To all Leopards,

What a way to kick off our Athletics Year with a rousing victory for our Volleyball team’s vs ACS Abu Dhabi. It was a clean sweep for our teams as all four won their matches this past Friday September 16th. It was great to have sports back here at DAA, and that our students-athletes and coaches were able to travel to ACS to compete. The teams were also in action this past Tuesday vs our next-door neighbor ASD, where both girls’ teams came out victorious, while our boys both lost hard-fought matches. This coming Friday September 23rd our MS EAC teams are in action at 4pm at ASD. Finally, this week our HS Golf team teed off at the Track Meydan with 3 other schools in a golf match, some great golf was played throughout the 9-hole event. Please see some photos from all the action!

Our ES Activities and ESM program has started this week and it is great to see the number of ES students involved. Parents are reminded of the following key points of the ASA program

•         Please update your child’s grade and teacher in the ESM portal and profile. This does not happen automatically

•         All DAA activities will no longer be accepting registrations

•         When contacting the Athletics Office by email, please provide the following information: child’s full name, grade,    teacher and the activity that it is pertaining to and with this information we will be able to better help you.

•         Also, parents are to pick up their child from Gate 5

Co-curricular vs Extra-Curricular

One important point I wanted to draw your attention to a common theme at schools and how after school programs are perceived. That theme or perception is what is the difference between co-curricular and extra-curricular. Co-curricular works hand in hand with the school curriculum in supporting the daily education of all students throughout the school. Important concepts such as – action, artistic, citizenship, leadership and tech are used. While extra-curricular is seen as an add-on activity, or can been seen as child-care. Please be aware that our ASA program is co-curricular and is an extensive of the curriculum, and is based upon the interests and expertise of our teachers. The ESM program, while it is a paid service acts as a support of our ASA program. Finally, we are a solution fluent school which means as we move through the year we look for ways to improve our programs, and we look forward to offering even more activities in the 2nd term.

If there are any questions you can contact the Athletics Office in person or by email s.hibbard_daa@gemsedu.com

We look forward to you getting involved in a great program.

The Athletics and Activities Department