Leading with Care: Celebrating Mr Craig’s Impact at WAA
Mr Craig has been an integral part of our school community this year, particularly in improving student attendance. Through his commitment and consistency, he has ensured that clear processes and procedures are in place and followed across the school, helping to build a strong culture of accountability and care.
During the period of distance learning, Mr Craig stepped into Student Welfare with real dedication. He put effective systems in place to support students remotely, led one to one wellbeing sessions, and carried out daily attendance follow ups. His care and attention meant that every student was supported and no one was overlooked.
He has also been pivotal in the introduction of the Leadership Gemstones and the Be a Gem playbook, helping to embed these initiatives meaningfully across the school and ensuring they have a lasting impact on our culture and student experience.
What truly sets Mr Craig apart is his genuine care for others. He always makes time to stop and listen to colleagues, students and parents. No concern is ever too small. He approaches every conversation with patience and empathy, and is always willing to help and support in any way he can.
Beyond his formal role, Mr Craig consistently goes above and beyond in his commitment to the school and its values. He brings a positive and practical mindset to every challenge, and his calm and approachable nature, always with a smile, has made a meaningful difference to both students and staff.
Mr Craig’s contribution to our community is significant, impactful and hugely valued by us all!
Future Leader in the Making: Mohab Wins Youth Entrepreneur Award : GAAQ)
Big congratulations to our amazing student, Mohab Mohammed Kamal! 🎉👏
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Mohab on receiving the Youth Entrepreneur of 2025 Award at the Qatar Entrepreneurs Award under Qatar University. 🌟
This remarkable achievement reflects his hard work, innovation, determination, and passion for making an impact. We look forward to seeing all the amazing things still to come on his journey. The future is bright! 🚀✨
#WeAreGAAQ #RaptorPride #GEMSFamilyFirst #StudentSuccess #YouthEntrepreneur #FutureLeaders
Learning, Connection, and Creativity Continue at WSO
At GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, music has once again become a way of bringing people together through challenging times.
Originally launched during the COVID-19 period as a way to boost morale and maintain connection while staff worked through distance learning, The Voice staff singing competition quickly became a much-loved tradition within the school community. This year, amid recent regional uncertainty and disruption, the competition was reignited reminding staff of the power of creativity, laughter, and shared experiences.
What began as a morale-boosting initiative has evolved into something much more meaningful: a celebration of resilience, unity, and community spirit. Staff members from across the academy have stepped forward to perform, support one another, and create moments of joy through music, proving that even in difficult times, connection and positivity can still thrive.
The competition has not only showcased hidden talents across the school, but has also created a sense of togetherness and wellbeing among colleagues. Whether rehearsing behind the scenes, cheering on fellow performers, or simply enjoying the performances, The Voice has become a reminder that small moments of community can have a lasting impact.
At its heart, the initiative reflects the spirit of GEMS Wellington Silicon Oasis community, supporting one another, staying connected, and finding ways to uplift each other through every challenge.
Learning, Connection, and Creativity Continue at GMS
At GMS, students continued to embrace learning with enthusiasm and resilience throughout their distance learning journey. Our Grade 1 and Grade 2 classrooms remained vibrant and engaging, with students actively participating in lessons, collaborating with classmates, and bringing energy and positivity to every virtual session.
Adding a spirit of excitement and friendly competition, students in Grades 3 and 4 also took part in an online Junior Chess Championship. The event encouraged strategic thinking, focus, and sportsmanship, while giving students an opportunity to connect and challenge themselves in a fun and interactive environment.
These initiatives reflect the GMS community’s commitment to ensuring that learning remains meaningful, engaging, and connected – wherever it takes place.
The Quiet Forces Behind OOB’s Success
At OOB, excellence is often driven by the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to support students, staff, and the wider school community. Two colleagues who truly embody the spirit of GEMS are Mr. Aji Joseph and Ms. Shruthi Uthappa.
Mr. Aji Joseph – Driving Innovation and Continuity
As ICT Engineer, Mr. Aji Joseph has played a vital role in strengthening OOB’s digital learning environment and ensuring continuity during some of the school’s most challenging periods. During remote learning, he personally configured and delivered laptops to teachers’ homes, helping ensure a seamless transition to online education.
Beyond technical support, Mr. Aji mentors student IT interns, trains support staff in essential digital skills, and leads the photography coverage of school events – preserving the memories and milestones of the OOB community. His calm approach, resilience, and unwavering willingness to support others have made him an invaluable part of the school’s success.
Ms. Shruthi Uthappa – Leading with Care and Precision
Over recent months, Ms. Shruthi Uthappa has demonstrated exceptional resilience while managing intensive recruitment drives and complex regulatory processes. Her ability to balance operational excellence with a deeply people-first approach has had a transformative impact on the school community.
From supporting the successful onboarding of international staff to ensuring new teachers felt welcomed and cared for from day one, Ms. Shruthi has consistently gone above and beyond. Her calm leadership, empathy, and commitment to creating a positive experience for every staff member reflect the very best of OOB’s culture and values.
Together, Mr. Aji and Ms. Shruthi remind us that some of the greatest impact comes from those working quietly behind the scenes – supporting, guiding, and strengthening the community every day.
One Community, One Voice: GAA
At GEMS American Academy, community is at the heart of everything we do. Through the student-led One Community, One Voice initiative, students came together to celebrate the values that unite and strengthen the GAA community.
Created by students, the initiative highlights the power of belonging, inclusion, and collaboration, while showcasing the diverse voices that make GAA such a vibrant and supportive place to learn and grow.
The video serves as a reminder that every individual has a voice that matters and that, when united by shared values and purpose, those voices can create a powerful sense of connection and community.
A huge congratulations to the students involved in bringing this meaningful project to life and for demonstrating the spirit of GAA through creativity, teamwork, and leadership.
A Second Chance: OOD
What began as an ordinary day quickly became a life-changing experience for one OOD colleague, Ms Bijili Manu – Grade 12 Chemistry Teacher, whose journey through a sudden medical emergency became a powerful story of resilience, recovery, and community support.
After unexpectedly falling critically ill, she faced a long and difficult road to recovery – relearning even the simplest daily tasks and rebuilding her confidence step by step. Throughout this challenging period, the unwavering support of her family, colleagues, school leadership, parents, and students became a constant source of strength and encouragement.
One of the most moving parts of her journey was the care shown by her thirteen-year-old daughter, whose love and maturity became a guiding light during the hardest moments.
Today, she has returned to the classroom with a renewed passion for teaching and a deeper appreciation for life, health, and the power of community. Her story serves as a reminder to value our wellbeing, support one another through difficult times, and never lose hope when facing adversity.
Sometimes, life offers a second chance – and with it comes gratitude, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
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