SpotLight
Student SpotLight
This past Tuesday, DAA’s very own Noah Choucair proudly represented our school as the sole finalist in the prestigious GEMS Global Innovation Challenge with his remarkable project, Smart Safety.
Noah’s innovation—a high-tech safety helmet—is designed to monitor environmental conditions for construction workers. Leveraging a built-in machine learning model, the helmet intelligently recommends rest breaks and hydration, significantly enhancing safety on the job site.
As part of the competition, Noah delivered a practice pitch to a panel of judges and took part in a hands-on workshop led by Plug and Play, a global startup accelerator. The workshop provided participants with expert advice on refining their elevator pitches and making a lasting impact.
Following this, Noah gave a refined second presentation, after which the judges began reviewing all 20 finalist projects. Winners will be announced in September at the start of the new school year.
We are incredibly proud of Noah—not only for reaching the finals, but also for demonstrating the innovative spirit and excellence that defines our Middle School students.
DAAPA General assembly
DAAPA General assembly
✨ Wrapping up another incredible year with our amazing @daapa_daa ! ✨ #generalassembly
From organizing joyful events and staff appreciation days to supporting student initiatives and championing school spirit — this team has truly done it all. 💫
DAAPA is not just a group of volunteers — they are the heartbeat of our community. 💛 Looking back at all the amazing things this team has accomplished was nothing short of inspiring.
To the incredible DAAPA team and every volunteer who gave their time, talent, and love this year — thank you. Your dedication uplifts our school in so many ways, and we are beyond grateful.
Here’s to the laughter, the creativity, the countless hours behind the scenes, and the magic you bring to DAA. We can’t wait to see what next year holds! 🐆💐
IMPORTANT INFO
2025-26 aCADEMIC cALENDAR
2025-26 aCADEMIC cALENDAR
Dear DAA Community, we are pleased to share the 2025-26 Academic Calendar, revised March 2025.
DAA School Calendar 2025_2026.pdfa new chapter
a new chapter
After three years of exceptional leadership and achievement as Superintendent, Dr Ethan Hildreth is embarking on a new career phase. We thank him for his dedication and impact on our community.
We are delighted to announce that from August, the highly renowned North American educator, Ms Helen Pereira-Raso, will take over as Superintendent. With her wealth of experience and passion for excellence, she is set to lead DAA into an exciting new chapter.
Join us in celebrating Dr Hildreth’s contributions and welcoming Ms Pereira-Raso to the DAA family!
SECURITY AWARENESS FOR DAA COmmunity
SECURITY AWARENESS FOR DAA COmmunity
🌐 In today's digital world, online safety is more critical than ever. At GEMS Education, we believe in empowering our parents with the knowledge to protect themselves and their families from online threats. From recognizing phishing attempts to practicing safe browsing habits, here are essential tips for staying secure in the digital landscape. Let's work together to create safer online experiences for our community.
#OnlineSafety #CyberSecurity #GEMSEducation #ParentTips
GEMS_Security_Awareness-Parents.mp4GEMS FAB CREDIT CARD
GEMS FAB CREDIT CARD
Find out more: GEMS World Credit Card | FAB
Apply Now: Bankfab | Apply
Contact our representative Mr. Raju Selvaraj
Mobile: +971523196669 Email: raju.selvaraj@bankfab.com
gems hOME lEARNING POLICY
gems hOME lEARNING POLICY
Please take the time to read the “GEMS Home Learning Policy“.
GEMS Home Learning Policy 2024.pptxLANYARD POLICY
LANYARD POLICY
Everyone is required to present and wear their ID and lanyard on campus.
Dark blue Student Lanyards are to be worn at all times on campus (GR 3 - 12).
Please ensure you have your family and student lanyards.
Lost ID Cards: If you have lost your ID card you must purchase a replacement via the GEMS Connect App or Accounts office.
Go to the GEMS Connect App
Select Activities
Select School Activities
You will see the option to pay for the Lost/Damaged ID Card *Please screenshot proof of purchase/receipt confirmation
Once the purchase is complete, visit the main reception to confirm which ID card you need printed.
STS BUS Transport
STS BUS Transport
Traffic surrounding the school in Al Barsha 1 during drop-off and pick up times can be intense and time-consuming. Utilizing the school bus can significantly reduce the congestion in the area and make your child's daily commute safe and convenient.
