Weekend filled with activities and leaves, autumn is here!

Dear all,

What a fantastic weekend we had here at Champs des Bois! We kicked things off on Saturday with tons of fun activities. The kids got to enjoy activities like badminton, horseback riding or tennis, keeping everyone active! In the afternoon, we took a stroll into Versoix, where we picked up some treats and essentials—snacks and a few fun items to make their rooms feel even more like home!

Sunday was a bit more relaxed, and we took full advantage of the morning to sleep in and recharge for the week ahead. Later, we set off for a beautiful two-hour hike through the Versoix forest. It was a perfect way to wrap up the weekend on a peaceful note!

To end the weekend, we spent the afternoon making sure the house was spotless and ready for the new week. All in all, it was a weekend full of fun, fresh air, and a bit of home care—a perfect balance!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

 

May the Burger Be with You!

Dear all,

Tonight at Champs des Bois we witnessed a showdown for the ages! It all started innocently—a tray of delicious burgers served up for dinner, as it was Dinner at Home evening! But as soon as the last burger came into view, tension filled the room… The boys looked at each other, and we all knew: “The burger is strong with this one.”

In seconds, lightsabers were drawn, and an epic Jedi battle began. With sound effects worthy of the galaxy far, far away, each one was determined to prove that “This is the way”—to claim the final, glorious burger. The dining hall rang with intensely, and Donny, after a memorable fight declared, “I am one with the burger, and the burger is with me!”

In the end, peace was restored and bellies were full. The Force was strong in Champs des Bois last night, and we’re already looking forward to the next adventure. May the burgers be with them!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

The Visitors Who Make a Difference

Dear all,

Being in a community such as ours is a true privilege. We have so much to offer the boys in Champs-des-Bois, that their opportunities are limitless, and this goes beyond the classroom, activities or trips.

Sometimes it can be something as simple and impactful as lending a helping hand. One of the greatest things that the boys have is the chance to hang out with older students, their peers, from senior houses.

We in the house owe our thanks to four fantastic students who brighten our week with their visits, to meet with the lads in CDB. Due to no obligation other than that they want to spend time with them.

So, thank you – to Coco from Portena who comes on a Monday to help the boys with their homework, that they can struggle with. To Adame from Léman who comes on a Tuesday to engage with the boys in learning French. To Mila from Portena who pops by on Wednesdays to cook and bake tasty treats with them. To Aydan from Léman, who on Thursdays, brings chill vibes,   playing and hanging out with the boys.

They are a credit to our community, their houses, but most importantly, to themselves. It is inspiring to see such inter-community spirit well and alive at CDL.

The Champs des Bois Team

Mamma Mia!

Dear all,

This evening we enjoyed a taste of traditional Italian food, and it was a wonderful experience for everyone. The evening gave us a real feel of Italy— buonissimo!

The cooking team prepared Tomato bruschetta, Olive and Grana Padano, Aubergines parmigiana, Sicilian-style Polenta, and Caponata. Every dish was delicious!

Our Italian students were impressed, and I can honestly say it was molto buono!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

 

Evening Reading Wind Down Time 📖

Dear all,

Each evening, after a long day filled with the hundreds of things the boys do daily, they gather for our Evening Reading Wind Down Time. This new tradition helps the boys relax, away from screens – a calm  space where they can chill out with a book before bed. This routine is helping them unwind and building a natural love for reading.

Right now, it’s about creating a calm space to read together, but we’re excited to build on this. Eventually, we’ll introduce friendly challenges to make it even more exciting, but for now, our focus is on creating a peaceful time to read. It’s a simple yet powerful way to encourage the boys to engage with books and to enjoy reading as part of their evening routine.

The Champs-des-Bois Team 🏡

Hopping Mad for the Weekend! 🐰🎉

Dear all,

After a long week of school, there’s nothing like a weekend packed with fun and relaxation!

Kicking things off with laid-back mornings, activites to occupy the time and plenty of moments for pure relaxation!  From cooking, gardening, and climbing, to taking part in the Novemeber Fitness Challenge (kick started off by our very own Mr Sergio) and then capping off the weekend with a trip to Airloop, for some fun jumping around trampolines.

The boys were kept busy but made the most of it, and we can be assured that they will never let a moment fall idle with everything they get up to – not to even mention their usual antics!

The Champs-des-Bois Team 🏡

Hoop skills with Jin

Hangin’ loose with Mana

The Chess Master Paul-David at work!

Planting good vibes 🌱🌞

 

Who can do the longest plank, I wonder…

Always can rely on the Sunday Brunch to keep us well energised

Climbing to success with Nuttakit

The CDB boys and Terray girls ending the weekend at AirLoop

Nothing like a nice Sunday afternoon spent gardening with Ms. Rym.

A Spooktacular Halloween!

Dear all,

The CDB lads had an absolute blast over the past couple of days, making the most of this most haunting of seasons! We started by carving our pumpkin – The CDB Witch – with everyone pitching in to bring this ghastly creation to life. Then came the costumes! Everyone showed off their unique looks, from the spooky to the downright hilarious. Trick-or-treating was a fun adventure, and the boys’ candy bags were overflowing by the end of it. To wrap up the events, Mana, Kimi and Ethan gathered for a Halloween party, hosted by the Middle School (Thank you team!) sharing laughs, treats, and scares.

