Greek International Dinner

A Taste of Greece: International Dinner Night at Collège du Léman

On Wednesday night, Collège du Léman was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Greek culture for our much-anticipated Greek International Dinner Night.

The dining hall was beautifully decorated to reflect the charm of Greece, with blue and white accents reminiscent of the Greek islands.

This special night wasn’t just about food—it was about celebrating culture and bringing people together. The event, highlighted on the official Greek International Dinner Night poster, encouraged students and staff to immerse themselves in Greek traditions.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this event to life! If you missed it, be sure to check out the poster for a glimpse of what made Greek International Dinner Night such a memorable occasion. We look forward to many more cultural celebrations to come!

Until next time—καλή όρεξη! (Enjoy your meal!)

Pillar 4: Mindfulness

As we enter Week 3 of Pillar 4: Healthy Bodies and Minds, our focus shifts to a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of well-being—Mindfulness. In the previous weeks, we explored Nutrition and Physical Activity, both essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Now, we turn our attention inward, learning how mindfulness can support both our mental and physical health.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment. It allows us to slow down, regain focus, and manage stress more effectively. This week, we will dive into its benefits and explore practical techniques that can be easily incorporated into daily life.

The Power of Mindfulness

In the attached video, Antonio from Italy and Zeynab from Azerbaijan break down the concept of mindfulness, explaining how it works and why it is beneficial. One of the key points they emphasize is its ability to reduce anxiety, helping us navigate daily challenges with a clearer and calmer mind.

Simple Mindfulness Techniques

Here are two practical techniques that can help integrate mindfulness into everyday life:

  1. Go for a Walk – Taking a walk, especially in nature, allows us to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with our thoughts and surroundings. Pay attention to the sensation of your feet on the ground, the sounds around you, and the rhythm of your breathing.

  2. Taste Your Food, Don’t Just Inhale It – In our fast-paced lives, we often eat in a rush without truly experiencing our meals. Mindful eating involves slowing down, savoring each bite, and appreciating the flavors, textures, and aromas of food.

And, of course, a simple yet powerful technique: Take a Deep Breath In – A few intentional deep breaths can help reset your mind, relieve stress, and bring a sense of calm.

Stay present, stay mindful!

Olympus Wins in Spirit

This week marked one of the highlights of the boarding calendar – the annual Talent Show. While we might not have walked away with the prize for the best act, or dazzled with the most talent, what we did bring – in abundance – was spirit.

It was a proud and emotional moment for us to witness our boys come together with enthusiasm and unity. They created a plan, committed to rehearsals, bought their own props, and most impressively, had the courage to get up on stage and perform in front of over 240 people.

Don’t judge us on our dance moves – judge us on our togetherness. What happened on that stage was more than a performance. It was a celebration of connection: a group of individuals, from all over the world, coming together to form a team, a family, a brotherhood.

In that brief moment under the lights, we were one. And that is something none of us will forget.

Olympus House Life This Weekend

We had a wonderful weekend in Olympus, with beautiful weather outside and a relaxed, cozy atmosphere in the house. Sunday’s snapshots from the living room captured it perfectly — Nikolai studying diligently, Evan immersed in his PlayStation game, Bohdan cooking up something tasty, Ikuma enjoying a film, and Nicolas with his friend building LEGO and working on a diamond painting. It was a calm and pleasant end to the week, with everyone finding their own way to unwind and recharge.

CDL Boarding Football Team vs Champittet

The spirit of competition was alive and well tonight as our boarding students took to the court for an intense showdown against Champittet. In a game filled with skill, determination, and teamwork, our team emerged victorious with an 11-9 win, showcasing the strength and resilience of our athletes.

Olympus was proudly represented by four of our boys—Jamil, Sebastian, Nicolas, and Jean-Louis—each playing a crucial role in securing the victory. From the first whistle, the energy was electric, with both teams displaying impressive coordination and strategic play. The match was a nail-biter, with the scoreline remaining tight throughout, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

Wellbeing Pillar 4: Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds

Maintaining a healthy body and a healthy mind is essential for overall well-being. In the first week of our Wellbeing Pillar 4 journey, we explored the importance of a balanced diet, proper hydration, and appropriate calorie intake for adolescents.

A balanced diet ensures that our bodies receive the necessary nutrients to function effectively. We discussed the essential food groups and the recommended portions to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and whole grains, helps provide the vitamins and minerals needed for growth and energy.

Hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental performance. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps with digestion, concentration, and overall health. We also examined the daily water intake recommendations and how staying hydrated can prevent fatigue and headaches.

Understanding calorie intake is key to maintaining a healthy weight and energy balance. Adolescents require a specific amount of calories based on their activity levels and growth needs. Learning how to manage calorie consumption by choosing nutritious foods over empty-calorie options can significantly impact overall health and well-being.

By adopting these healthy habits, we can strengthen both our bodies and minds, paving the way for a more active and fulfilling life. Stay tuned for more insights on Wellbeing Pillar 4 in the coming weeks!

Cooking, Climbing, and Conquering the Weekend!

This past weekend at Olympus was filled with energy and variety, offering students a mix of creativity, fitness, and fun.

We hope you enjoy our weekly email and seeing the activities on offer and encourage your son to participate. We have a unique opportunity for students to improve on existing skills or try something new!

This weekend the Olympus boys participated in cooking, tennis, hiking, boxing, climbing and stretching to name a few.

These moments of connection and activity remind us of the importance of balance in boarding life. At CDL, we continue to create opportunities for students to engage, grow, and make lasting memories together.

Spring Football Season Kicks Off for Olympus Boys

Spring is finally here — and you can feel it in the air! The sun is finally out, temperatures are rising, and the football season is back in full swing. For the boys in Olympus, that means one thing: more time on the pitch doing what they love. Football has always been one of the most popular sports in our house, and with the nice weather finally making an appearance, it’s no surprise that the boys are eager to get back to training and matches.

Two of our boys, Jamil and Maksim, have been especially excited to return to action, since on top of playing for the school team they play also for FC Versoix. After the long winter break, both of them really missed their football sessions — and now they’re making up for lost time, training 3x per week!

Maksim, a big fan of CZ Belgrade and FC Barcelona, plays midfield for the FC Versoix U15 team and had a good start to the spring season this weekend, helping his team to a 4:1 win against FC Donzelle. Jamil, a supporter of Manchester United and also a midfielder, is in the Versoix’s U17 team. His team lost yesterday 2:3 to FC Grand-Saconnex; you can see pictures of Jamil from the match below.

And it’s not just the students representing Olympus at FC Versoix — even one of our house parents, Jack, plays for the first team. It’s great to see the connection between our house and the local football community growing stronger. With so many boys involved and the weather finally turning, it feels like the perfect time for the season to kick off!

Cena Mexicana

Last night, we enjoyed a delicious Mexican dinner – The menu included corn tacos with flavorful beef, nachos with guacamole and Pico de Gallo, tasty red beans and corn, and a chocolate dessert with just the right touch of spices. A perfect way to end the day!

Ice and Land in Iceland

College du Leman students recently explored Iceland, experiencing its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The trip included visits to Skógafoss waterfall, Diamond Beach, and Vik, where students enjoyed breathtaking scenery and unique geological formations.

In Reykjavik, they explored the city’s landmarks, including the Sun Voyager sculpture and Hallgrímskirkja church, and toured a Lava Tunnel to learn about volcanic activity. A highlight was relaxing in the Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, enjoying Iceland’s geothermal hot springs.

Students were also lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights and visited a husky kennel, where they met sled dogs used in film productions. The trip was a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation, providing unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.