The CDL House Competition heated up this weekend with the fantastic Great Bake Off! Boarders from all houses showcased their amazing talents in creating delicious treats. Our Olympus Boarders baked an amazing Brazilian Carrot Cake with Chocolate Glaze, the kitchen was filled with mouth-watering aromas. Judges had a tough time deciding the winners, as each treat was as delightful as the next. Finally, our creative Olympus team arrived in third place, impressing the judges with their cake. It was a fun-filled event where everyone got to taste incredible baked goodies and celebrate the wonderful baking skills of the CDL community.

Within the vibrant halls of CDL, an entertaining week unfolded, igniting a blaze of excitement and camaraderie among the Olympus Boarders. From calm stretching sessions to the adrenaline-fueled handball matches, the campus echoed with cheers and laughter. Cross-country runs through scenic trails tested endurance, while the climbing wall challenged fears and inspired courage. The Ice Hockey game united the boarders in roaring support, and the Great Bake-Off stirred up a  storm of creativity and teamwork for the House competition.

Once again, Thanksgiving has graced us with its presence, and we gathered to celebrate this cherished occasion. Gratitude fills our hearts for the life we’ve built here, the wonderful friends who surround us, and the unique boarding family we’ve forged. Our Thanksgiving was nothing short of delightful, filled with the savory delights of turkey, potatoes, and a delectable array of pies.

Today, as we bask in the spirit of this special day, let us take a moment for introspection and a deep appreciation for the blessings we hold dear.

@thatboardingvibe

What a wonderful Thanksgiving #thatboardingvibe #thanksgiving #schooldinner #boardinglife #celebratingdiversity

♬ Happy Thanksgiving (The Thanksgiving Song) – Vasti Jackson

The Tuesday Boarding Basketball match between Olympus and Leman was a delightful clash of skills and sportsmanship. The game brimmed with energy as both teams showcased their talent and dedication on the court. In the end, Olympus emerged as the victors, treating spectators to an entertaining and enjoyable match filled with impressive plays and teamwork.

The Olympus boarders at CDL had an exhilarating and joyous weekend, packed with an array of lively activities that embraced the festive and caring spirit. From delving into historical anecdotes at the History Club to scaling new heights through climbing adventures, they could also participate in energizing explorations at the Grand Christmas Park. One of the other highlights, undoubtedly, was the heart-warming involvement in the Gift Box Appeal, spreading cheer and kindness. Their shared experiences not only fostered camaraderie but also instilled a sense of community and empathy, marking the weekend as a cherished memory in their year together.

Today we did the wrapping for our Gift Box Appeal. The boarding community donated money for us to be able to buy the items needed and a group of boarders gave up their time to pack the boxes and write personalised messages. This is always an annual highlight of students coming together for a good cause to share their love and support for others. We were happy to be represented in Olympus by Nikolai, David and Artem.

@thatboardingvibe CDL Gift Box Appeal!!! #thatboardingvibe #giftboxappeal #giftwrapping #giftbox #giving #shoeboxappeal #cdl ♬ Christmas Is Coming – DM Production

On Thursday we had another great night because we had the chance to enjoy a mouthwatering feast within our boarding house that managed to tantalize our taste buds. From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got it all covered. Plus, a warm and cozy atmosphere that made everyone feel right at home.

This dinner isn’t just about the food; it’s about spending quality time together. We managed to catch up, share stories, and create beautiful memories. Everyone enjoyed the good company and made this evening unforgettable.

As for the culinary delights, we savored mouthwatering paellas with tender chicken, zesty pico de Gallo, and some bread. To top it all off, our taste buds were treated to the delightful sweetness of crepes and orange cupcakes for dessert. It was a culinary journey that left us all wanting more.

The Olympus Boarders had an electrifying weekend at Europa Park, revelling in an adventure-filled escape alongside their fellow school boarders. From the breath-taking heights of the Silver Star coaster to the enchanting Fairy Tale Forest, they encountered  a diverse range of attractions, creating an atmosphere of laughter during their time at the park. Sharing experiences on rides like the Eurosat – CanCan Coaster or the Blue Fire Coaster their collective joy was palpable. As the weekend went on, the group found a shared sense of thrill and camaraderie, leaving the park with cherished memories and strengthened bonds—a testament to the joy found in shared adventures among the school’s boarders.

This weekend was again an opportunity for the Olympus boarders to engage in a fun and relaxing time by participating in the different activities organized by CDL. By taking part in activities such as tennis, Climbing, Stretching or the fun and exciting trip to Europa Park, the students enjoyed yet another weekend before beginning a new school week.

As part of our Wellbeing Programme we are embarking on;

Pillar 2: Protecting Against Bullying and Promoting Diversity.

At CDL, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. As we embark on the second pillar of our Wellbeing Programme, our dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful community has never been more evident. This week, we have taken the first steps in what we hope will be a transformative journey for every member of our community.

We are particularly proud to have student advocates taking the helm in guiding us through this pillar. These passionate individuals have been instrumental in creating initiatives and discussions that challenge us to think deeper about what it means to truly embrace diversity and stand united against bullying.

The theme of our first week has been discovering and appreciating the similarities that exist between roommates from different backgrounds. It has been an enlightening experience to see students engage in dialogue, share stories, and find common ground amidst their diverse cultures, beliefs, and personalities.

Last night we started this with You-How doing a speech to the boarding house, followed by Kostya presenting a game to promote unity.