
Making Connections
DIVISIONAL NEWS
SAVE THE DAA PARENT CALENDAR
LAST TWO WEEKS
RAMADAN KAREEM
DAA Community, we wish you all a happy and blessed Ramadan.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is regarded as one of the most sacred months for Muslims around the world. It is a period dedicated to spiritual growth, self-restraint, and deepening one’s connection with Allah.
We wish all of our families a blessed and peaceful Ramadan!
World Champion VISITS DAA
Elementary, make some noise for Mounir Biba - a multiple-time World Champion in Breaking!🔥📣
In PE our students engage in physical skills, in Music we make melodies and in Art we demonstrate creativity. During this event our students got to witness ALL THREE! 🤩
Our Leopards showed their pride as Mounir spoke about setting goals, working hard and turning dreams into a reality. He even put their break dancing skills to practice!💪🐆
RAMADAN TUNEFUL TUESDAY
A special Ramadan edition of Tuneful Tuesday at DAA🌙✨
We thank our students and Islamic team for bringing a wonderful performance to our community🙌
POLICE ASSEMBLY
This week, our students had the opportunity to hear from Dubai Police on important topics affecting young people today, including the dangers of vaping, the risks of illicit substances, cyberbullying, and the importance of reporting concerns anonymously. The engaging session emphasized making responsible choices and looking out for one another. We appreciate Dubai Police’s partnership in keeping our school community safe and informed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
DAA COMMUNITY IFTAR
In the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, DAAPA is delighted to host its annual Iftar for DAA Families & Friends.
* Date : Thursday 13 March 2025.
* Time : 5:30 - 8:30 PM
* Venue : DAA Sports Field
* Ticket Price : AED 50 ( Per Person, 4 year & under are FREE )
* Tickets Sale : March 10th - March 13th ( 7-8:10 AM & 12-1:10 PM )
* Payment Method : CASH ONLY
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Part of the proceeds will go for Iftar Meals to Support Staff during the rest of Ramadan Month
re-enrolment
DAA Leopards, we are delighted to confirm that re-enrollment is open for our families for the 25/26 Academic Year!
We ask that you confirm your re-enrollment intent to secure your child's place and course selection for Middle and High school.
Re-enrollment intent is due March 15th, for the next academic year 2025-2026. The re-enrollment fee is due prior to April 7th, you may use GEMSconnect on your mobile or parent portal to confirm your intention and the deposit.
GEMSconnect APP: Communications > Service Request > Re-enrollment.
Parentportal: Service Request > Re-enrollment.
Get in touch with Admissions Director, Gabrielle Keane if you require further details or assistance (g.keane_daa@gemsedu.com).
We look forward to continuing to be partners in your child's education!
WISETALKS: uNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA
Join us for an insightful Dyslexia session to learn more about dyslexia and how our school supports students with reading difficulties. This session is designed to empower you with knowledge and strategies to better support your children at home and school.
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Time: 8 AM
Location: WISE Center
During this session, you'll hear from our dyslexia specialist, students sharing their experiences, and a parent’s perspective, along with an inspiring success story. The session will be followed by a Q&A and discussion. We look forward to welcoming you!
esm spRING CAMP FAIR
⭐️EXCITING CAMPS LED BY ESM!⭐️
➡️Swipe through to take a look at the camps on offer this Spring Break!
ESM’s qualified and professional third-party providers are back on campus for Spring Break!
From multi-activity and STEM, baking to arts, there’s something for everyone! 🏃🤖🍰🎨
Register Today - Enjoy exclusive discounts when you sign up now✅
Find out more information at the ESM Spring Camp Fair!
🗓️March 12, 2025
⏰12pm - 1:30pm
📍DAA Main Entrance
SIBLING PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Sibling registration still open for the 2025-2026 academic year. We prioritize siblings of current DAA students and encourage you to apply ASAP!
To ensure your child's eligibility, please note the age requirements for each grade level, based on KHDA guidelines:
· KG1: Born between September 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021 (4 years old)
· KG2: Born between September 1, 2019, and August 31, 2020 (5 years old)
· Grade 1: Born between September 1, 2018, and August 31, 2019 (6 years old)
To register your child(ren), please: Apply Here
· Complete the online application form.
· Upload all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
· K1-K2 assessment are scheduled by appointment, Monday and Wednesdays.
· Grade 1- Grade 12 assessments are scheduled by appointment, Monday - Thursday at 9am or 11am. Ramadan hours will vary.
The deadline to register as priorities is March 31, 2025.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our Admissions team.
islamic festival competition
We are thrilled to announce the Islamic Festival Competitions, organized by the K-12 Islamic Department at DAA in collaboration with other departments. This festival aims to showcase our students' talents and skills while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture and values.
We encourage all students to participate in at least one competition and take this opportunity to explore their interests and showcase their talents. The competitions will take place between April 28th and May 8th.
To register for the competition, please review the attached PDF for detailed information, including rules and regulations, and complete the registration form by April 22, 2025.
We look forward to seeing the amazing talents and creativity of our students at this festival. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Islamic Department.

