SPOTS
2024-25 LEADERSHIP TEAM
We take this opportunity to share with you the familiar DAA faces and introduce to you the 2024-25 Leadership and Divisional Teams.Â
We wish you a wonderful summer and look forward to welcoming you back in August.
GO LEOPARDS!
Meet your GEMS Dubai American Academy Executive Office!Â
CEO/Superintendent, Dr. Ethan Hildreth Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Mike Gilmour Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Ms. Tammy Jochinke Meet your High School Leadership Team!Â
Interim High School Principal, Mr. Jon Shoffstall Assistant Principal, Ms. Ashley SzarAssistant Principal, Mr. Rory Kinsella-CourlanderAssistant Principal, Ms. Rama KhalidIB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Dr. Sarah VerdoiaDean of students, Ms. Chelsea BystrakMeet your Middle School Leadership Team!Â
Middle School Principal, Dr. Justin ReynoldsAssistant Principal, Mr. Sean McGarveyAssistant Principal, Ms. Ragan MooreDean of students, Ms. Tanya BoudakianMeet your Elementary School Leadership Team!Â
Elementary School Principal, Ms. Tooshna GandiAssistant Principal (Early Years and GR 1), Ms. Annalise McNeillAssistant Principal (GR 2-3), Ms. Noha BisharaAssistant Principal (GR 3-5), Ms. Nathalie SalamehDIVISION UPDATES
PREPARE FOR BACK TO SCHOOLÂ
2024/25 Academic Calendar
We are excited to share the academic calendar for the upcoming school year! 📅Â
This calendar will help you plan ahead and stay informed about key dates, holidays, and important events.
The first day of school for GR1 to Grade 12 is Tuesday, August 27th.
The first day of school for KG1-KG2 is Wednesday, August 28th.Â
We look forward to another fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences for our students. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education journey.
Top Tip: Add the Google DAA Parent calendar!Â
STS BUS Transport
Enquire for the STS School Bus Program 24/25!Â
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.Â
The School Bus Program is suitable for all ages, with classroom drop off and collection included for lower elementary.
REGISTER FOR THE BUS:
Please contact Kelvin Sicat sde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755 to express your interest in registering your child for the school bus.Â
You can also visit our STS representatives on campus in the main atrium for any questions or to discuss available options.
Early sign up is important to ensure that we can cater for your area and means for more efficient route planning, reducing your child and other DAA students' journey time to school.Â
UNIFORM FROM THREADS
If you require purchasing of new uniform, please be reminded you must pre-book your visit to Threads, ensuring a delightful customer service experience. Please visit their website to schedule your visit: http://www.threadsme.com/
You can also purchase online for delivery: https://www.threadsme.com/dubai-american-academy.html?p=1
Avoid the August rush and purchase uniforms before July 31st!Â
SAVE ON ANNUAL TUITION FEES WITH THE GEMS FAB CARD
Save 4.25% on GEMS school fees when you pay in advance with the GEMS Titanium Credit Card. Also enjoy:Â
0% interest and processing fee for up to 12 months
A chance to win:
AED 20,000 in GEMS Points
Or a full year’s free membership to GEMS Rewards Plus for the whole family
FAB Rewards that can be used towards future tuition fees
Plus, get education protection cover of up to AED 500,000 per child for AED 28 per month, per child.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Start saving now!
LAPTOP REQUIREMENTS (Bring your own Device) *gRADE 6 - gRADE 12
As part of our school BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program, all Dubai American Academy students in Grades 6-12 are required to bring a laptop to school daily.
For parents of students entering Grades 6-12, who have not yet purchased a laptop, we highly encourage you to purchase a MacBook Device so there is continuity in the use of Apple technologies. We being an Apple Distinguished School highly encourage the students to use Apple devices. Being in Apple's ecosystem, will help the students enhance the collaboration and productivity.
