SPOTS: NATIONAL DAY EDITION
December 1st, 2023
MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO/SUPERINTENDENT, DR. ETHAN HILDRETH
Dear DAA Families,
Thank you for a wonderful week as we celebrated our host country UAE National Day and honored the UAE Commemoration Day. Our school community delighted in acrobats, camels, falcons, amazing food, skilled performers, and traditional crafts. Students enjoyed a wonderful time and DAA shone in every way. I was particularly proud of the thoughtful gravitas with which our students recognized those who have served the UAE in meaningful ways, showing respect for history and care for others.
A reminder to parents to please complete our winter survey. Your feedback in this survey matters, not only to help us celebrate achievements but respond to your comments and needs as valued partners in your child’s education.
May you enjoy a splendid holiday weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone back for the final week before the winter break.
Kindest regards,
Ethan
UAE NATIONAL DAY
PERFORMANCES
HERITAGE VILLAGE
LEAPING LEAPARDS RUN CLUB: National Day run!
COMMEMORATION DAY
DIVISION UPDATES
PARENT CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS
Term Two Clubs & Activities Fair
Parents, come and find out what after school clubs & activities are on offer for your child in Term Two at our fair!
Wednesday, December 6th
7:30-9AM
DAA Sports Field, near Gate 5
Registration for internal and external activities will open at 3pm on December 6th via https://esm.ae/.
To register students in the ASA Program all parents must have an ESM Profile. Please click the link below for information and short video on how to create and update your ESM Profile.
It is extremely important to update your children’s information accordingly, that means updating your child’s grade and Teacher Initials to be able to view the up to date program.
Winter 2023 Parent Survey
Dear Parents, recently you would have received an email inviting you to participate in the Parent Survey for Winter 2023.
Your valuable feedback is crucial in helping us understand your perspectives and suggestions to continuously enhance the DAA experience for our students.
Please check your emails for your personal survey link and take a few moments of your time to share your insights.
Thank you for your active participation!
WINTER CAMPS AT DAA
English Language Camp
ESM are soon kicking off with their English Language Learning (ELL) Winter Camp. Discount is available for multiple week or sibling bookings!
ELL Winter Camp Details:
Dates: 11 – 22 December 2023
Time: 9am – 1pm, Monday to Friday
Location: GEMS Dubai American Academy (DAA)
Highlights of the program include:
Engaging language activities
Interactive learning methods
Fun and enjoyable educational games
Storytelling sessions
Hands-on language activities
Sign up your child now and watch their English Language skills skyrocket!
To book or find out more information, please email: enrichment@esm.ae or Call: 052 550 9676
Multi-Activity Camp
ESM Winter Camps starts at GEMS Dubai American Academy School from the 11th – 29th December 2023 for students aged 4-12 years old! Multiple week and sibling discounts available.
Your children will have a chance to kick back, learn something new and have some fun, while being active indoor and outdoor taking part in our multi activity camp.
REGISTRATION: Visit https://esm.ae/holidaycamps/WinterCamp to register.
TIMINGS:
• Drop off from 8.15 – 8.45am
• Activities start from 9.00 – 1.30pm
• Pick up from 1.30 – 1.45pm
For more information please email us on holidaycamp@esm.ae
THINK N INNOVATE Camp
Winter Camp Registrations are Now Open for THINK N INNOVATE!
With 15+ creative activities, the winter camp is perfect for children of all ages.
Dates: Monday, 11th Dec–Friday, 29th December 2023
Time: 9:00AM-1:10PM
Suitable for All Ages
BOOK via Google Form HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf80FM-0TiWu1Tfd61kSYn2yUy-VzigQGcA9pcyls3m3L9wtQ/viewform
For more information, visit THINK N INNOVATE's website: https://thinkninnovate.com/
KEY INFORMATION
MS/HS Canteen updates
Dear DAA Community,
From Monday 20th November, we will be beginning the work to improve the MS/HS Canteen space, introducing new seating spaces and preparation for the hot kitchen.
As a result of this improvement, and in order to be completed for term two this will mean that from November 20th, students will not be able to purchase hot food whilst the kitchen is being expanded. There will be two additional cold food kiosks set up for the final weeks of term, and dining will still take place in areas of the canteen.
Alongside this, students will as usual be able to purchase from the kiosks around campus and outdoor food truck.
Slices
From Grab&Go sandwiches and salads to hot meals and live stations, Slices offers healthy and tasty meals to our students.1
We are operating a 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 Term 1 menus, see HERE.
Transport
Registration for our School Bus Program with STS is still open!
We kindly ask those interested to complete the Google Form here: https://forms.gle/AQ3Yf2XttG8CBGUB8
Please contact Kelvin sde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755 or visit our STS representatives on campus in the main atrium for any questions or to discuss available options.
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.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