In our house assembly this evening, we heard from Mohamed about the inspiring story of L’Éscalade, an occasion celebrated in Geneva every year!

Mohamed gave us some insights into the history of L’Éscalade, and why the day is so important to Swiss people. In 1602, Catholic troops from Savoy were at the walls of Protestant Geneva. In response, the Genevois people banded together, and defeated the Savoyards through courage, cunning and soup. Particularly celebrated is Catherine Cheynel, a lady credited with driving back the Catholic forces through her use of soup as a defensive weapon.

Mohamed shared the story of Cheynel, and the boys made some good memories through the breaking of a chocolate cauldron, a symbol of l’Éscalade. Great fun was had by all!

As the tradition said, the youngest and the oldest of the household break together the marmite symbolising unity.

Today, three of the Léman boys celebrated Day 11 of Advent, with Domiciano, Nikita and Oscar enjoying their chocolate in recognition of the fact that we are one day closer to Christmas!

The frosted breath of winter paints the skies,
As crystal snowflakes drift on gentle air.
Beneath the silver moon’s watchful eyes,
The earth lies still, in beauty cold and rare.

The trees, now shorn of summer’s verdant grace,
Stand stark against the night, a solemn guard.
Their icy limbs, in frozen lace,
Reveal the season’s hand, both soft and hard.

A quiet peace enwraps the sleeping land,
Its silence deeper than the ocean’s song.
Yet whispers stir where winds caress the sand,
A fleeting hymn where winter’s dreams belong.

Oh, fleeting frost, oh, transient jeweled glow,
In winter’s heart, we find our warmth to grow.

Happy Birthday Michael, many happy returns! We hope you had a lovely day and enjoyed the cheesecake!

Day 10 of Advent typically involves lighting the second or third candle of the Advent wreath (depending on your tradition) and reflecting on themes like joy, preparation, or peace as Christmas draws nearer. If you’re marking the day in a specific way, you might consider a devotional activity, acts of kindness, or creative ways to keep the Advent season meaningful.

Winter’s Embrace

The air is crisp, the sky is white,
A tranquil hush falls with the night.
The trees stand cloaked in icy lace,
Nature wrapped in winter’s embrace.

Snowflakes twirl, a fleeting dance,
A fleeting spell, a frostbound trance.
Each flake a whisper, soft and pure,
A fleeting beauty to endure.

The world seems still, yet life abounds,
In quiet ways, in subtle sounds.
The crunch of snow beneath our feet,
The warmth of hearth, a welcome treat.

Winter whispers, “Rest awhile,
Find peace within my icy smile.”
Though cold may linger, hearts grow bright,
In winter’s calm, we find the light.

The Escalade Race (Course de l’Escalade) is a cherished annual running event in Geneva, Switzerland, held each December to commemorate the city’s historic victory over the Duchy of Savoy in 1602. Winding through the scenic cobblestone streets and historic landmarks of Geneva’s Old Town, the race offers distances for all ages and abilities, from children’s sprints to elite competitive runs. Beyond the competition, the event features a festive atmosphere with music, food stalls, and historical reenactments, as well as a fun costume race where participants dress up to add to the celebration. The race also honors local traditions, such as the symbolic “Marmite,” where families break a chocolate cauldron filled with treats, paying homage to the city’s defender, Mère Royaume. Welcoming runners from Switzerland and beyond, the Escalade Race embodies community spirit, inclusivity, and cultural pride.

The students gathered with excitement and creativity to build a gingerbread house, turning the activity into a joyful and collaborative event. From carefully assembling the walls to decorating with colourful candies and icing, everyone contributed their unique touch. Laughter filled the room as they worked together, turning a simple project into a masterpiece of holiday cheer. The finished gingerbread house was not just a festive decoration but a symbol of teamwork and shared holiday spirit.

Run, run, as fast as you can,
Here comes the jolly Gingerbread Man!
With icing buttons and a cheeky grin,
He’s off on adventures, where to begin?

He dashed through the kitchen, past the old tin,
Dodging the baker with a laugh and a spin.
“Catch me, catch me, if you dare,”
But he’s too quick and light as air!

Through the fields and over the stream,
He’s part of every child’s sweet dream.
Made of spice, and sugar, and cheer,
He brings joy to this festive year.

So keep your eyes open and hold out your hand,
For a visit from the merry Gingerbread Man!

The weekend in boarding was filled with excitement and festive cheer, starting with a delightful visit to a bustling Christmas market, where students soaked in the holiday atmosphere. The fun continued with a variety of engaging activities that brought everyone together. Cooking sessions added a delicious twist to the weekend, as students prepared and shared tasty treats, fostering teamwork and laughter. The entire weekend was a perfect blend of joy, camaraderie, and festive spirit, creating cherished memories for all.

Winter’s Whisper
The world wrapped in a silver hush,
Snowflakes fall in a gentle rush.
Bare trees stretch to touch the sky,
Winter’s breath a frosty sigh.

Footsteps crunch on a sparkling ground,
A quiet calm, no other sound.
Stars like crystals, the moon aglow,
A timeless dance of ice and snow.

Can you figure out this riddle?

I’m a man made of snow,
With a carrot for a nose.
When the sun comes out,
Away I’ll go!
What am I?

What do you call an old Snowman ?

Water

Our students were put to the test by  Mr Gordon who has set a third boarding challenge. He’s challenging their minds to find the missing sentence. Are you up to the challenge?