This Halloween was un-boo-lievable! 🎃👻

The Champs-des-Bois Team 🏡

Beware The CDB Witch!

Captain Chika and Officer Frog (Donny) reporting for duty!

Team at work!

Carving Pumpkins? 🙅‍♂️ Collecting pumpkin seeds to snack on? 😍

Welcome Back at Champs des Bois!

We’re back from the October break, and we’re feeling more recharged than ever! After a well-deserved rest, everyone has returned to campus with big smiles and plenty of energy, ready to jump back into classes and activities.

The kids came back so happy, bringing along some special treats, souvenirs, and stories from their home countries. It’s been such a joy to watch them sharing little pieces of their cultures with each other, from delicious snacks to small gifts and fun tales of their time at home.

Champs des Bois is so alive with all the laughter, stories, and excitement about being back together. We’re all looking forward to this new part of the term, and we can’t wait to see what new memories we’ll create along the way!

Happy October Break!

Dear all,

It has been a busy start of term, but the time has simply flown by! The boys in the house are looking forward to a well earned break, and we look forward to hearing the adventures and stories of what they got up to when they return!

It’s time to recharge the batteries, enjoy some time off and relax-to-the-max!

Please also find here a helpful link to the CDL News App, which is the best way to stay up to date with important updates and information: https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/college-du-leman/parent-essentials/cdl-news-app

We wish you all a safe, joyful and pleasant break.

All the best,

The Champs des Bois Team,

Ronan, Alex, Sergio & Andrés

Japanese Dinner!

Dear all,

This evening at Collège du Léman, we had the chance to enjoy traditional Japanese food, and it was a great experience for everyone. The evening was filled with delicious dishes that gave us a real taste of Japanese culture, making it a night to remember for all of us.

The cooking team made some classic meals like Miso soup, Sushi, Yakitoris, Gyozas, Vegetable tempura and Ramen

Our Japanese boys were amazed, and I can honestly say it was super tasty!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

First Weekend of October!

Dear all,

For the first weekend of October, we had a full schedule of activities here at CDL!

On Saturday morning, the boys enjoyed a variety of exciting activities, including tennis, badminton, football, and cooking. In the afternoon, some of us took a trip to Geneva for shopping. Since most of them were eager for chocolate, we visited the Lindt store to pick up some delicious sweets, and then we treated ourselves to ice cream on the main avenue.

On Sunday, we had planned to visit an adventure park, but due to the weather, we decided to stay at the Boarding House. We enjoyed some engaging games together and finished the day by watching Raya and the Last Dragon.

It was a weekend full of fun and great moments!

Spanish Dinner!

Dear all,

Tonight, we had the chance to enjoy some amazing traditional Spanish food, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience for everyone. The night was full of good vibes, delicious dishes and incredible music!

The cooking team prepared some classic Spanish favorites like paella, chorizo, chicken, and catalonian cream.

As a Spanish, I can genuinely say it was incredible—it really made me feel at home!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Champs des Bois – Dream Team

Dear all,

As House Parents, we’ve always known that our boys are talented in many activities, but we didn’t expect to find such amazing football players here in the Champs des Bois!

This week, we encouraged them to play football after dinner, and we were shocked by their skills! Each of them showed impressive footwork, bringing to mind the legendary ‘Galácticos’ of Real Madrid or Arsenal’s unbeatable ‘Invincibles’.

We always enjoy playing different sports together, but this football match was especially fun.

Check out the photos below—you’ll see we almost look like a real All-Star team! And just look at Donny’s face, you can really see how excited he was!

The Champs des Bois Team 🏠

Chinese Dinner!

Dear all,

Tonight, we had the pleasure of enjoying a Chinese dinner, and it was a fantastic experience for everyone. The evening was all about delicious food and great vibes!

The amazing cooking team prepared classic Chinese dishes like fried shrimps, teriyaki chicken or fortune cookies!

It was a great opportunity for everyone to gather, enjoy a meal, and discover a bit of Chinese culture.

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

 

The Chinese Moon Festival

Dear all,

Today we were able to celebrate The Chinese Moon Festival, or the Mid-Autumn Festival, with the boys in CDB. It is a time for family, unity, and gratitude.

Our very own Kimi did a wonderful job explaining to all of us the history of the event, that it celebrates not only the harvest but marks the full moon’s brightest glow. Families gather to enjoy mooncakes, symbolic treats, and gaze at the moon together. Lanterns light up the night, representing hope and prosperity. This festival is not just about traditions but also about appreciating loved ones and the world around us.

It was a time where we were able to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate the special bond that being in Champs des Bois has granted to all of us, wherever we come from.

The Champs des Bois Team 🏠

Concha Welcome Back BBQ!

Dear all,

Today, we were able to enjoy some of the last Autumn sunshine at the welcome back to schol BBQ hosted in Concha. We were able to welcome students, families, and teachers to celebrate the start of another new year!

The Champs des Bois Team 🏠

Another fun weekend!

