Wishing you a fantastic day filled with love, laughter, and everything that makes you happiest! You deserve nothing but the best today and always. May this year bring you new adventures, great memories, and endless joy. Cheers to another amazing year ahead! 🥳🎁🎊
Enjoy your special day! 🎉🎂✨
In less than three weeks, our house organized a performance for the Boarding Talent Show, where students sang, played acoustic guitar, electronic guitar, hulusi flute, and drum box. The highlight was a powerful group rendition of Wavin’ Flag by K’naan, with some students singing while others waved flags from the countries represented in our house. The performance, with students both on stage and around the auditorium, was a fantastic display of unity and cultural pride. We’re proud of everyone involved and can’t wait to see the results tomorrow!
In recognition of the beginning of the Spring season, the weather here at CDL remained excellent, casting long rays of sun over Geneva. As a result, among other long-standing activities offered by the school, Golf was back on the menu! Adi, Nikita, Filippo and Shaokun all took advantage of the excellent weather and hit the driving range, practising their skills in preparation for the warm months ahead. Our boys also took part in numerous other activities, including Tennis, Climbing and Boxing. Some of our boys also travelled to Geneva to take part in the exciting Cube Challenge!
On Saturday evening, the weather was perfect for outdoor activity, with a bright, sunny day transitioning into a warm, golden evening. As the sun began to set, over 20 students gathered on the main football pitch for an exciting match. The fading light created a beautiful backdrop as the game kicked off, and the players, full of energy and passion, dove into the action. Everyone showed great enthusiasm and a strong sense of fair play, making the most of the ideal conditions. The play continued as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, and the students were so caught up in the fun that they played for nearly three hours. By the time bedtime approached, the field was quiet, but the memories of a thrilling, sun-drenched evening of football lingered in the air.
This evening, as it is the night before the Persian Nowruz celebration, Iranian food was on the menu in the Collège du Léman cafeteria! Fragrant rice, tender lamb and delicious slow-cooked vegetables were on offer, taking our taste buds to Iran to experience the deep and layered flavours of their national cuisine. The food was enjoyed by all and great fun was had, with the boys continuing to enjoy their culinary tour of the world from within the school.
“This year, I spent Nowruz far from home, but the warmth of my Persian friends, Paria, Kia, and Emir, made it feel special. Though we were away from traditional celebrations, we still found a way to welcome the new year together. Instead of a classic Nowruz feast, we indulged in steak and pasta—an unexpected but delicious way to mark the occasion. Between laughter, stories, and reminiscing about past celebrations, we created our own version of Nowruz, blending cultures and making new memories. It wasn’t the usual setting, but with good friends and good food, it still felt like a fresh and joyful beginning.” Seyed
What a thrilling, electrifying night for the Panthers! The energy was absolutely contagious as the roar of the crowd echoed throughout the game, fueling the players with unmatched intensity. The fans were a living, breathing force—cheering, chanting, and pushing their team forward with every play. The atmosphere was electric, and it was clear that the Panthers were feeding off the passion in the stands.
Against the formidable College Champittet, the Panthers dug deep, showing resilience, grit, and heart. With every point, the tension built, but the Panthers held their ground, never letting up. In a heart-pounding finale, they triumphed 12-9, proving that when the crowd and team unite, nothing can stand in their way. This victory wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about the unstoppable power of teamwork, determination, and the unwavering support of their fans. What a win!
Every Tuesday some of our boys have photography. This afternoon they went to the lake and captured these beautiful colours of the sky. Ignacy put his modelling skills into practice.
Bravo guys, you are great artists! 📸
A huge congratulations to Bisher and all the CDL students who emerged victorious in the HS Football tournament at Grand-Saconnex! 🏆⚽️
You did it, Bish Bosh – we couldn’t be more proud of you! 🙌🎉 Keep shining!
“The Derby des Bois: The Unmissable Event in the Heart of Nature in Versoix!