If you have already purchased a PC laptop, this is still applicable to the BYOD program and your child’s learning will not be disadvantaged.Â
Our Apple-approved vendor, JTRS will be able to assist you with your purchase. JTRS also provides trade-in options for old Macbooks.Â
For more information, head to our website: https://www.gemsaa-dubai.com/For-Parents/Laptop-Requirements
High School Higher Level Learning, Service, and Career (HSC) Week
High School Parents,
We are delighted to inform you that the 2024/25 High School Higher Level Learning, Service, and Career (HSC) Week trips have been confirmed!Â
HSC week is an immersive educational experience that takes students outside the traditional classroom setting to explore and learn in a more hands-on and experiential way. The purpose of such a week is to provide students with a unique opportunity to engage in learning activities that may not be possible within the constraints of a traditional classroom. It aims to broaden students' perspectives, enhance their understanding of the world around them, and provide them with real-life experiences that help them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Additionally, an educational HSC can help students build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, and provide opportunities for personal growth and development.To ensure you make informed decisions regarding your child's opportunities, we kindly ask you to carefully review the details on our website over the summer break. If you need any additional information about a specific trip, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant provider using the email addresses provided.
More information will be shared at the Online Travel Fair on September 3rd.
Middle school Week Without Walls
Middle School Parents,
We are excited to announce that the 2024/25 Week Without Walls trips have been confirmed!Â
The Week Without Walls week is an immersive educational experience that takes students outside the traditional classroom setting to explore and learn in a more hands-on and experiential way. The purpose of such a week is to provide students with a unique opportunity to engage in learning activities that may not be possible within the constraints of a traditional classroom. It aims to broaden students' perspectives, enhance their understanding of the world around them, and provide them with real-life experiences that help them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Additionally, an educational week without walls can help students build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, and provide opportunities for personal growth and development.
To ensure you make informed decisions regarding your child's opportunities, we kindly ask you to carefully review the details on our website over the summer break. If you need any additional information about a specific trip, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant provider using the email addresses provided.
More information will be shared at the Online Travel Fair on September 4th.Â
LANYARD POLICY
To enhance the welfare and safety of everyone on campus, everyone is required to present and wear their ID and lanyard on campus.
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Dark blue Student Lanyards are to be worn at all times on campus.
Please ensure you have your family and student lanyards ready for the first day of school!Â
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Lost ID Cards: If you have lost your first Student ID card you must purchase a replacement via the Parents GEMS Connect App or Accounts office.
Go to the GEMS Connect App
Select Activities Â
Select School ActivitiesÂ
You will see the option to pay for the Lost/Damaged ID Card *Please screenshot proof of purchase/receipt confirmationÂ
Once the purchase is complete, students can head to the STS desk in the atrium to have their new ID card printed.
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Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure the safety and security of our campus.
slices
From Grab&Go sandwiches and salads to hot meals and live stations, Slices offers healthy and tasty meals to our students.
We are operating a completely cashless system in our multiple dining spaces for Grades 3 to 12. For lower elementary classroom delivery is available, pre-ordered by parents.
For instructions on how to top-up the Student Card and sample menus, see HERE.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
ESM
esm MULTI ACTIVITY CAMP
VENUE:
GEMS Dubai American Academy
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DATES:
1st of July – 16th August 2024 for children aged 4 – 12 years old.
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TIMINGS:
Drop off from 8.15 – 8.45amÂ
Activities start from 9.00 – 1.30pm
Pick up from 1.30 – 1.45pm
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DISCOUNT
Please do note that only online registrations and payments make you eligible for the weekly discounted rate, there are no discounts on daily bookings.Â
Register for a full week and receive 15% off (AED765 after discount) weekly bookings.
There will be an additional 10% (AED675 after discount) siblings discount (brothers and sisters only) on weekly bookings for the second, third and fourth child.
Weekly and siblings discount is not valid for daily bookings and there is no discount for the bus service.
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If you have any questions, please do connect with us and we’ll help you as soon as possible, for more information please email us on holidaycamp@esm.ae, WhatsApp 050-3611547 or go to our website to register https://esm.ae/holidaycamps/SummerCamp
English Language Learner (ELL) Programme
We are excited to share that ESM will host the English Language Learner (ELL) Programme this summer.Â
The ESM English Language Programme is designed for students aged 4 to 14 whose first language is not English. The programme is designed to provide students with comprehensive language support tailored to their individual needs. Whether your child is a beginner or looking to further enhance their English skills, our experienced GEMS native English speakers will provide personalized instruction to help them succeed. Through engaging activities, interactive lessons, and immersive experiences, your child will build confidence in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. They will also learn new grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation skills appropriate to their level of need and ability.Â
Location:Â
GEMS Dubai American Academy – Location MapÂ
Weekly fee: AED1,575, 5 days, 8:30am-12:30pm, Monday-Friday.Â
Dates:Â
Week 1: 8th - 12th July 2024Â
Week 2: 15th - 19th July 2024Â
Week 3: 22nd – 26th July 2024Â
Week 4: 29th July – 2nd August 2024Â
Week 5: 5th – 9th August 2024Â
Week 6: 12th – 16th August 2024Â
If you wish to enroll them in the ESM English Language Summer Programmme and secure a spot, please contact enrichment@esm.ae or call ESM on 052 5509676.