Dear all,

It has been another fun-filled weekend, the boys have been having a blast. Thank you to all the team who always go the extra mile for the CDB boys! Please see below for a glimpse into what they have been getting up to.

Thank you.

The Champs des Bois Team 🏠

Mana’s photography skills at work

 

 

 

Memorable Weekend in Leysin – Swiss Alps!

On Friday, September 6th, the entire Champ des Bois house, along with the Boarding team, embarked on an weekend adventure in Leysin, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps!

Saturday was a perfect day for hiking, where we not only enjoyed the incredible scenery and sun but also learned fascinating facts about the mountains and the local culture. Sunday brought a creative twist, as the children spent the morning blending art with nature—what more could we ask for?

Now it’s time to rest and get ready for the exciting Discovering Days ahead!

The Champs des Bois Team 🏠

 

Weekend Shenanigans

Dear all,

The boys in CDB had a great weekend. The highlight of which being all of us getting to welcome Paul-David into the House!

From goofing around playing games, enjoying the sun, exploring Geneva, their variety of activites or cooking up a storm in the kitchen (ft. the Terray girls). A fantastic opportunity for them to rewind and relax before the week starts all again tomorrow!

The Champs des Bois Team 🏠

If only we could all be as free-spirited as Chika!

   

Happy birthday Donny!

Dear all,

Today we got to celebrate Donny’s 10th birthday! If anyone is in doubt about picking between two available cakes to have, which would Donny choose, he will always go for, ‘Both!’.

The Champs des Bois Team 🏠

American Evening!

Dear all,

Last night, we enjoyed an American-themed dinner, and it was a great success! The evening was filled with delicious food, giving everyone a taste of American cuisine.

Our kitchen staff prepared classic American dishes like hamburgers, ribs, and other favorites. The dining hall was full of happy chatter as students enjoyed the meal and the fun atmosphere.

It was a wonderful chance for everyone to come together, share a meal, and learn a bit about American culture.

Here are some photos from the evening that show the great time we had. We’re already looking forward to the next themed dinner!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

A Wonderful Start to the School Year!

Dear all,

As the new House Tutor of Champs Des Bois, I’m excited to share how smoothly the first days of the new school year have gone! The students have settled in warmly, quickly adapting to their new routines and filling our halls with excitement and lots of energy.

What’s truly heartwarming is seeing how well they’ve bonded. Even though they come from completely different corners of the world, they’ve formed close friendships almost instantly. It’s amazing to see them learning from each other, sharing their cultures, languages, traditions, and passions. This exchange is not only enriching their experience but also creating a warm and inclusive community.

We also had the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic dinner with the Swiss Day as a theme, where we savored some delicious traditional Swiss dishes. It was a wonderful way for everyone to come together and experience a bit of Swiss culture, and the students loved trying new foods and learning about the local traditions.

In the attached photos you will see Mr. Alex, Nuttakit, Donny, Xingyu and Ethan having fun after the Swiss meal! I’m so proud of how well they’ve embraced this opportunity to connect and grow together. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, you can be sure!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

 

 

Sunday of Hiking!

Dear all,

Today, Sunday, August 25th, we had the pleasure of venturing into the great outdoors for one of our favorite activities – hiking. Thanks to the guidance and organization of Mr. Xavi, we were able to plan an exciting excursion to Mount Mourex, a beautiful mountain located right on the French border.

Our entire group set off together, and we spent a delightful morning exploring and learning about the various elements that nature has to offer. The hike provided a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

It was a truly memorable experience that combined exercise, education, and the joy of being together in such a beautiful place. We are already looking forward to our next adventure!

Here you can see some photos of the wonderful time we had!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Movie Night!

Dear all,

Every saturday, we have a movie night, and tonight’s pick was Baby Boss! (As always, Alex made an amazing choice!) It was a fantastic evening filled with laughter and fun. We were also excited to welcome some students from Terray, who came over to join us for the movie meeting.

Movie nights are such a great opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy some downtime together – especially when snacks are involved! Welcoming other students made it even more special. It was a wonderful chance for everyone to get to know each other better, share a few laughs, and discover common interests.

We’re already looking forward to next Saturday’s movie night!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Welcome to Champ des Bois!

Dear all,

The Champs des Bois team are delighted to have welcomed the first group of our new boarders into the house. It was a busy day, but brilliant to have gotten things started.

Speaking of introductions, it is my pleasure to introduce the team that will be in CDB for the upcoming year!

And don’t forget to watch this space for all the fun adventures ahead!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Mr. Sergio, Mr. Alex, Mr. Ronan & Mr. Andrés

End Of year Wishes From The CDB Boarding House

As we bid farewell to this year 2023-2024, A Huge Thank You to parents and Agents for your trust, collaboration and support. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and wonderful experiences.

Warm wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season !

With heartfelt thanks and best wishes,

The CDB Boarding House Team

Graduation Day!

Celebrating the graduation of our boy Mana to grade 6. This marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of an exciting new journey. As he move up to the next grade,we are confident that he will continue to excel and make us proud in grade 6 and beyond.

Celebration time :-)

Congratulations to our boys for receiving their silver and bronze certificates, Jin finalist and cup winner of May fitness Challenge and Mana for graduating to grade 6. The future is bright, and we are excited to see all that you will accomplish!