More than just a race, it’s a tradition where enthusiasts come together to energetically kick off the season in the Geneva region.
Whether you’re 4 or 99 years old, join us for a fun, friendly, and memorable sporting moment in the heart of the woods!”
Cheickna, our incredible Boarding Ambassador, took on an exciting challenge in our local community by running 5km through the woods! With determination and unwavering spirit, he pushed his limits and stepped far beyond his comfort zone to achieve a personal milestone. His dedication and resilience have not only set a new personal record but have also inspired everyone around him. Well done, Cheickna! You are a true inspiration to our entire boarding community, showing that with courage and perseverance, anything is possible!
Despite the cold, grey skies and the biting chill in the air, the Léman Boys refused to let the dreary weather dampen their spirits. They embraced the opportunity to dive into a wide variety of thrilling and energetic activities offered by our fantastic clubs. Whether scaling towering walls in the Climbing Club, smashing shuttlecocks in fast-paced Badminton matches, or perfecting their serves and volleys on the tennis courts, there was no shortage of excitement. The Running Club energised the crowd with exhilarating races and challenging routes, while Karate, led by the inspiring Mr. Riccardo, saw students channelling their focus and discipline in dynamic martial arts training. For those who loved a bit of everything, the Multi-sport Club offered an exciting mix of games and athletic challenges, allowing students to try their hand at a variety of sports in one action-packed session. And that’s just the beginning! With a whole range of exhilarating activities lined up, the students proved that no matter the weather, their passion for fun and fitness never takes a break.
It has been a very successful weekend!
For the house supper this week, the boys and staff of the Leman boarding house took a trip to Indonesia, sampling the various delectable delights of the country. Savoury and spicy fried rice, sweet marinaded chicken skewers and a refreshing slaw salad were the backbone of our delicious meal this evening.
Great fun was had, and the boys had the opportunity to convene together and discuss, chat and laugh. The house dinners represent a unique opportunity for the boys in the house to sit and talk amongst themselves in a more relaxed environment, thus creating a stronger and more unified culture within the house. What’s more, we all get to enjoy some excellent food!
This evening we had the wonderful opportunity to attend and enjoy the different artistic performances in the Performing Arts Evening. We have been able to see dramatic performances and listen to artists singing, playing violins, piano, cellos, guitars… The evening involved students who have just started their first steps in music and students who are going to university next year to continue their studies in the dramatic arts. Among them we can find Apollo and Michael, two of our Leman boys who are part of the cast of the second musical of Collège du Léman. They opened the evening by singing one of the songs they will perform in this year’s musical, giving us a glimpse of the new play they are working on. And they closed the evening singing This is Me, from the movie The Greatest Showman, along with all the other participants of the evening. We ended the evening on a high note and with the goose bumps of voices and instruments playing at the same time.
Argentinian food is known for its rich flavors and emphasis on high-quality meats, particularly beef. The country’s iconic asado (barbecue) is a social tradition, where various cuts of meat are cooked over an open flame. Empanadas, savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, are also popular across the country. Additionally, dishes like milanesa (breaded and fried meat cutlets) and choripán (a sausage sandwich) are beloved street foods. Argentine cuisine is complemented by delicious pastries such as dulce de leche treats and the famous Argentine wine, particularly Malbec, which pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of the food.
In a perfect illustration of the changing seasons, the weather this weekend was excellent, a considerable contrast with many previous weekends. Consequently, our boys took advantage of the opportunity to spend some time outside in the fresh air by taking part in the Running club. Climbing, Tennis and Boxing were also popular with the boys, with those attending setting positive examples for their peers through their participation in sport. Lastly, for those wishing to put their brains to the test, Chess proved to be popular. Well done, boys – we are looking forward to more weekends like this as the weather warms up!
We want to take a moment to recognise and celebrate Luca, Oleg and Enrico for outstanding efforts, growth and achievements.
Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have truly set you apart, and we are incredibly proud of everything you’ve accomplished.