Recreation and Enrichment Camp
We are excited to share that ESM will host the Recreation and Enrichment Summer Camp.
Expose students to a variety of creative and challenging activities to help them develop their physical, intellectual, emotional, moral, and social responsibility. Make your child say WOW every day with the Think N Innovate club Robotics, Fine arts, Speech and Drama, Chess Artificial Intelligence, Metaverse and Programming, Hip Hop dance, Game Design, Zumba, Short Film Making, Public Speaking, Debate, and STEM projects for kids, which will help reinforce important life skills while potentially sparking a lifetime interest.
List of Activities: Chess, Hip Hop, Stories, Animation and Game Designing, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Photography, STEM, Fine Arts, Public Speaking and Debate, Short Film Making, Speech, and Drama.
Age group: All Age Groups
Date: 8th July 16th August
Days and Timings: Mon- Fri 8:30-12:30
Venue:Â GEMS Dubai American Academy, Barsha, DubaiÂ
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/5aBNhGrmoxfFU5us5
DELTA SKILLS ACADEMY
delta skills
Unlock New Horizons at Delta Skills Summer Camps in Partnership with DAA!
This summer, Dubai American Academy (DAA), in collaboration with Delta Skills Academy, presents an unparalleled opportunity for your child to explore, learn, and grow through our exciting and dynamic Summer Camps. Designed for students aged 7-18, our camps offer diverse programs catering to various interests and skill levels, ensuring every camper has a memorable and enriching experience.
Our summer camps are thoughtfully segmented to provide age-appropriate activities and challenges:
8billionideas: Over six weeks, our students will have the opportunity to enroll in summer camps designed to nurture skills relevant both inside and outside the classroom. With a global reputation in education, this is an opportunity not to miss for your 7-11-year-olds to take part in a week of exciting and creative activities.
An award-winning British education company, 8billionideas, provides inspiring camps for students aged 7-11:
💡 Invention Camp: Change the world by sparking innovative ideas.
🧠Imagination Camp: Unleash your child’s creativity.
🦾 Young Leaders Camp: Discover the leader within your child.
Trusity: Throughout the Summer, focus on your child's holistic development by developing their real-world knowledge and skills through robust technology combined with a personalised and experiential learning environment. For students aged 13 - 19 years old.
A pioneer in personalised education, Trusity offers tailored programs for students aged 14-18:
📉 TruPreneurs: Unleash entrepreneurial spirit. 22-25 July 2024Â
💻 Digital Literacy: Master essential digital skills. 8-11 July 2024
📊 Microsoft Excel Certification: Become Microsoft Office Excel certified. 15-18 July 2024Â
AIDEN AI Summer Accelerator: 8 - 11 Aug
The AIDEN AI Summer Accelerator is a week-long program that helps students develop the skills, competencies, and mindsets to thrive in an AI-driven world. Students spend the week in live sessions with a mentor guiding them to develop a project that they are passionate about that either relates to AI or uses AI.
Developed by world-renowned thought leaders and AI experts, AIDEN AI offers advanced learning for students aged 14-18:
🤖 AI Accelerator: Ignite your journey in AI—innovate, implement, and inspire.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today! For more information and to register, visit our website at Delta Skills Summer Camps.
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Let’s make this summer extraordinary!
GEMS Family first
We are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative, Family First.Â
For the past 65 years, GEMS Education has put ‘Family First’ at the heart of its teaching and will now incorporate this core principle into its holistic classroom learning for students across the network in a ground-breaking new program.
Family First will play a pivotal role in students’ wellbeing and success as they reap the benefits of deeper connections and an engaged and supportive community.
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
OTHER INFORMATION
KEY CONTACTS
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.comÂ
SLICES CATERINGdaa@slices.ae / 054Â 792 7509https://pay.slices.ae/support/ticket/submit
STS BUS SERVICEKelvin Sicat sde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755
ITdaait@gemsedu.com047049793