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.

Have a great holiday!

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.

Brunch at College du Leman: A Tasty Tradition

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.

House Olympus Valentine’s Day Recap

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! ❤️⚡

Olympus Boarding House International Dinner Night: A Celebration of Culture

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.

 

 

Brilliant Displays of Leadership and Learning in Olympus House

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!