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.
We wish you a wonderful summer and look forward to welcoming you back in August.
GO LEOPARDS!
VIDEO-2024-06-21-08-23-49.mp4Meet your GEMS Dubai American Academy Executive Office!
CEO/Superintendent, Dr. Ethan Hildreth Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Mike Gilmour Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Ms. Tammy Jochinke VIDEO-2024-06-21-07-31-04.mp4Meet your High School Leadership Team!
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 BystrakVIDEO-2024-06-21-08-48-47.mp4Meet your Middle School Leadership Team!
Middle School Principal, Dr. Justin ReynoldsAssistant Principal, Mr. Sean McGarveyAssistant Principal, Ms. Regan MooreDean of students, Ms. Tanya BoudakianELEMENTARY SCHOOL .movMeet your Elementary School Leadership Team!
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 SalamehPREPARE FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
2024/25 Academic Calendar
We are excited to share the academic calendar for the upcoming school year! 📅
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.
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!
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.
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!
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, students can head to the STS desk in the atrium to have the new ID card printed.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure the safety and security of our campus.
SCHOOL TIMINGS REMINDER
Please be reminded of our School Timings!
Attendance is taken in class at 7:40am each morning. Please ensure prompt drop off and pick up to school at start and dismissal times.
STS BUS Transport
Sign up for the STS School Bus Program 24/25!
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.
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
Threads is located in Time Square Centre – Al Quoz (on the ground floor G-9)
Shop timings are 10am to 10pm every day.
Contact Information for Threads: 04 396 4837 or support@threadsme.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BAGS: We please ask that school bags are small enough for children to carry and do not have wheels to ensure they fit into students' cubbys. The cubby sizes are 33cm Wide x 42 cm High and 37cm deep.
SAVE ON ANNUAL TUITION FEES WITH THE GEMS FAB CARD
We are delighted to inform you that GEMS CREDIT CARD holders can benefit from amazing offers on school fee payment:
EARN 4.25% CASH DISCOUNT ON SCHOOL FEE
0% EASY PAYMENT PLAN WITH ZERO PROCESSING FEE UPTO 12 MONTHS
WIN SCHOOL FEES BACK OF AED 15000
Please click the links below for more details:
Fee Discount & Free 1 year Instalments on School fee Aug 2024.pdf
GEMS Card Back-To-School Offer
To Apply, contact our FAB School Assigned Representative: Amjad Nazir
Mobile: +971564010406 Email: Amjad.nazir@bankfab.com
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.
Our Apple-approved vendor, JTRS will be able to assist you with your purchase. JTRS also provides trade-in options for old Macbooks.
For more information, head to our website: https://www.gemsaa-dubai.com/For-Parents/Laptop-Requirements
GEMS DAA Flyer FY24.pdfGEMS DAA Flyer FY24[20].pdfHigh 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!
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!
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.
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.
GEMS Family first
We are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative, Family First.
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.
FF_EVENT_0209_LONG_SUBS.mp4DAA 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.pdfOTHER 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.com
SLICES CATERINGdaa@slices.ae / 054 792 7509https://pay.slices.ae/support/ticket/submit
STS BUS SERVICEKelvin Sicat sde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755
ITdaait@gemsedu.com047049793