Keep up the great work – you are all truly deserving of this recognition, and we are excited to see where your continued efforts will take you.
Kelly, Luca and Shaokun went to Iceland during the February Break. Here is a message from Shaokun’s experience:
During our school trip to Iceland, we explored some of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders and historic sites. From towering waterfalls cascading down rugged cliffs to steaming hot springs nestled in volcanic landscapes, every stop felt like stepping into a postcard. We visited iconic churches with unique architecture, hiked near volcanoes, and even had the rare opportunity to witness molten lava up close, a mesmerizing and slightly terrifying sight that made us truly appreciate the raw power of nature.
Despite all these incredible experiences, one thing felt missing: the chance to indulge in Iceland’s local cuisine. I had hoped to try traditional dishes like lamb stew, fermented shark, or freshly caught seafood, but unfortunately, our itinerary didn’t include any stops for authentic Icelandic food. While the trip was undoubtedly memorable, I couldn’t help but feel that tasting the local flavors would have made it even more immersive.
The winter camp in Crans-Montana was a success, providing students with an enriching and adventurous experience in a breathtaking alpine environment. Throughout the camp, participants engaged in a diverse range of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and ice skating. These activities not only offered excitement and enjoyment but also allowed students to enhance their technical skills, improve their coordination, and gain greater confidence in their abilities on snow.
Between the stunning snow-covered landscapes of Crans-Montana, students had the opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the winter season. The experience left a lasting impression on all involved, creating cherished memories and valuable lessons that extend beyond the slopes.
Thank you to our amazing Camps team who organised this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in Crans Montana!!
Following a great start to 2025 and the second semester of the school year, the February Holiday has begun! It has been a pleasure to work with the boys this semester, and it has been a privilege to support their development. We look forward to welcoming the boys back to the Léman Boarding House at the beginning of March to continue a very rewarding term!
Please note that the boarding house will be closed from 09:00 on Saturday 22 February to 09:00 on Saturday 1 March, so please plan return travel accordingly. In the meantime, you can stay connected with the school through the Collège du Léman News app that can be downloaded here.
Happy Birthday Hunter, We wish you a wonderful day and all the success for your new age!
Last night after our dinner at home, some of the kids got out their board games and enjoyed some time and laughter with friends. Some went downstairs and got on the table to play Catan, while others took over the living room sofa to play what’s on my mind. We were happy to see them also spending time with each other and laughing because the game was fun or something funny came up.
These are some matches that we are making in the school. By now, we have won both of them, 10-3 and 2–3. Incredible players with a lot of potential, we combine all the systems in this match, High School and French section, so we get to know each other and make friendships. All grades are allowed, so we can have fun all together with some competition too. – Oscar.
Tonight we had dinner at home. We do this so to spend some time with just the members of the house and to make it feel more like a family, in our case, to spend time with the big family that being from Leman means.
For tonight we have been able to enjoy Mexico and feel it a little closer. We had tacos and guacamole and as one of the Mexican guys in the house said “Sir, esto es cena de campeones” (Sir, this is dinner of champions).
Wednesday was the first assembly after the lunar new year, that’s how Michael opened his section. Together with Filippo they co-directed a small but great play about the history of how the Chinese zodiac signs came about. In the play we could see other boys from the house involved representing the different animals of the zodiac and the Jade Emperor.
The legend
The Jade Emperor, ruler of heaven, called all the animals of the world to a race and said that the first twelve would enter the zodiac. To reach them, they had to cross a river.
In those days, the rat and the cat were great friends. But, although they were very intelligent, they were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. So they decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to cross on the back of an Ox.
The Ox agreed to carry them across the river. However, as there was a prize involved, the rat decided that to win, he had to do something, so he threw the cat into the water: from then on the cat became a natural enemy of the rat and the water. After this, the rat reached the shore and claimed first place in the race, closely followed by the strong Ox, who was named second animal of the zodiac.
