SPOTS
January, 12 2024
a MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO/SUPERINTENDENT, DR. ETHAN HILDRETH
Dear DAA Families,
Welcome to 2024! These past two weeks we welcomed back our students, faculty, staff and community with much gratitude.
We enjoyed an absolutely brilliant 2023 at DAA, reaching new heights with recognition as the 'Best American Curriculum School in the UAE' by Schools Compared, reflecting the dedication of our students, teachers and parents. Families of DAA will benefit from our remarkable momentum as we enter 2024, with dramatic facility enhancements such as expanded spaces for innovation, WISE Center for Wellbeing and upgraded canteen for Middle and High School.
For students in the new year: develop your habit of reading great books. If you are reading already, build the momentum. The most powerful path to success in school, and your future, is to read, read, read!
May you enjoy a splendid weekend, and continue to look forward to an exciting new term and year ahead.
Kindest regards,
Ethan
DIVISION UPDATES
PARENT CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS
Our Slices CANTEEN RE-OPENS
Monday 14th we re-open our Middle and High School Canteen! We are excited to welcome a Head Chef to campus, providing students with freshly prepared meals on site daily.
The canteen will open for Lunch Monday 15th, and open for breakfast club and break from Tuesday 16th.
For more information and new menu's visit the Slices page.
DAAPA's preloved sale
DAAPA's preloved uniform sale is back! Visit the first floor during drop off and pick up times.
January 15 - 19, DAA First Floor
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.
January in review
WISETALKS
This week we hosted The LightHouse for a DAA Parent WISEtalks. Watch the seminar here: https://youtu.be/1GwGmHEhzbQ
DOFE TRIP
Our students recently completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award trip!
Follow the DAA DofE Instagram to keep up to date with the program. https://www.instagram.com/dofe_daa/
Sheikha fatima award
Grade 12 Student Sabina C. Panicker was awarded the Sheikha Fatima Award of Excellence. Each year we present this award to a student who not only represents academic success but is determined to make a positive impact on her community and beyond. Congratulations, Sabina!
KEY INFORMATION
Updated 23/24 calendar
Dear DAA Community,
Please see the updated 23/24 Academic Calendar, noting 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 (Rev 17 Jan).pdfFAMILY 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.
MS/HS Canteen re-opening
We are delighted to share that on Monday, January 15th the Middle and High School canteen will be re-opening following our refurbishment, now featuring a new live cooking station.
Everyday the school will receive fresh produce for our Head Chef to prepare on site, enhancing the quality, freshness and variety of items for our students. An updated menu can be found on the Slices page HERE.
Monday 15 Jan: Middle and High School Canteen reopens for Lunch
Tuesday 16 Jan: Middle and High School Canteen opens for 7am Breakfast club, break and lunch.
Slices: A message from DAA's manager of school operations
Joining the movement for healthier school meals at DAA 🍎 🥦
This week our MSO and KG1 Parent Jemma transitioned her son to Slices’ diverse and nutritious school meals through Slices’ Classroom Delivery service.
“Reflecting on my own experiences, I realized that school played a significant role in exposing me to different foods. This month, our family is making the deliberate choice to expose our son to different nutritious options daily, expanding this palate through Slices lunches.”
With our region facing a higher prevalence of issues such as diabetes and obesity, we are committed to promoting healthier lifestyles for our students and making a difference for a healthier future. The Slices’ menus are balanced, nutritious and inline with the Dubai Municipality’s school food guidelines.
Read Jemma's message about transitioning her KG1 son to Slices school meals on the Slices page HERE.
Middle School block
Last term we shared the exciting news of a Middle School block coming on campus for the 24/25 Academic Year, bringing additional space for our students.
We thank all parents and students who attended our information sessions, where we shared building renderings and addressed your questions.
(Slides last revised December 2023)
DAA Middle School - Parent FAQ.pptx.pdfTransport
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.
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