October 20th, 2023
message from our sUPERINTENDENT, dR. ETHAN HILDRETh
Greetings wonderful Leopard Community!
Our students and music department have created a very real gift for DAA. The “DAA Anthem” and the DAA spirit score “The Leopard’s Den” give us not one but two heritage-quality school songs. For 25 years, DAA has not had a school song to represent us. For the next 25 years and perpetuity, we now have a caring song about our amazing Culture of Kindness as well as a rousing tune to rally us to the Leopard cause. Together, we celebrate!
Excitement and positive energy resonate through DAA as we look forward to our annual KHDA inspection next week. I am so proud of our amazing school community!
The marathon work we have accomplished both last year and this year propels us to success. Colleagues collaborate to lift us ever higher. Students learn and grow. Parents and families provide tremendous support. Our community celebrates brilliant achievements during this, our 25th anniversary. We are ready to share our splendid DAA story.
From an instructional standpoint, we reach new heights. We will showcase our teaching, learning, innovation, and more to our visitors. We welcome the visit and feedback that will help us reach ever higher.
From a facility standpoint, our new learning spaces are in use, students relish two new playgrounds with the third in final stage. The expanded climate-controlled canteen, the Elementary School Maker Space, and The Wellness Room are all up and running. Work on the WISE Center with indoor amphitheater, immersive classroom, and more will break ground by November with a January completion target, along with our new hot kitchen for improved food service.
A final note – Thursday afternoon I asked one of our Senior students if he was looking forward to inspection next week. His answer was brilliant, “Of course sir. We will do what we always do as DAA students, give our best. And our teachers will do what they always do, giving their best to us.” What a splendid conviction shared by one of our student leaders.
I am beyond proud of our incomparable DAA community – you are truly the best!
Enjoy a spectacular weekend with friends, family, and joy.
With great respect and thanksgiving,
Ethan
division updates
PARENT CALENDAR
October in review
We were honored with the Education Excellence Award for Drama/Arts Program of the Year, and now to accompany this is the GEC Awards 2023 Top Project Execution - Education for our pioneering projects in AI and Emerging Technology!
We are incredibly proud of these achievements and grateful for the hard work of our teachers and students.
Our ES Swim team attended the DASSA Primary Individual Gala 2023, DAA MS Golf Team attended the Dubai School Games, JV & Varsity Swim Teams went to Doha for the Dragon's Swimming Invitational.
Well done Leopards!
FORTNIGHT AT A GLANCE
Our IB Music students will be performing every morning next week! On Tuesday, we feature a special K-12 Performance of the DAA 25th Anniversary Anthem.
October 23 to October 27
Rehearsals for our highly anticipated high school/middle school musical are underway! The talented cast and crew are hard at work, bringing the show to life.
Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience in November!
November - We'll be announcing the performance dates soon!
KEY INFORMATION
HSC and WWW updates
Dear MS and HS Parents and Guardians,
As we prepare for our exciting WWW and HSC Week’s we would like to thank parents for making the deposits for the international trips. The information for these trips will be shared with families shortly.
In addition, for local trips and options, we have extended the portal access until Sunday, 22nd October. This extension provides you with the opportunity to make the necessary payments to secure your child's place on the local trips. We encourage you to take advantage of this extended timeframe to ensure your child's participation in these valuable experiences.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in our school activities. We look forward to providing your child with enriching and memorable experiences during these upcoming trips.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please feel free to reach out to me at i.forbes_daa@gemsedu.com
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 1 menus, see HERE.
UNIFORM
Threads have been replenishing stocks! In addition, pullover sizes have had additional orders placed for the upcoming weeks.
Please contact Threads for information on ordering and delivery: 04 396 4837 or support@threadsme.com.
Our uniform guide can be found on the website HERE: School Uniform Guide
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