Behind the Ox came the tiger, who explained, panting, how he had had to fight the currents and how, thanks to his great strength, he was able to reach the shore and become the third animal.
The fourth place in the zodiac went to the rabbit, who thanks to his jumping ability was able to hop from one bank to the other, although he also explained to the emperor that he would have fallen into the river had it not been for a piece of log floating in the water.
Later, the dragon flew up and told the emperor that he could not get there first because he had to stop to create rain in order to help the people and creatures of the land. In addition, on the final stretch he had come across a rabbit clinging to a log, which he helped by nudging it with his breath so that it could reach the shore. The emperor, surprised by his kindness, awarded him fifth place in the zodiac.
Shortly afterwards the gallop of a horse was heard, but a snake frightened him and made him fall. Thus, the snake finally took sixth place while the horse took seventh place.
A short distance away were the goat, the monkey and the rooster, who were approaching the river bank. The three creatures helped each other to cross: the rooster built a wooden raft for the three of them, while the goat and the monkey cleared the undergrowth and so, rowing and rowing, they managed to reach the opposite bank. The emperor, very pleased with the teamwork of the animals, named the goat the eighth animal, while the monkey and the rooster were given the ninth and tenth places respectively.
Although the dog should have got a good place because he was the best swimmer of all the animals, he was delayed because he needed a bath after the long race, and when he saw the cool water of the river he could not resist. So he was assigned the eleventh place.
Just as the emperor was about to close the race he heard the grunting of a small pig that had started the race when it was very hungry, so soon after the start he feasted and took a nap. When he woke up, he continued the race and arrived just in time to be named the twelfth animal of the zodiac.
Finally, the cat arrived too late, occupying the thirteenth place and unable to gain any place in the calendar, so that his hatred of rats made him forever their bitterest enemy.
This is how the Chinese horoscope would have been created.
During our boarding assembly today, the boys got to see and listen to a broad array of individuals from the school presenting various topics. We had the opportunity to watch several of our boys take part in a uniquely entertaining play on the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year calendar, listen to Mr Antonio discuss a charitable initiative encouraging students to take ownership of positive volunteer work and enjoy the music being played by Samuel. These were just a few of the wonderful presentations that we had the opportunity to see. The boarding assembly is a monthly opportunity for our boys and the broader Boarding community to listen to other individuals present ideas and express themselves creatively.
This evening, the school was visited by a local restaurant who had prepared tremendous amounts of Lebanese for the students and staff. It was a lovely meal and a great opportunity to expand the students’ culinary horizons! Tender beef, rich hummus and fresh lettuce and tomato were just some of the delicious ingredients and foods that were served to us. Overall, this meal allowed the boys to spend some quality time with their peers and to grow to appreciate internationalism in all of its forms.
This year we had 2 ski days in La Tzoumaz. Some of our boys went to make the most of the snow and the ski slopes! It is a privilege for us to be able to provide such opportunities that allow the boys to experience all that Switzerland has to offer. At the end of the day, we welcomed very tired but very happy boys back to the house – we hope you enjoyed yourselves, boys!
Building strong connections with our students is a fundamental aspect of boarding life. Last week, we had the privilege of participating in our Boarding Football Tournament, an exhilarating event held under the lights, where students faced off against the boarding staff in a highly competitive match. The game was fiercely contested, showcasing both tactical discipline and sportsmanship from both teams. In a thrilling conclusion, the staff emerged victorious with a decisive “golden goal.” It was an honour to compete against a team of such character and determination, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie that defines our boarding community.
This weekend, Cheickna, Oleg and Michael took part in a local “Bridge builders” event, attending a social event to meet and spend time with displaced Afghan.
“On Saturday, we want to Bridge Builders – Les Caves Versoix, which was near the school. We had Afghani food when we first arrived, including some delicious bread with sauce prepared by one of the refugees. Overall, the experience was wonderful. We left after hearing an informative discussion and seeing multiple performances by the Afghani people that were present.” – Cheickna.