 

Science Project and End Of Year Event

Sunday was a truly fun day! We started the day with Mr Zach and Mr Georges Science Project. The boys made rafts about of recycled materials. The rafts were then tested on the pool. We tested buoyancy, load limit and hydrodynamics. In the afternoon we joined a boarding wide party at Concha which celebrated the end of the year. Lots of fun had by all.

 

Runners vs Riders 6KM

On Saturday, Mana, Chika and Me George embarked on an epic 6KM run in the Runners vs Riders event. The two groups were competing against each other. The cyclists rode 170KM around Lake Leman and the runners had a 60KM relay. The cyclists won by about 20 minutes. Amazing effort from everyone involved, especially our very own Mana and Chika!

Genève et Dodgeball

Saturday saw our boys take a house trip to Geneva to buy some important end of year presents and treats from their home country’s. After dinner we went to the Primary Campus to enjoy some dodgeball! A very busy day, enjoyed by all.

Judo Graduation

We are very proud of our CDB student Chika for earning his new belt during graduation.This sport require these values in each lesson Courage, Respect, Modesty, Friendship, Honour, Sincerity, Self-control and Politeness.

 

A Great Shakespeare Play

 Grade 5  Today!

Today was a truly remarkable day as the talented students of Grade 5 put on a spectacular performance  of William Shakespeare’s classic plays. Their hard work and dedication were evident in every scene, and they brought the timeless story to life with enthusiasm and creativity.

A Wonderful International Day :-)

Our end-of-year event was a great celebration, bringing the CDL community together in a vibrant display of cultural diversity. The flavours from around the world were exquisite, the entertainment kept us enchanted throughout the afternoon. From captivating performances to engaging activities, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Splashing Around at Aquapark

Champs des Bois embarked on a Boarding Day Trip to the Aquapark. While there we enjoyed a relaxing ride down the Lazy River, sped down some looping slides and splashed around with our friends. A great time and all the students had massive amounts of fun.

Outing in Geneva

While some boys chose to relax in the Boarding House Kimi and Chika rathered a trip into Geneva. They made some nice memories, Chika bought a gift for his brother and Kimi did his casual shopping.

Little Bakers

Amazing young chefs have done it again. This time making use of local fruit. We were lucky enough to recieve 5 apple pies! Each one was baked by Jin, Mana, Chika, Kimi and Donny. Good thing their hungry boys!

Pillar 5 Building Resilience Against Peer Pressure ! Final week

Mr. Manu, house parent, recently conducted engaging workshops for our younger boarders on how to respond to peer pressure. He thoughtfully adapted the resources to ensure active student participation, making the session both informative and interactive.

1.The workshop began with a video introduction, setting the stage for the topic. Following this, a student advocate facilitated a game where students were presented with real-life scenarios and asked to discuss how they would respond to peer pressure in those situations. This hands-on approach allowed students to actively engage and think critically about their responses.

2.The following week, the focus shifted to tips on decision-making. Students filled out a toolkit designed to help them make informed and confident decisions when faced with peer pressure.

This small but impactful workshops provided a platform for students to brainstorm ideas and share their strategies for handling various scenarios. We are pleased with how Mr. Manu adapted this important topic for our boys, and we truly enjoyed the experience.

 

 

A Farewell Dinner At CDB

Our senior volunteer and friend to the boys visited last night and treated them to a delightful sushi feast as a token of appreciation for his time at Champs Des Bois. As he prepares to leave for university, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering support and dedication to our young students. Thank you for everything you’ve done; you will be greatly missed!

Talented Photographer in CDB

We are proud to showcase Mana’s latest photographs. He has been attending an after-school photography club all year, and his teacher has praised his progress and the quality of his work. We will continue to encourage him to further develop this skill.

Great Pentecost Day

The boys cycled with Mr George 15 Km straight after breakfast, they truly enjoyed riding their bikes and later in the day they went on a  trip to Luna Park in Lausanne. Whilst Jin completed the final designs to the tepee sheets.  Our project is almost done 🙂

Gonet Geneva Open

On Saturday, our own tennis fanatic Jin went to the Geneva open to watch some first class tennis. He stayed the whole day and watched all the games that the Centre Court had to offer. Amazing experience!

A Journey Through Time

As you stroll along the corridors, immerse yourself in Champs des Bois’ latest project through history and time.

From the Magna Carta to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, each milestone represents a step forward in our collective quest for dignity, equality, and justice.

Enter the realm of the samurai, where honor, discipline, and courage reign supreme.

From the genius of Isaac Newton to the brilliance of Albert Einstein, our timeline celebrates the towering figures whose scientific discoveries revolutionised our understanding of the universe.

Immerse yourself in Anne Frank’s diary, penned in the midst of World War II, offers a poignant glimpse into the life of a young girl grappling with the horrors of persecution and prejudice. Their stories on our timeline serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a solemn vow to never forget the lessons of history.

Among the pages of history, we find the universal language of football, a sport that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. As we celebrate the passion and camaraderie of the beautiful game, we honor the athletes who have graced the pitch with their skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Finally, our house’s timeline isn’t just a chronicle of events; it’s a reflection of our shared humanity and the enduring quest for justice, knowledge, and excellence. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we are bound together by a common heritage and a collective aspiration for a better world. So, as you walk past our walls, take a moment to pause, reflect, and draw inspiration from the stories held on our walls.

