Wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable October holiday! Whether you’re spending time with family, travelling, or just taking a well-deserved break, we hope you recharge and come back refreshed.

As a reminder, don’t forget to download the CDL app if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to stay up to date on all school notices and important updates.

https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/college-du-leman/parent-essentials/cdl-news-app

Have a wonderful holiday!

This evening at Collège du Léman, we had the pleasure of experiencing traditional Japanese cuisine, and it was an unforgettable evening for everyone. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as we explored the rich flavours of Japanese culture through a variety of delicious dishes.

The cooking team prepared an array of classic meals, including Miso soup, Sushi, Yakitori, Gyozas, Vegetable tempura, and Ramen. Each dish gave us a true taste of Japan, making it a culinary experience that will be remembered fondly by all.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to embrace the warmth and comfort of autumn at home. This season invites us to slow down, savor cozy moments, and make the most of our time indoors. Here are some delightful ways to bask in the autumn vibes and enjoy everything this enchanting season has to offer.

Movie Nights: Chill- out Together

What better way to spend a chilly evening than by curling up on the couch with your favorite movies? Create a mini home theater experience—dim the lights, grab your softest blankets, and prepare a bowl of popcorn drizzled with melted butter. Choose a theme for your movie night—whether it’s classic fall films, spooky Halloween flicks, or heartwarming family favorites, there’s something magical about sharing stories on the screen as the wind rustles outside.

Study Sessions: Support Each Other

Autumn often brings a wave of academic challenges, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to foster a supportive study environment at home. Gather around the dining table with your textbooks, notes, and a hot cup of tea or coffee. Create a study schedule that allows for collaborative learning; quiz each other, share insights, and tackle difficult subjects together. Not only will you prepare for those upcoming exams, but you’ll also strengthen your bond through shared challenges and achievements.

Baking: Sweeten the Season

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through the house. Autumn is the ideal time to experiment with seasonal flavors—think pumpkin spice, pecan pie or in our case: cinnamon rolls. Invite friends into the kitchen for a fun baking session. 

Outdoor Adventures: Soak Up the Sun

On those crisp days when the sun breaks through the clouds, take advantage of the beautiful autumn scenery. The vibrant colors of the leaves create a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor activities. Whether you prefer hiking, walking, or running, being outside in nature is invigorating. Bundle up in your favorite sweater, lace up your boots, and explore local trails or parks. The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the fresh, cool air will rejuvenate your spirit, making you feel more connected to the season.

This evening, Antonio and I laced up our running shoes and hit the pavement, another step in his training journey towards one of his personal goals: completing the Escalade race in Geneva this December. The Escalade, a well-known local event, is a challenging run that attracts participants from all over, and Antonio has set his sights on it with determination.

His commitment to this goal is inspiring. Balancing his academic responsibilities, social life, and other activities, Antonio still finds the time and energy to focus on his training. Each run is a step closer to his goal, and tonight’s session was no exception. It’s amazing to see him push himself, not only to meet expectations in the classroom but also to conquer personal milestones like this one.

With dedication and perseverance, I have no doubt Antonio will cross the finish line in December, proud of all he’s achieved along the way. Keep running strong, Antonio!

After a week full of academic work and school activities, Villa Franconis was hosted a Chinese haute cuisine cooking session:

We also made Pizza:

Everyone created their own version of a perfect dinner, and we shared and enjoyed them all together. The evening was filled with laughter, joy and great food.

On Sunday, the day started with brunch at school which was either followed by a round of golf or meeting up with friends for lunch.

Additionally, some of our students had the exciting opportunity to visit *Europa-Park* in Germany, one of the largest theme parks in Europe. They enjoyed thrilling rides, fun attractions, and a well-deserved break from their academic schedules. It was a day filled with adventure and unforgettable memories.

This past weekend, our boarding students embarked on an unforgettable journey to the stunning alpine town of Verbier. Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Verbier provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with adventure, fun, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories.

From the moment we arrived everyone was excited. Our students quickly immersed themselves in a variety of activities that catered to every interest and skill level. Whether it was hiking scenic trails, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and it was wonderful to see students stepping out of their comfort zones, embracing new challenges, and cheering each other on.

In addition to the organized activities, there was plenty of time for relaxation and bonding. Free time allowed the students to explore the town, connect with friends, and take in the breathtaking views.

One of the highlights of the trip was the sense of camaraderie and teamwork that developed among the students. Whether they were working together to navigate a hiking trail or encouraging each other during a challenging activity, it was clear that this weekend was about more than just having fun—it was about building connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

As we returned to the boarding house, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and joy. The students came back not only with stories to tell but also with new friendships and a deeper sense of community. It was a weekend that reminded us all of the value of stepping outside, trying new things, and supporting one another along the way.

Now, as we settle back into our routines and prepare for the week ahead, we carry with us the spirit of adventure and the memories of a truly special weekend in Verbier. We look forward to more opportunities like this, where our students can learn, grow, and create unforgettable experiences together.

Today, we had the pleasure of celebrating Jeronimo’s 18th birthday! The house came together to prepare and cook a special dinner, and of course, we ended the evening with cake to mark the occasion. A great night of food, laughter, and celebration!

This weekend, the boys in Franconis had an adventurous and active time, enjoying a mix of climbing, evening walks, bike rides, and even a refreshing walk in the rain. It was a beautiful weekend here in Versoix, and they truly made the most of it by staying active and spending quality time with friends. Whether it was scaling new heights or simply enjoying the outdoors, the boys embraced every moment of the weekend.

Antonio climbing on Saturday

Bike ride with Jeronimo

Enjoying a walk in the rain on our way to dinner, the fresh scent in the air was a welcome change after a hot weekend here in Versoix.

This evening, Wenyan, Kaishu, Jeronimo and I decided to go for a walk around the Vita Parcours in the woods not far from the house. For those unfamiliar, the Vita Parcours is an outdoor fitness trail concept that originated here in Switzerland. These trails are designed to combine exercise with nature, offering a unique way to stay active while enjoying the great outdoors.

It was a beautiful evening—the sun was setting, casting a warm glow on the Jura mountains, and the temperatures were much cooler than earlier in the day. We decided to take advantage of the lovely weather to get out of the house and stretch our legs before bed. It was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the peacefulness of the woods.

Wenyan, Kaishu and Jeronimo hanging from one of the exercise stations.

After a long and beautiful summer, we kicked off the new school year with a relaxing and fun-filled first weekend back at our boarding house. It was the perfect way to ease into the academic year and reconnect with friends, both old and new.

On Saturday evening, we transformed our common room into a cozy cinema. We dimmed the lights and enjoyed a movie night complete with popcorn and a variety of snacks. The atmosphere was full of excitement as we all gathered together to watch a favorite film, making it a memorable night for everyone.

Sunday brought a special treat. One of our talented students volunteered to cook dinner for the entire house. The kitchen buzzed with activity as they prepared a delicious homemade meal. That evening, we all sat down together to enjoy the fruits of their labor—a wonderful way to end the weekend.

This first weekend back reminded us of the strong community spirit we have here at CDL. We’re looking forward to many more weekends filled with good food, great movies, and more thrilling chess games!