What a great half-term it has been. We hope you have enjoyed following our adventures on our blog. This has been a short period, but action-packed and full of fun times and memories made! Enjoy the holiday.

At College du Leman, brunch is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant social tradition. Our diverse selection includes savory options like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and roasted vegetables, alongside sweet treats such as waffles, pancakes, and freshly baked pastries. A variety of drinks, from freshly brewed coffee to smoothies, ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The concept of brunch dates back to 19th-century England, where Guy Beringer coined the term in 1895. He envisioned a more relaxed meal combining breakfast and lunch, ideal for a leisurely gathering. By the 1930s, brunch became popular in the U.S. and has since become a global tradition.

Brunch at College du Leman brings students together, creating moments of connection and celebrating cultural diversity. It’s a time to relax, enjoy delicious food, and build friendships—making it a cherished part of life on campus.

Yesterday, love, friendship, and appreciation filled House Olympus as we celebrated Valentine’s Day! Students secretly sent flowers to friends and loved ones, while the beautifully decorated cantine set the perfect festive atmosphere.

Why Do We Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day traces back to Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who secretly married couples against imperial orders. It also has roots in Lupercalia, an ancient festival of love and fertility. Over time, it evolved into a global tradition of expressing affection through gifts, notes, and kind gestures.

Valentine’s isn’t just about romance—it’s about gratitude and connection. At House Olympus, we celebrate the friendships and bonds that make our community strong. Let’s carry that spirit forward every day!

Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day, House Olympus! ❤️⚡

Food has always been more than just fuel—it’s a way to connect, share, and celebrate who we are. At Olympus Boarding House, students recently came together for an International Dinner Night, a feast that showcased the diverse cultures within our community.

One of the highlights of the evening was the delicious Mexican spread. More than just tacos, the menu featured rich, flavourful dishes, a complex sauce with a deep history.

This night was about more than good food—it was about sharing traditions and strengthening bonds, reminding everyone of the power of culture and community.

Christian played DJ for the house, showcasing Mexican artists like Vicente Fernández and Peso Pluma.

The Olympus International Dinner Night wasn’t just a feast; it was a celebration of identity and togetherness. With full plates and happy hearts, students left with a deeper appreciation for their peers and the stories behind each dish.

Olympus House recently came together for an engaging and insightful session focused on self-acceptance and self-care. Our house representatives, Chris and Sultan, led thought-provoking discussions on these important topics, sparking meaningful conversations among our members.

Chris delved into the concept of “what fills your empty cup”—encouraging everyone to reflect on the activities and habits that help us recharge when we’re feeling stressed or tired. From exercise and hobbies to simply spending time with loved ones, the session was a great reminder of the importance of prioritizing our well-being.

Following the discussions, we amped up the energy with some friendly house competition games. One of the highlights was “Catch the Ball in the Cup,” where our house members put their skills to the test and competed for prizes. The enthusiasm and camaraderie on display truly embodied the spirit of Olympus House!

A massive well done to Chris and Sultan for stepping up and confidently presenting in front of the house. Their leadership and dedication to fostering important conversations were inspiring to us all. It was fantastic to see everyone engaged, learning, and having fun together.

Here’s to more enriching sessions and memorable moments in Olympus House!

This week at CDL, we embarked on a culinary journey to Lebanon! Students and staff had the chance to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Lebanese cuisine, bringing a taste of the Middle East right to our community.

From delicious mezze platters to aromatic spices and traditional dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and kebabs, the dining hall was filled with incredible scents and flavors. More than just a meal, it was an opportunity to celebrate Lebanese culture, its traditions, and its warm hospitality.

Food has the power to bring people together, and this experience was no exception. A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible, it was truly a feast to remember!

From the Olympus blog, we would also like to highlight the important presence of our House Tutor, Callum, on stage. He led the presentation of Pillar II, “Anti-Bullying and Diversity,” summarizing what this pillar has meant for our community.

Key topics such as bullying and diversity are essential in an environment like CDL, where we believe that respect and multiculturalism form the foundation of a good education and harmonious coexistence.

Thank you Callum and Victor for leading this Pillar and helping to make students feel more confident and aware of these important issues.

What better way to start our February assembly than with a beautiful performance of the Chinese zodiac myth by a large group of students, including Edison? Bravo! No doubt, all that effort prior to the premiere was reflected on stage.

A nice representation in which we learned a bit more about which animals are included in the horoscope and the reasons, always with a moral behind them.

Edison took a long time to appear, as his character the pig, the last animal to arrive at the call to form part of the zodiac, required it. But he gave a brilliant and critically applauded performance at CDL.

Most importantly, everyone present had a good time and enjoyed learning a little more about international culture.

Badminton is one of the most popular sports in our boarding community, and Olympus House is no exception. Almost every evening, many students gather in the Olympus indoor gym, engaging in fast-paced rallies and friendly competition. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a social activity where students interact in an active and enjoyable way. In our house, several keen badminton players stand out, with Zilong, Yuchen (both featured in the pictures below), and You-How leading the way.

Badminton is a fast-paced sport that combines speed, strategy, and precision. Originating from British India in the 19th century, it has since become one of the most popular sports in Asia, with China, Indonesia, South Korea, and Denmark producing some of the world’s top players. Beyond its competitive edge, badminton enhances agility, coordination, and decision-making, making it both a physically demanding and mentally engaging game.

Here are a few badminton terms to enhance your vocabulary:

• A shuttlecock (or birdie) is a cone-shaped projectile with a feathered or plastic skirt and a cork or rubber base, designed for high-drag flight in badminton.
• Let – A legitimate cessation of play to allow a rally to be replayed
• Clear – A high, deep shot sent to the back of the opponent’s court.
• Drop shot – A delicate shot that barely clears the net and lands softly.

We had another great weekend filled with an abundance of activities. Here is an interview with Bohdan.

Which activity did you choose this weekend?

Climbing.

Why climbing?

It helps me to train my forearms and control my body better

Do you always choose the same activity each weekend?

Yes

Why?

I tried tennis and cooking before, wouldn’t say I didn’t like it, just prefer climbing more.

What do you think of the Weekend Programme that is offered?

I like it. It helps to students not only make the progress in things they like, but even socialise more