A great project in progress with CDB boys, a native American tipi in our own garden! more to follow…

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.

We wish our students and their families a year filled with happiness, health and prosperity. Happy New Year

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.