 

 

Performing Arts Evening

A Night of Marvellous Performances

This evening, our auditorium was transformed into a stage of inspiring talent, the students showcased their exceptional abilities in vocals, instruments, and stage acting. It was an evening filled with electrifying energy and breathtaking moments, leaving the audience utterly captivated. Congratulations to all the students and to our boarder Mana who played beautifully his violin and looked the part.

 

Bird Feeder Project

During the woodwork workshop last weekend, the boys made a bird feeder for our garden, It took them 3 hours to complete. Our senior helper Coco assisted the boys to put the finale touch. The results is just fantastic!

Pillar 5 Wellbeing: Making Safe and Responsible choices

We have embarked on our last Pillar of the year, supporting students to understand how peer pressure can affect their decisions. During this topic, we will discuss their views and develop some strategies to overcome any issues they might face. Mr Manu House Parent in Concha Annex is leading this Pillar and he has visited us in CDB to introduce this topic.

May Sports Challenge

The boys at Champs Des Bois partook in the May Fitness challenge. Today’s challenge was: How many ‘around the worlds’ can you do with a ball in one minute? Transferring the ball around your waist as quickly as possible.

We achieved some of the highest scores in the school, well done boys!

Hello weekend!

Hello weekend!

The boys from Champs Des Bois enjoyed the warm spring evening with a fun game of football. The perfect way to ‘kick off’ the weekend!

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend ahead.

Fun Hiking Afternoon in Saint-Cergue with Mr. Nathan

CDB students embarked on a hike to explore Saint-Cergue. Mr. Nathan’s passion for the outdoors ignites a spark within each student, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds them. They’re all about climbing trees and finding awesome spots in nature. It’s all laughs and adventure as they make memories and soak up the outdoors together.

Sushi Workshop :-)

Thank you so much to Ms. Lucelia, our wonderful activity leader, for organising all the groceries to permit such a fantastic workshop for our boarders. We had a blast diving into the art of sushi making! Each student had the chance to craft their own unique sushi creation, mastering the delicate technique needed to seal the rolls perfectly and achieve those flawless, evenly sliced pieces that hold together beautifully. Lunch was an absolute triumph, and we’re all eager to repeat this experience again in the near future.

 

The Jump Spot

Sunday was a fantastically bouncy day. We went to the local trampoline park and spent all afternoon jumping, racing, flipping and flopping. We were all very tired from all the fun we had when we got back to the school campus.

Gaming in VDL

On Saturday we visited another of our neighbouring Boarding Houses, Villa du Lac. They were kind enough to let us play on their PS5 and we all played a racing game.

Guitar Hero

Donny was amazing in his Guitar Assembly. Alongside his peers from Guitar Club they played a beautiful piece of music from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

A Warm welcome back to CDB Boarders

We missed each and every one of you, and we hope that your Easter break was filled with joy and relaxation spent among cherished family and friends. Now, let’s embark on this final stretch of the academic year with enthusiasm, determination, and a positive mindset, aiming for successful achievements and embracing every opportunity for happiness along the way.

 

Weekend Updates

Another creative weekend, the students enjoyed cooking, and baking. We had a couple of visitors for a playdate, Jin attended a great session of pilates and Mana and Kimi went to the thermal baths in Lavey.

Festichoc Versoix

The largest festival in Switzerland dedicated to chocolate, a family-friendly event with free entry which brings together more than 30 Swiss artisan chocolatiers. Tastings, sales, exhibition of chocolate sculptures, activities and food stands allowed us to have a delicious… & chocolatey time!

Weekend Clubs

Well done to the boys in CDB for always being enthusiastic about joining clubs. Just this weekend we’ve had boys take part in Cooking Club, Tennis Club, Art Club and Climbing Club. It’s nice to see them so active and making the most of their weekend.

Fulfilling Day :-)

The boys started their day making a wonderful black forest gateau. They brought me back a huge slice, the cake was creamy and light in texture. I truly enjoyed it! After lunch, we went to Geneva, where the stores displayed some incredible chocolate selections for Easter. We finished our evening in front of a good movie with our guest from OP Boarding House.

Fast and Futuristic Cars

Kimi and Donny had a fantastic time at the amazing Geneva Motor Show. There they saw old cars and all types of new innovations from car makers. They had lots of inteligent questions about how cars will progress in the future. All the boys showed good behaviour towards the House Parents who went with them.

Welcome, Come On In!

It was a nice to have some of the boys’ friends from Old Portena Boarding House over on Sunday afternoon. They played outside on the swings, kicked about the football, bounced on the trampoline, played a game of ”Jenga!” while singing songs together and also played Hide ‘n’ Seek. We were all very grateful that our guests had baked a nice chocolate cake for us too. Thank you, it was very tasty!

 

Football Fans

A perfect way to spend the afternoon, a little kick about with the boys. Final score 4-4 and well done to all boys for playing so nicely together and working hard.

Busy is the New Happy!

