SPOTS
DAA Community, we are excited to announce the official opening of our WISE Center for wellbeing!
DIVISION UPDATES
PARENT CALENDAR
two weeks in review
MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRESS
The progress of our new Middle School building has been incredible to see and watch from campus, and today we got to step inside!
Our Middle School Leadership team headed across the field for a hardhat walk through of the new Middle School space.
We can't wait to welcome our Middle School families to their 4 floors of dedicated space for the 24/25 school year.
ISLAMIC FESTIVAL WINNERS
Dear DAA Community,
The K-12 Islamic Education department is thrilled to announce the winners of the recent Islamic Festival. Our students have showcased exceptional talent and dedication in their respective competitions.
Please join us in congratulating them on their remarkable achievements!
GRADE 12 GRADUATION
GRADE 8 COMPLETION CEREMONY
GR5 COMPLETION CEREMONY
KG2 COMPLETION CEREMONY
Old Books for New Eyes: 1,469 Books!
Thank you to our generous DAA Community for supporting our latest Campus For Cause initative - Old Books For New Eyes.
We are happy to share that we collected 1,469 books within our DAA community in one week!
UPCOMING EVENTS
EID AL ADHA
Assalamu Alaikum (Peace be with you)
As all of you know, on Sunday, June 16th, Dhul Hijjah 10th, Muslims around the globe will have a very special occasion that marks the celebration of Eid Al-Adha.
The Islamic department in DAA is delighted to share some information about the main occasions that Muslims have in their culture.
Muslim festivals are generally held according to the dates determined by the Islamic Calendar. This calendar is a lunar one, consisting of twelve months, which are calculated from the day on
which the new moon is sighted to the next sighting.
Muslim Celebrations
Muslims have two major annual celebrations called Eid, which means ‘Recurring Happiness’: Eid-ul-Fitr (Eid of Fast-Breaking) and Eid-ul-Adha (Eid of Sacrifice).
Eid-al-Fitr:
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan when Muslims break their month-long fast. The date of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the confirmed sighting of the new moon.
Eid Al-Adha:
The date of Eid al-Adha also varies following the Islamic lunar calendar, falling on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month.
The Hajj:
The Fifth Pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage to Makkah and its surroundings, known as Hajj. All Muslims are obligated to perform Hajj once in their lifetimes if they can afford it and are physically able to do so.
The Hajj takes place from the eighth to the twelfth of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.
Muslims travel from all over the world to perform Hajj. Between 2 and 3 million people participate each year, circling the Kaabah, which was built by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), performing other
rituals, and praying to Allah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that a person who performs Hajj properly "will return as a newly born baby [free of all sins]."
How is Eid Al-Adha celebrated?
In Muslim countries, Eid al-Adha is a public holiday that includes animal sacrifice, Zakat (Charity), prayers, and family gatherings. The day typically starts with morning prayers, followed by
visits to family and friends, and the exchange of food and gifts. Muslims also share food and money (Eideyyah) with the less fortunate so that they can participate in the celebrations.
Eid Mubarak to everyone. May you all have a very happy and blessed Eid.
Enjoy your holiday
Best Regards
DAA Islamic EducationDepartment
KEY INFORMATION
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E-SCOOTER INFORMATION
Dear Parents,
Many of you will be aware of the rising popularity of electric scooters, which are increasingly being used for short journeys – including, in some cases, to and from school. Like bicycles, these offer a convenient, environmentally friendly, and fun way to cover short distances, helping to reduce congestion and pollution on Dubai’s busy roads.
It’s important to bear in mind the rules and regulations governing the use of e-scooters, and I’m therefore keen to remind all families who may have purchased or who are considering purchasing an e-scooter of the guidelines set out by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
In line with the RTA’s guidelines, no e-scooters will be allowed onto the school campus and the Al Barsha 1 area is not a permitted zone.
Full details can be found online here, but in summary, please note the following:
E-scooters are permitted in the following locations: Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai Internet City, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Al Raqqa, 2nd December Street, Al Rigga, Palm Jumeirah, Al Mankhool, Al Qusais, Al Karama, City Walk, Al Tawar 1, Al Tawar 2, Umm Suqeim 3, Al Garhoud, Muhaisnah 3, Umm Hurair 1, Al Safa 2, Al Barsha South 2, Al Barsha 3, Al Quoz 4, and Nad Al Sheba 1.
Riders must have a valid licence issued by the RTA to drive two-wheeled vehicles and must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-scooter.
Riders must wear reflective vests and helmets at all times and are not permitted to carry passengers.
Riders must maintain a safe distance from other vehicles as well as pedestrians and must dismount at pedestrian crossings.
E-scooters can be ridden and parked only on RTA’s designated tracks and parking spaces. They should not be used on jogging or walking tracks.
Riders are prohibited from riding on pedestrian tracks and on roads with a speed limit of over 60km per hour.
Please refer to the page on the RTA website (here) for further details, including potential penalties for not abiding by the laws set out.
As a school, our students’ health and safety remains our number one concern, so we urge all parents to familiarise themselves with the rules and ensure their children are compliant and, most importantly, safe. In line with the RTA’s guidelines, no e-scooters will be allowed onto the school campus.
As ever, your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
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.
Lost ID Cards: If you have lost your first Student ID card you must purchase a replacement via the Parents 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 their new ID card printed.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure the safety and security of our campus.
2024/25 Academic Calendar
DAA Community, please see our 2024-25 Academic School Calendar.
Transport
Enquire for the STS School Bus Program 24/25!
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.
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.
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
OTHER 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