The School Bus Program is suitable for all ages, with classroom drop off and collection included for lower elementary.
REGISTER FOR THE BUS:
To submit a Request for Bus Service for your child, please click on the link below:
Request for Bus Service AY 2024 - 2025
Please log in to GEMS Connect and click on the Bus Transport icon, then select Transport Info and click the Register button to submit your request for bus transportation.
Alternatively, you can contact our STS Representative sde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755 to express your interest in registering your child for the school bus.
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP LOOP
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP LOOP
Morning drop off time:
During morning drop-off, to access our drop-off loop please continue to use Gate 2 entry and take the entry road nearest to Al Zahra hospital to access.
Afternoon Pick-Up time:
Gate 5 entry is now open at pick-up time. We have adjusted our traffic flow, now allowing entry to our loop via Gate 5 at pick-up time (only). This change has come to provide more convenient access to the loop for our community, with entry through both Gate 2 and Gate 5 at pick-up.
Gate 2 entry and waiting bays. We understand that pick-up time can be particularly busy due to the requirement to park. We strongly discourage our community to be double parking outside our gates, blocking the main road and entry to Gate 2. Gate 2 will remain as an entry point for our drop-off and pick-up loop. In addition, at dismissal time we will allow for single bay waiting zones that drivers can use to wait in their cars for student pick up. Those using our waiting zones should not leave their car.
Advised Route For Elementary. We encourage Elementary parents that require RTA parking take the entry road nearest to Al Zahra hospital.
Advised Route For Middle and High. We encourage Middle and High School parents to use the loop at pick-up times and we encourage you to use the entry road nearest to ASD at this time to access Gate 5.
The health and safety of our learning community is always our number one priority. Many of our students and families use the unpaved sand areas across the street to walk to their pick-up location or residence. These areas are not designated parking spaces or roadways, and therefore should remain clear. Driving through these areas creates a hazard for our community members and is subject to RTA regulations.
We encourage all of our community members to report any dangerous activity they see through the Dubai Police App. This reporting will help keep our entire learning community safe.
DAA Safeguarding team
DAA Safeguarding team
Safeguarding at DAA means that everyone is responsible for helping students keep safe.
See our poster around campus and digitally to know who to talk to if you need help or to share concerns with a member of DAA safeguarding team.
You can find the GEMS Safeguarding policy here.
DAA Listens
DAA Listens
At DAA we are committed to communicating effectively with our families. We believe that open communication between home and school is a vital component of our student’s success.
We are excited to continue our communication channel within our school community, DAA Listens. By scanning this QR code you will be able to share your compliments, comments or concerns directly with our Superintendent Dr Hildreth. There are 6 mailboxes located around the school, where students and parents can drop a postcard. Either method will ensure that Dr. Hildreth will receive the communication and that a member of staff will be back in touch with you quickly.
Your voice is highly valued and we look forward to listening to your feedback as we collectively seek to enhance every student’s experience at our school.
Parents & Students Cybersecurity Guide
Parents & Students Cybersecurity Guide
Parents & Students Cybersecurity Guide.pdfOTHER INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION
KEY CONTACTS
Dubai American Academy Main Landline: 04 704 9777 Main Email: communication_daa@gemsedu.com
ADMINISTRATIONADMISSIONS - Registrar_daa@gemsedu.com 04 704 9707
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONSGabrielle Keane g.keane_daa@gemsedu.com / 04 704 9706
FINANCEfinance_daa@gemsedu.com 04 704 9740 / 04 704 9744
ADMINISTRATIONADMISSIONS - Registrar_daa@gemsedu.com 04 704 9707
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONSGabrielle Keane g.keane_daa@gemsedu.com / 04 704 9706
FINANCEfinance_daa@gemsedu.com 04 704 9740 / 04 704 9744
HEALTHhealthoffice_daa@Gemsedu.com / 04 704 9761
GOVERNMENT RELATIONSSoheir Mohamed S.MOHAMED_DAA@gemsedu.com
SLICES CATERINGdaa@slices.ae / 054 792 7509https://pay.slices.ae/support/ticket/submit
STS BUS SERVICEsde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755
ITdaait@gemsedu.com047049793
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