Students participated in their weekend activities, and they started helping me with planting our seeds in time for spring planting outside in the garden beds. We went to our local grocery shop to get some essentials. As twilight descended, we extended an invitation to the Old Portena girls, joining together to immerse ourselves in an old classic: Titanic. The movie swept us away, evoking emotions that saw each of us sharing in heartfelt moments, shedding a tear or two as we were captivated by the film’s profound resonance.

Ice Skating Stars

Sunday the boys put their skates on and were all keen to learn or improve their skills on the ice. They all showed great enthusiasm to push for better technique and had a fab time while doing so!

Jump Around!

Our fantastic Boarding Activity Coordinator booked us in for a thrilling day at the trampoline park in Geneva. The boys were very happy and excited to jump and chase each other.

Pillar 3, Microaggressions “2nd phase completed”

As part of our ongoing well-being program, we discussed a sensitive topic during Phase 2: microaggressions. These are subtle words or actions that unintentionally discriminate against individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds. After educating our students about the impact of microaggressions, we facilitated discussions where they shared real-life instances where they had encountered such behaviour.

To make these experiences tangible, we encouraged them to express their encounters through cartoon strips. This creative outlet allowed them to depict moments when they felt saddened, rejected, bullied, or subjected to racial inequality. By addressing these issues head-on, we empower our students to understand and articulate their emotions, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic community.

Mountain Weekend at Leysin

Embarking on Weekend 2 for all our boarders, we found ourselves in the middle of the breathtaking beauty of Leysin, a remarkable ski resort nestled in the mountains. Thank you to our Camp team who organised this amazing weekend gateway, we came back well-recharged.

Swiss Kahoot !

Today, students tested their knowledge of Switzerland, and each team put in a great effort to earn the most points. Team 1 and Team 2 both scored 25 points, while Team 3 emerged victorious with 35 points. It was a fun time with our fantastic prefects!

Snow Topped Mountains

What a fantastic weekend we enjoyed in the mountains, a fresh layer of snow made for perfect conditions on the pistes and the sun kept shining throughout the whole weekend. Some of our boys went skiing, we also had snowboarders and a few of them joined non-skier activities such as tobboganing and igloo building.

Nurturing Well-being: Pillar 3 Focuses on Cultivating Positive Friendships and Relationships

As part of our well-being program; Pillar 3 has begun! In our ongoing commitment to holistic well-being, this takes centre stage, dedicated to the cultivation of positive friendships and relationships. At Champs des Bois, our boarders recently engaged in a collaborative brainstorming session to explore the nuances of this crucial aspect of personal growth. Excitingly, we are set to embark on a series of weekly activities, each thoughtfully designed to underscore the significance of recognizing and fostering the characteristics that define positive friendships.

Each week will introduce a distinct and engaging activity aimed at reinforcing the importance of positive friendships. From team-building exercises to reflective discussions, these activities are crafted to impart practical insights and skills that enhance our collective ability to build and sustain positive relationships.

Week 1 & 2: Identifying characteristics of positive friendships and reflecting on the type of friend you are. How can I be a better friend?

Week 3:Delving into international friendships and addressing microaggressions.

Week 4:Examining toxic friendships and relationships.

 

Weekend On Campus!

The weekend kicked off with an exhilarating start on Friday evening as we delved into the world of jungle puzzles. The boys, brimming with enthusiasm, were determined to conquer as many puzzle pieces as possible. However, Mr. George couldn’t resist the challenge and ended up putting the finishing touches on it. Little did we know, that once you start working on a puzzle, it becomes an addictive adventure that’s hard to walk away from!

In the afternoon the kitchen became a hub of creativity as we embarked on a baking adventure, concocting a banana and chocolate cake that left our taste buds dancing with joy. The boys participated in a fantastic cookery workshop where they crafted cordon bleu paired with creamy mashed potatoes.

As the day progressed, Donny revelled in the exhilarating experience of scaling new heights and other boys revamped the old flower pots this activity added a therapeutic touch to the already dynamic weekend.

Let it Snow!!!

Look! it’s snowing outside! Let’s Go and Play!

Students loved playing snowball fights, slip and slide, running down the hill, snow angels and a fat snowman. Simply having fun before it melts away.

SNOW you are truly magical 🙂

2024 has arrived!

Exit 2023, enter 2024. We are delighted to welcome back our boys to Champs Des Bois. During the arrivals weekend, the boys have been helping us to spruce up our home. Aiding our French language learning along the way.

Wishing you all a fantastic year ahead!

Grade 4 Snowflakes Pantomime

Christmas festivities at school always bring an abundance of joy and entertainment. Today’s highlight was undoubtedly the splendid pantomime put on by Grade 4 students. The combination of enchanting songs and captivating acting truly made it a remarkable spectacle.

Donny delivers his lines flawlessly while commanding the centre stage. Ending the term with such a fantastic showcase filled everyone with immense pride.

Such moments truly make the holiday season unforgettable.

Winter Ball 2023

Seasons greetings!

On Saturday 9th December, Champs Des Bois dressed up to attend the annual Winter Ball. It was a beautiful occasion with all boarders in attendance. There was food, dancing, photos and important speeches. Well all enjoyed it and look forward to the next school celebration that brings all of our boarders together.

