SPOTS
February 9, 2024
MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO/SUPERINTENDENT, DR. ETHAN HILDRETH
Dear DAA Families,
I could not be more proud of our DAA Leopards. From their interaction and care for one another at school, to conduct while traveling, to their care for others in our wider community, our students exemplify the DAA Culture of Kindness at every turn.
They show compassion for those who are less fortunate and kindness for those facing extraordinary struggles. Such efforts are highlighted during such recognitions as Childhood Mental Health Week and International Childhood Cancer Awareness Week.
Thinking outside oneself and being considerate of others are important parts of growing up. Let’s encourage these healthy practices among our students and all members of the Leopard Pride!
Kindest regards,
Ethan
DIVISION UPDATES
PARENT CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS
Calendar reminders
DAA Community, please be reminded of the following Calendar Dates:
February 12: No school for all students
February 13: No school for MS/HS
February 14: No school for ES
TedxYouth @ DAA
Join us for the 12th annual TEDxYouth@DAA event on February 11th, from 10 AM to 1 PM in the DAA auditorium.
Celebrating the theme "Odd One Out", our high school students take the lead as both speakers and organizers, showcasing their unique perspectives and innovative ideas. Free tickets available HERE
YELLOW DRESS DOWN
Students are invited to Dress Down in YELLOW.
To support a worthy cause, International Childhood Cancer Awareness week, students are invited to dress down in Yellow on Thursday, February 15th.
Sports awards evening
Sports Teams and Parents are invited to our Season Two Awards Evening.
High School Teams: Wednesday, February 14th
Middle School Teams: Thursday, February 15th
JAZZ BARBECUE
Middle School and High School Families are invited to join us for our DAA Jazz Barbecue, with performances from our DAA Jazz Ensemble!
Scan the QR Code to register for entry.
2-5pm, March 1st
two weeks in review
MESAC Season 2.mp4mesac
We saw a wonderful weekend of MESAC as our spots and Fine Arts students travelled to represent DAA! We are so proud of all our students who dedicate their time and commitment to our teams.
Go Leopards!
DAA takes Cairo
DAA's wrestling team headed to Cairo, representing DAA and bringing home 12 individual medals, including five gold, six silver, and a bronze.
mental health awareness week
This week we saw initiatives and activities across the school to raise awareness and support Children's Mental Health Awareness Week!
Thank you to all students, teachers and community members who help promote a safe environment for our students.
KEY INFORMATION
23/24 calendar reminders
This is a reminder that as per our Academic Calendar, The Holy Month of Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday, March 11 2024 (subject to Lunar Calendar and Government Announcement).
Our school hours and routines during the Holy Month of Ramadan are still subject to confirmation and will be announced as soon as possible.
Please await further information via email once we have an official announcement by the moon sighting committee.
Spring Break and Eid Holiday to be confirmed as March 25 to April 12, with a return date of April 15 2024.
DAA School Calendar 2023_2024 (Revised 9 Feb).pdfGEMS 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.
The initiative actively seeks to strengthen family bonds, foster intergenerational learning, and combat issues such as loneliness, isolation, and depression. 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.
RE-ENROLMENT
DAA Leopards, we are delighted to confirm that re-enrolment has now opened for all of our families for the 24/25 Academic Year!
To reserve a place for your child(ren) please follow the steps to re-enrol on your GEMS Connect App or Portal, under 'Service Requests'. Please see the video for a helpful guide to navigate to this section, and follow the steps.
You have until April 15th, 2024 to complete the process of re-enrolment.
We look forward to continuing to be partners in your child's education!
GEMS Connect Re-Enroll guide.mp4FAMILY LANYARDS
A friendly reminder to please wear your family pass and yellow lanyards when visiting on our school campus. This simple act helps ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone, helping our staff easily identify members of our community.
If you do not have a family pass, please ensure you have photos uploaded onto your GEMSConnect App and visit our reception team who can provide you with passes.
Transport
Registration for our School Bus Program with STS is still open!
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.
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 Term 2 menus, see HERE.
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