After some hectic months, the first semester has come to an end. At Léman Boarding House, we wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our boarders and their families. Thank you for the memories, laughter and fun times that filled our days! We are so proud of how much the children have learned and grown in just a few months. We are excited to see what adventures next year will bring.
Please, remember the house will be closed until Saturday, January 10th at 9am.
The Léman boys proudly marked the Escalade tradition by breaking the famous chocolate marmite! This custom dates back to 1602, when Geneva was attacked and, according to legend, a brave cook—Mère Royaume—spilled her boiling cauldron (marmite) onto invading soldiers, helping protect the city. Today, breaking the chocolate pot symbolizes unity, courage and the triumph of the republic. Following tradition, Mohammed—the eldest—and Nathan—the youngest—joined together to smash the marmite after proclaiming, “Qu’ainsi périssent les ennemis de la république!” (“Let the enemies of the republic perish!”). A joyful and meaningful celebration for all!
Getting ready for the smash…
It was an explosion of Swiss chocolate!
Michael took to the stage in the afternoon to perform a dramatic piece for his English course and he absolutely shone! His confidence, expression and natural talent were incredible to watch. We’re truly amazed by his acting skills and so proud of everything he achieved!
The stage is yours, Michael!
We can only see talent in this picture
Every Wednesday, the Léman boys look forward to their traditional international dinner and this week’s Canadian menu was a real highlight. The cafeteria served a comforting selection of dishes, including pulled-beef poutine with crispy fries, a beetroot and squash side, a tasty vegetarian poutine option and fluffy pancakes for dessert. The boys really enjoyed sharing the experience together. Meals like this not only bring variety to their week but also create a warm, sociable moment for everyone to connect.
Look at those empty plates!
These three loved tonight’s dinner!
Sooooo good!
The Léman boys enjoyed a cosy dinner at home this week, sharing a delicious meal of Nasi Goreng in a relaxed atmosphere. With the entire cafeteria to themselves, the evening felt warm and personal, giving everyone the chance to chat, make jokes and connect. The smaller setting allowed the boys to bond not only with one another but also with the house parents, making it a simple yet meaningful moment of community.
They had two and even three meals!
Look at this masterpiece!
Some Léman boys proudly took part in Geneva’s iconic L’Escalade race this weekend and successfully completed the course. L’Escalade is a historic run that winds through the narrow streets and steep slopes of Geneva’s Old Town, commemorating the city’s 1602 victory against a surprise night attack. Today, it brings together thousands of runners in a festive celebration of endurance and community spirit.
Our students showed impressive commitment, determination and teamwork throughout the event. We are extremely proud of their enthusiasm and the effort they put into representing Léman so positively. A fantastic achievement for all involved!
Ready to make history
Look at these powerful runners!
This Saturday at Léman Boarding House was full of energy and variety, with students taking part in a wide range of activities. From tennis matches to climbing sessions and friendly badminton games, everyone found something to enjoy. After a fun and active morning, the group headed into Geneva to spend the rest of the day exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the city together. It was a great balance of sport, bonding, and weekend adventure.
Everyone was impressed by Oleg’s climbing tactics 😲
Momo and Aryan playing some tennis together 🎾
As every weekend, Muhan joined the badminton activity 🏸
After the Boarding Awards ceremony—where several of our Léman boarders proudly received well-deserved recognition—we gathered in the cafeteria with other boarders for a special Finnish-themed dinner. It was a wonderful way to continue the celebrations and enjoy a taste of Nordic culture together. The menu was a true highlight: venison stew with lingonberry, spätzli with chestnuts, creamy carrot purée with nutmeg, and dark-bread tartines topped with fresh cheese, avocado, and smoked salmon. To finish, we had in warm cinnamon rolls that got everyone amazed!
Say cheeeese 📷
“Come on, Mr Victor, let us eat!”
We celebrated Vini’s birthday today in the Léman kitchen, gathering to sing and enjoy chocolate cake. We’re grateful for the positive energy he brings to our community. Wishing him a very happy birthday and a fantastic year ahead filled with great moments.
Thanksgiving at Léman took the place of the usual international dinner this week, but no one seemed to mind. The boys walked over together, joking the whole way, excited for a break from routine. By the time they found their seats, the room was buzzing—everyone catching up, swapping stories, and claiming who was hungriest.
Plates quickly filled with stuffed turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed and sweet potatoes, roasted corn, baked root vegetables, and stuffed squash. Dessert was a chaotic mix of pumpkin pie, apple crumble, and far too much whipped cream.