IMPORTANT INFO
ramadan hours
Please see a reminder of our Ramadan School Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8am-1pm
Friday: 8am-12pm *remote option available
GEMS Incubator In Partnership With Plug & Play
🚀 Innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, this is your moment! The GEMS Incubator, powered by Plug and Play, is calling on GEMS parents, teachers, and alumni to present their ideas and bring them to life. Whether you’re launching a startup, developing a creative solution, or transforming a concept into something tangible, this is your chance to gain expert mentorship, global connections, and the support you need to succeed.
Applications are now open!
Selected projects by Plug & Play will gain access to expert mentorship, global connections, and industry-leading support.
Who can apply? GEMS teachers, parents, and alumni
Deadline: March 18th
Apply here: https://pnpgermany.typeform.com/to/GAlMTzve
SECURITY AWARENESS FOR DAA COmmunity
🌐 In today's digital world, online safety is more critical than ever. At GEMS Education, we believe in empowering our parents with the knowledge to protect themselves and their families from online threats. From recognizing phishing attempts to practicing safe browsing habits, here are essential tips for staying secure in the digital landscape. Let's work together to create safer online experiences for our community.
#OnlineSafety #CyberSecurity #GEMSEducation #ParentTips

a new chapter
After three years of exceptional leadership and achievement as Superintendent, Dr Ethan Hildreth is embarking on a new career phase. We thank him for his dedication and impact on our community.
We are delighted to announce that from August, the highly renowned North American educator, Ms Helen Pereira-Raso, will take over as Superintendent. With her wealth of experience and passion for excellence, she is set to lead DAA into an exciting new chapter.
Join us in celebrating Dr Hildreth’s contributions and welcoming Ms Pereira-Raso to the DAA family!
2024/25 Academic Calendar
We are excited to share the academic calendar for the school year! 📅

GEMS FAB CREDIT CARD
Find out more: GEMS World Credit Card | FAB
Apply Now: Bankfab | Apply
Contact our representative Mr. Raju Selvaraj
Mobile: +971523196669 Email: raju.selvaraj@bankfab.com
gems hOME lEARNING POLICY
Please take the time to read the “GEMS Home Learning Policy“.

LANYARD POLICY
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 (GR 3 - 12).
Please ensure you have your family and student lanyards.
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, visit the main reception to confirm which ID card you need printed.
STS BUS Transport
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.
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP LOOP
Morning drop off time:
During morning drop-off, to access our drop-off loop please continue to use Gate 2 entry and take the entry road nearest to Al Zahra hospital to access.
Afternoon Pick-Up time:
Gate 5 entry is now open at pick-up time. We have adjusted our traffic flow, now allowing entry to our loop via Gate 5 at pick-up time (only). This change has come to provide more convenient access to the loop for our community, with entry through both Gate 2 and Gate 5 at pick-up.
Gate 2 entry and waiting bays. We understand that pick-up time can be particularly busy due to the requirement to park. We strongly discourage our community to be double parking outside our gates, blocking the main road and entry to Gate 2. Gate 2 will remain as an entry point for our drop-off and pick-up loop. In addition, at dismissal time we will allow for single bay waiting zones that drivers can use to wait in their cars for student pick up. Those using our waiting zones should not leave their car.
Advised Route For Elementary. We encourage Elementary parents that require RTA parking take the entry road nearest to Al Zahra hospital.
Advised Route For Middle and High. We encourage Middle and High School parents to use the loop at pick-up times and we encourage you to use the entry road nearest to ASD at this time to access Gate 5.
The health and safety of our learning community is always our number one priority. Many of our students and families use the unpaved sand areas across the street to walk to their pick-up location or residence. These areas are not designated parking spaces or roadways, and therefore should remain clear. Driving through these areas creates a hazard for our community members and is subject to RTA regulations.
We encourage all of our community members to report any dangerous activity they see through the Dubai Police App. This reporting will help keep our entire learning community safe.
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.
DAA Safeguarding team
Safeguarding at DAA means that everyone is responsible for helping students keep safe.
See our poster around campus and digitally to know who to talk to if you need help or to share concerns with a member of DAA safeguarding team.
You can find the GEMS Safeguarding policy 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

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 SERVICEsde-daa@sts-group.com / 04 704 9755
ITdaait@gemsedu.com047049793