Day 5 of Advent focuses on continuing the preparation for the coming of Christmas, both spiritually and in everyday life. Depending on how you observe Advent, here are a few ideas to mark this day meaningfully:

Acts of Kindness

• Do something thoughtful for someone in need—drop off a card, offer to help with errands, or donate to a charity.
• Write a message of encouragement or gratitude to someone who has been a blessing in your life.

Family or Personal Traditions

• Light the Advent wreath or a candle to symbolise hope. If you’ve been using a daily Advent calendar, open today’s door or complete the activity.
• Bake or prepare something special as part of the festive season, such as cookies or treats to share.

Creative Activity

• Write a reflection about the things you are looking forward to this Christmas.
• Engage in a craft or activity that brings joy, like decorating or making homemade ornaments.

What are you planning to do for Day 5?

Tonight we had the pleasure to attend our final boarding assembly of the term. It opened with a musical performance by our very own Nikita singing along side our deputy head of Boarding.

Which then followed up with an entertaining presentation by Aril who spoke about his home nation of Albania.

In Advent there is usually a wreath made of pine branches with 4 candles, which are lighted one by one after each week of Advent. The Advent wreath symbolises the course of the four weeks of Advent. We are now in the first week and the first candle symbolises hope and marks the beginning of the Advent.

What did the tree say after a long winter?

What a re-leaf!

Disneyland is more than just a theme park, it’s a place where magic comes to life! From the enchanting castles to thrilling rides and unforgettable parades, every corner invites you to step into a world of wonder. Whether you’re meeting your favourite characters, enjoying delicious treats, or reliving childhood memories, where adults become kids once again, Disneyland reminds us that the magic of imagination and adventure is always within reach.

Today is the first of December, marking the period of Advent leading up to Christmas Day. In order to prepare ourselves for the festive times ahead, we are observing the Advent period through our new Advent calendars. Every day, three of the boys will be opening a door on an Advent calendar and receiving a surprise, getting them in a good mindset for the upcoming days of fun and festivities!

This weekend, despite the chilly weather and the approaching winter frosts, the Léman boys remained active and, as usual, enjoyed participating in a variety of activities, such as Basketball, Boxing and Tennis. Not only do these activities allow the boys to make the most of their weekends by adding variety, they also allow the Léman boys to spend time with friends from other boarding houses.

Samedi du Partage is an annual event of solidarity in November, volunteers spend the day participating together collecting essential items for people that are in need. My experience was great, we were able to fill several boxes with items ranging from sanitary products to food and baby supplies. It was a wonderful opportunity that really opened me up to new social interactions.

Yesterday marked Albanian National Day, a celebration of Albanian culture. Aril took the opportunity to share his national culture with us, wearing his national headwear and encouraging others to do the same. This demonstrates the enthusiasm of the boys within Leman to share elements of their culture with students and staff alike, creating a welcoming and accepting atmosphere.

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of celebrating the various achievements attained by the Léman boys and the boarding community this semester at the Boarding Awards Ceremony. Many of our boys won awards; Special recognition must go to:

Apollo, Liusen, Bisher, Adame and Michael won the Boarding Life award, demonstrating their welcoming attitudes and keen efforts to create and maintain strong bonds within Leman.

Ignacy, Shaokun, Jason, Filippo and Momo won the Boarding Activities prize, showing their enthusiasm in partaking in the many activity opportunities presented to them.

Adi, Adame, Apollo, Asiimwe, Emad and Michael won the Academic Achievement awards, demonstrating their strong commitments to their studies within their various academic streams.

These must not detract, however, from the work done by other students within the boarding house, who have been applying themselves in their work and putting in considerable effort to both their studies and their academics. Our boys have achieved some fantastic things through hard work and enthusiasm, and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the future!

Well done, boys!

Happy Birthday, Kristian! 🎉🎂 Wishing you a fantastic day filled with joy, laughter, and all your favorite things. Here’s to another amazing year ahead! 🎁🎈

This weekend was packed with excitement and adventure! We kicked things off with some friendly tennis and badminton matches, where everyone’s competitive spirit shone.  After working up a sweat, it was time to get creative in the kitchen with a cooking session that had us whipping up delicious treats and laughing over our culinary experiments.

The thrill didn’t stop there—our climbing activity challenged us to push our limits, and it was amazing to see everyone conquer their fears and reach new heights.  For a touch of balance and relaxation, we dived into a refreshing Pilates session, which left us feeling both energised and centred.

Boxing gloves were up next as we sparred through an intense yet exhilarating session that left us feeling strong and empowered. And the cherry on top? A visit to the Cailler chocolate factory, where we indulged our sweet tooth, learned about the art of chocolate-making, and even brought back some goodies to share.

It was a weekend to remember—full of fun, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. Can’t wait for the next one!

This weekend, the Léman boys got involved in a variety of activities, enjoying a relaxing weekend after a busy academic week. Our boys participated in activities ranging from cooking, in which tiramisu was prepared, to climbing and tennis. Some also got involved in the packing of gift boxes for disadvantaged youth, a commendable and constructive use of their time. Great fun was had by all, despite the absence of the much-loved golf sessions and the cold weather setting in!

This weekend, several of our boys got involved in preparing gift boxes to provide support to those in disadvantaged and unstable areas. This occasion represents Collège du Léman’s spirit of selflessness and internationalism and highlights the importance of supporting those in need, wherever they may be. Numerous students got involved, and we are all proud of them for their enthusiasm and willingness to participate. Commendations must go to Eduard, Aijuka and Cheickna in Leman for giving their time to ensure that children and young people in difficult situations can benefit from some of the joys of this time of year. Well done, boys.