More than the food, though, it was the laughter and easy conversations that made the night feel special.
Look at those empty plates!
These three absolutely loved the food!
The Léman boarders, who are part of the CDL Team, lit up the Olympus court with an incredible performance against the British School of Geneva. From the first whistle, their energy, teamwork, and determination were undeniable. With clever passing, solid defense, and confident finishing, they took control of the match and never looked back. Their hard-earned 4–1 victory wasn’t just a win—it was a celebration of spirit, unity, and the pride of being part of the Léman community.
Get the ball, guys!
Aitzhan was focused
Nico and Torezhan paying attention to BSG’s potential next moves
This weekend was a lively and energetic one for the Léman boarders, who embraced the wide range of activities offered by the Boarding Department. Designed to keep students active, engaged and in great shape, the programme offered something for everyone. Tennis sessions kept players on their toes, while badminton brought out some friendly competition and fast-paced fun. Those looking for creativity enjoyed a relaxed yet inspiring Art Club, and the cooking workshops were a hit for students eager to try new recipes and flavours. With so many options, the boarders stayed busy, connected and motivated throughout the entire weekend.
Fanyang and Rochelle from LY7 working on some pieces of art
Aitzhan making a delicious cheesecake
Hit the ball, Momo!
Last weekend, CDL’s spirit of Excellence shone brightly in Madrid, where Masafumi, Adi and Kipras achieved an outstanding victory in an international volleyball competition. Representing CDL with determination and pride, the trio demonstrated the hard work, discipline and teamwork that define our school’s core values.
Throughout the tournament, they showed remarkable skill—serving with precision, defending with focus, and supporting each other at every point. This win is more than just a medal; it is a powerful example of Excellence in action. Masafumi, Adi and Kipras proved that striving for the highest standards, stepping out of our comfort zone and working collaboratively lead to exceptional results. 👏
We are incredibly proud of their achievement and the way they represented CDL on the international stage. 🤩
Look at those winner team bright smiles! 😀
Already showing the trophy off at the airport 😀
This weekend, CDL hosted an exciting Climbing Competition that brought together talented students from across boarding houses, showcasing skill, determination, and plenty of team spirit. Among the standout participants were Oleg and Ignacy, proudly representing the Léman Boarding House. From the very start, both climbers demonstrated impressive focus and confidence, tackling challenging routes with a mix of strength, strategy and perseverance.
Congratulations to both climbers on their outstanding achievements and representing their house with such dedication. Their performance was truly inspiring and a great example of the spirit of CDL sports.
Later in the afternoon, we received the final results. On the first place, we could see Ignacy, with 239 points. We are beyond proud to have the winner in our House! Oleg closed the podium, finishing in third position with 180 points, setting the standards high as well. 🏆
Both of them prove CDL’s spirit of Excellence, something we are celebrating this week.
Our Winner, Ignacy, was thinking of the victory after every movement he made!
Oleg was ready to give his best, and he did!
Round of applauses for this fantastic team of climbers! 👏
As every Wednesday, the Léman boys got to enjoy an international-themed dinner in the cafeteria.
Today’s menu was a crowd favourite and the boys could not stop talking about how delicious everything was! The crispy Korean Fried Chicken with its sweet and spicy Gochujang glaze disappeared in no time, while the savory Pajeon and perfectly seasoned Japchae added a comforting touch to the meal. To finish, a scoop of ice cream provided the perfect cool ending to a nice evening. It was another successful international dinner, leaving everyone satisfied and already looking forward to next week’s theme!
Those dishes look delicious!
Say cheese!
Today, Farid turned 18 and we celebrated it the Léman way!
As usual, cake was brought to the table and Farid and other Léman boys could gather and celebrate this milestone. They shared stories, took pictures and tried a delicious chocolate cake together. We wish you a nice day ahead, Farid and hopefully you achieve all your goals!
Once a month, the boys at Léman Boarding House enjoy a Dinner at Home—a relaxed evening where they have the cafeteria all to themselves. This month’s menu was a crowd favourite: burgers with chips and cookies for dessert. Everyone could choose from a wide range of toppings to build their burgers—crispy lettuce, melting cheese, tangy pickles and some sauces.
Having the cafeteria to ourselves made it feel cozier and personal, as the cafeteria is usually quite busy. Conversations among one another and with House Parents flowed easily whilst enjoying the simple comfort of good food and good company.
Look at those empty plates! 🍽️
Mr Max making sure everybody gets great portions 🍔
Bon appétit, les gars!
