First and foremost, may I say that it has been a pleasure and privilege to have been working with you all during the last five academic years. GWA has grown in both stature and purpose and you have been a strong part of that journey. This will be my final newsletter farewell and I thank you all deeply for the support you have shown me.
Of course, I am not the only member of the Secondary community leaving today, therefore I would like to pay tribute to the following teachers who are moving on to pastures new:
Arabic: Maha Farouk and Maryam Gowargeyos
English: Emma Newton and Maria Boyd
EAL: Krista Mcinnis and Katie Wallace
Humanities: Justin Santori, Ben Smith, Toby Horan and Graham Burton
Languages: Catherine Poudin, Gema Martin, Stephane Helies and Alain Milot
Mathematics: Jon Disher, Gregory Haywood and Fiona Keaver
Performing Arts: Merrilee Mills and Natalie O’Connor
Science: Cassandra Burton, Andy Mexsom and Kara Wiley
Activities Director: Sergio Juarez
I am sure you will join me in congratulating all of these teachers for the remarkable contributions they have made to the school and learning programme. They are more than mere teachers, they are mentors, advocates and community friends.
Timetables
Earlier this week Mr. Rigney released the secondary timetables for 2020-21 for all MYP and DP grades. Please remember that these are provisional, and that there can be changes during the summer due to movement of students and families. It is particularly important to note that the team are currently looking at how the programme may be adapted due to Covid-19 mandates from the regulators also. Please do contact Mr. Rigney at [email protected] if you have any questions about your child’s timetable.
September return to school
As you will be aware, the KHDA, in collaboration with the MOI and MOE have released statements about returning to school in September. Currently this mandate states that children will be allowed to return for the start of the new academic year, but there will be strict social distancing measures in place. This of course is presenting a whole new planning process for every school and at GWA our leadership teams are currently exploring what this will look like. As the regulators release more details to us, we will of course keep families informed of the new expectations for September.
Thank you again for your support of GWA and we wish you a restful, safe and enjoyable summer.
Kindest regards
Giles Pruett M.A.Ed.
Head of Secondary School
GEMS World Academy – Dubai