Boarding Award Ceremony

Today was a day of immense pride for CDB House as we celebrated the outstanding achievements of three remarkable students.

  • Mana’s triumph in clinching the Best Boarding Live Award speaks volumes about his exceptional attributes and dedication.
  • Chika’s win for the Best Boarding Activities Award. His enthusiasm and commitment to actively participate in all after-school activities and engage in various clubs during the weekend is truly commendable.
  • Jin, whose remarkable academic accomplishments have earned him the best Academic Achievement Award with 85%.

Well done boys 🙂

Gingerbread Competition

Another delightful evening spent crafting our annual gingerbread house competition, with the kids turned out to be quite an adventure this year. Despite a few mishaps with the foundation collapsing, we had an absolute blast exploring our creative sides.  A couple of biscuits and smarties might have mysteriously disappeared while we were hard at work constructing our masterpiece. The competition among the boarding houses was fierce, but it added an extra layer of excitement and joy to the experience. I will let you know the result soon!!

Happy 11th Birthday

A great birthday celebration, we were spoilt with cakes and homemade pizzas made by our grade 12 students as part of their CAS project. Our best wishes to Muyan, and may all your birthday wishes come true.

Time to deepen our Swiss Knowledge

Each month, Champs des Bois students and house parents deepen their knowledge about Switzerland. This month, the focus is on natural landmarks, famous monuments, and historical places.” Keep checking our blog to discover next month’s Swiss topic!

World Children’s Day 2023

 

A moment of immense pride for our Champs Des Bois Boarders unfolded when their painting was enlarged into a billboard proudly displayed at the entrance of CDL. The students found great joy in participating in this project on World Children’s Day. The concept revolved around a painting created by the students, symbolizing the essence of love and a warm embrace of inclusion for children worldwide. The underlying message of this artwork is to raise awareness and serve as a reminder that children’s rights must be honored, safeguarded, and fulfilled, regardless of their location in the world. Irrespective of diverse cultural backgrounds, every child deserves an equal opportunity to soar and carve their own unique path. This concept is represented by painting the children uniformly in grey, while using contrasting colors for the worlds and doors to depict the diverse possibilities and experiences children face globally, each with their own set of limitations and challenges.

“I would like to extend a huge thank you to Mr. Roger, the Senior House Parent from Leman, for selecting CDB for this project, and to  Ms Manuella, the digital content creator for the billboard.”

Celebrating connections Pillar 2

Embracing Unity in Diversity!

Students gathered to discuss and reflect on the similarities and differences that make each of us wonderfully distinct. To bring these insights to life, we employed a Venn diagram exercise, pairing roommates to explore the intricacies of their individuality. The beauty of this exercise lies in its simplicity. Students eagerly shared in conversations, discovering facets of their roommates’. The Venn diagrams, serving as visual representations of their discussions, became windows into the rich tapestry of our diverse community. Through exercises like these, we celebrate the uniqueness of each student and house parents.

Enjoying the Theatre Show

What a spectacular show we saw this Sunday! We went to La Rosey and they told a wonderful story about a siberian tiger, and an incredibly talented sand artist was creating art simultaneously with the play that was being performed.

Being inside on a rainy Sunday

On one of those rainy Sundays, we thought to enjoy various indoor activities and games, we had senior visitors who joined in and we made a start on a painting project. Whilst others boarders went to Cailler chocolate factory and Tennis lessons.

Happy 12th Birthday!

Happy 12th birthday Yingfan! 🎉🎂🎈

May this year be full of exciting adventures, new discoveries, and wonderful moments. Enjoy every moment of being 12 and make beautiful memories to cherish. Here’s to an amazing year ahead and a fantastic birthday celebration!

Boarders Vs Day Students

A truly enjoyable game took place between CDL day students and boarders, Thank you to our dedicated colleague Perrine who organised this wonderful entertainment for us all. Despite losing, we can only congratulate the boarders for their performance.

J’apprends le Français

C’est merveilleux de voir nos élèves du secondaire s’investir avec autant de dévouement dans l’enseignement du français et partager leur bonne humeur avec les jeunes internes. Ils ont consacré du temps à préparer des jeux interactifs pour captiver leur attention et passer un moment agréable. Un grand merci à eux pour leur précieuse contribution et leur engagement envers l’apprentissage et le partage de connaissances. C’est grâce à de tels efforts que notre communauté scolaire prospère. Bravo!

Amazing Mana!

Today, our grade 5 student Mana was the only boy from Champs Des Bois to run the 5km race organised by our school. Both students and staff took part in the race. And our very own Mana was a medal winner. We are all so proud of his bravery and determination. Well done Mana!

 

Happy Last Day Of September :-)

On a beautiful sunny day, the students enjoyed the afternoon in our garden exploring, playing and gardening, especially in a world filled with screens and gadgets, there’s something truly magical about watching students getting their hands dirty in the soil and discovering the wonders of nature up close.

Je parle Français

As a school, we couldn’t be prouder of the initiative taken by our Prefects and senior boarders. Their willingness to share their knowledge and make learning French fun is an opportunity for senior boarders to connect and mentor younger students.

Weekend At CDL

We have a wide variety of amazing Clubs and Activities to offer in Collège du Léman. It’s wonderful to see our young boarders so engaged in these wonderful opportunities!

Lake Leman

This afternoon we all went for a lovely stroll to the nearby stoney lakeside beach. We spent time chatting, skimming stones, enjoying the wildlife and admiring the spectacular views across the water.

Middle School & Primary Teachers at Champs Des Bois

Teachers paid a special visit to our boarding house. It was an afternoon filled with warmth, excitement, and a delightful afternoon tea.Our students took immense pride in guiding their teachers through the boarding house, offering insights into their room setups, and all the communal areas in the house. It was a chance for teachers to connect with students on a personal level, to understand their daily routines, challenges, and joys.

Thank you to our dedicated teachers for taking the time to engage with our boarding house students. Your presence today meant the world to them, and it’s moments like these that make our school community truly special.

Exploring Switzerland: A Journey of Learning and Discovery

 

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey of discovery and education? At Champs Des Bois, we’ve launched an exciting initiative to learn more about the beautiful country we call home – Switzerland. Our goal is to dive deep into Switzerland’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique traditions. Each month, we’ll search for a different aspect of this incredible country and test our knowledge with engaging Kahoot quizzes.

Month 1: Switzerland Cantons

Month 2: Landmarks that Define Switzerland

Month 3: Savoring Swiss Delicacies

Month 4: Navigating the Lakes of Switzerland

Month 5: Scaling the Swiss Mountains

Month 6: Putting Knowledge to the Test with Kahoot Quizzes

What’s Next?

Join us on this educational adventure as we discover the hidden gems of Switzerland and foster a deeper appreciation for the place we call home. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into our monthly explorations.

 

Pillar 1 The better sleep Challenge!

Our focus this week centred around one of our essential pillars – the significance of adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy balance in the lives of our young boarders. 

The importance of this foundational pillar cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in our young boarders’ growth and overall well-being. Here is an overview of what we covered: (Understanding sleep, creating healthy sleep habits, unwinding before bed, reading, meditation, and yoga) We also watched an interesting video adapted to their age to understand why sleep is important.

The students voted to follow a weekly challenge to meditate 15 minutes before bed. This method can assist them in winding down and achieving a state of calm before bedtime. 

Mountain Bliss

 

A perfect weekend escape for CDL boarders at Fiesh Resort, the students shared unforgettable moments, breathtaking views, and lifelong memories in this mountain haven. Thank you to our fantastic Camp team who organises these fabulous outings.

Hello Weekend, I am So Happy To See You!!

Looking for an adrenaline rush and some serious outdoor fun? Look no further! This weekend, our boarders have two fantastic activities lined up that are guaranteed to get their spirits soaring – Acrobranche and Paddle Boarding! 🌊🌲 Others enjoyed joining a new woodwork workshop and watering our vegetable-raised beds 🙂 We decided to end this beautiful day by stopping at our local grocery store for some essentials.

Weekend Clubs at CDL

We are lucky to have such an amazing variety of activities and clubs over the weekend. Our children chose a nice mix between sporty and hands on activities, cooking, wood works, climbing and tennis.

Homework In Our New Home – CDB

We started off this evening with a little bit of studying. Nothing too serious, we wanted to see the children’s reading levels. Some of our young ones wanted to get an early start in learning French and Mr. Alex is here and ready to help with pronunciation.

Music Performance Grade 3

Bravo, young musicians!

I want to take a moment to applaud and celebrate the grade 3 exceptional musical performance. Your talent and dedication were truly remarkable, and you captivated the audience with your wonderful music and singing abilities.

Well Done Ms Picasso and her Team!

I Love Sunday

Donny was at the observatory learning about space, he came home enchanted with his day trip, and the rest of the boys enjoyed an afternoon by the pool. Today was our last Brunch together, we took time to enjoy this copious meal and discuss our summer plans!!

YESSSSS IT’S SATURDAY :-)

 

Donny ran and Bomb Dived in the pool, he swam, swam and swam until closing time.  LOVE IT

Thank you Coach Roquain, My last private tennis lesson of the year!!

Nicholas attending his classmate’s birthday, a nice day at Aquapark

Boys having fun in the garden, Big thank you to Ms Bea for this archery set!!

Bravery at its best!!!

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ― Nelson Mandela 

Jin was anxious about this fun boat activity, so I accompanied him this morning when he saw the first student in action. He took his courage and overcame his fear! The quote above just resonated with this FABULOUS Achievement.

 

 

End Of Year Get Together!!

Today, we shared a wonderful moment with the students, teachers, Boarding staff and all the people who made this experience memorable for the young boarders. This afternoon’s drinks were a token of appreciation. The students were able to make little speeches, and they were presented with their end-of-year boarding portfolios. which they truly loved!!!  I knew this personalized present will give them their timeline since their arrival at Collège du Léman.  Thank you Everyone for being part of this wonderful Journey at CDB:-)

Judo Belt Ceremony

Remarkable graduation ceremony, every child was awarded a new belt, and we had a chance to try some katas, this sport teaches students to learn about the values of perseverance, respect, loyalty, and discipline. Well done Donny for this great achievement.