This past weekend, students from Collège du Léman embarked on an adventurous weekend trip to the stunning Crans-Montana ski resort. Staying at the charming Parc Hotel, the trip was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and plenty of outdoor fun. Here’s a look back at our unforgettable journey to the Swiss Alps.

Friday Evening: Settling In The weekend began with a delightful dinner at the hotel, where students had the chance to unwind and settle into their cozy accommodations. With a bit of free time afterward, it was the perfect way to ease into the weekend’s activities and set the tone for an exciting adventure ahead.

Saturday: Skiing the Majestic Slopes Bright and early on Saturday, we headed to the Crans-Montana ski resort, ready to conquer the slopes. With its altitude ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters, the resort offers 140 kilometers of south-facing pistes that cater to all skill levels. Students were divided into four groups to accommodate their skiing abilities—ranging from beginners (levels 1 and 2) to advanced skiers (levels 3 and 4). Whether tackling gentle slopes or racing down challenging runs, everyone had a chance to enjoy the crisp mountain air and the thrill of skiing.

At lunchtime, we gathered at a mountaintop restaurant to refuel. Not only was the meal delicious, but the panoramic views were absolutely breath-taking, stretching from the Plaine Morte Glacier to the Rhône Valley. From the Dufourspitze to Mont Blanc and even the Matterhorn, the vista showcased a dazzling array of Alpine peaks. Afterward, we skied back down to the resort, where we took some much-needed rest.

Saturday Night: Games and Prizes The fun continued in the evening with a lively board game night. Students played Connect 4, Jenga, and Rummikub, testing their wits and strategy against one another. To top it all off, we hosted an exhilarating bingo night, complete with exciting prizes. The laughter and cheers filled the room, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

Sunday: Sledding and Farewell Runs On our final day, we ascended the mountain once more for a mix of activities. While some students chose to ski again, others embraced the thrill of sledding—launching each other down snowy hills with pure delight. It was a perfect way to wrap up our Alpine adventure.

As the weekend came to a close, we packed up our gear and boarded the bus back to campus. Exhausted yet exhilarated, most of us couldn’t resist taking a nap on the way home. The weekend was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible behaviour and enthusiasm of our students.

Fun Facts About Crans-Montana

• The Crans-Montana region enjoys an average of over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest spots in Switzerland.
• The Plaine Morte Glacier, located at an altitude of 3,000 meters, is a natural marvel and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
• Crans-Montana isn’t just about skiing—it’s also famous for its golf courses, hosting prestigious tournaments like the Omega European Masters.

Thank You! A special thank you goes out to the Camp Department for organizing this incredible trip. Your efforts ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. And of course, thanks to our amazing students for their enthusiasm and good spirits throughout the weekend. Here’s to more adventures in the future!

Last night, the Olympians came together for their final house meeting of the term before heading home for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The evening, thoughtfully organized by our senior house parent, Mr. Gordon, provided a perfect blend of fun, reflection, and camaraderie.

Using the interactive voting platform, Mentimeter, the boys participated in a lighthearted activity where they cast votes on playful questions like, “Who is most likely to become president?” The room was filled with laughter and good-natured debate as results were revealed. To keep spirits high, a spread of snacks—popcorn, biscuits, and crisps—was available for everyone to enjoy.

As the days grow darker and the pace of the academic calendar slows, the Olympians are ready for a well-deserved break. Reflecting on the year, it’s clear that 2023 has been packed with unforgettable moments and opportunities to grow as a community.

From the excitement of trips to Lucerne, Disneyland, and the Montreux Christmas Market, to cultural highlights like Geneva’s L’Escalade Festival and the Europark trip, the calendar has been nothing short of action-packed. On campus, the boys carved pumpkins for Halloween, explored their competitive side during the Boarding Awards, and joined in enriching activities like the ever-popular Climbing Club.

As we close this chapter and look forward to the festive season, we’re reminded of the importance of coming together, celebrating achievements, and cherishing the bonds formed throughout the year. Wishing all our Olympians and their families a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Here’s to a restorative break and an exciting 2024 ahead. 🎄✨

This past weekend was lively and engaging for Olympus House, as the boys threw themselves into a variety of activities that showcased both their competitive spirit and their eagerness to connect with one another. The House Competition League continues to spark excitement, with pool and table football at the forefront. The players battled fiercely for the top positions, but beyond the competition, it was the camaraderie and shared moments of fun that stood out. These games have become a cornerstone of bonding in the house, bringing everyone closer together.

For those seeking a physical challenge, the boxing club at the local sports center in Versoix offered a great outlet. Students embraced the opportunity to hone their fitness and discipline, with regular participants showing growing confidence and skill. It’s been fantastic to see such enthusiasm for an activity that pushes both physical and mental boundaries.

Looking ahead, this week we have a Portuguese Dinner Night, an event that promises to transport us to the vibrant culture and cuisine of Portugal. These international dinners are a highlight of the house calendar, offering a chance to explore new tastes, learn about different cultures, and celebrate the diversity within our community.

Even more importantly, this week marks our Thanksgiving celebration. While Thanksgiving has its roots in American history, the spirit of the holiday resonates universally. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the things we often take for granted—our friendships, opportunities, and shared experiences. Gratitude reminds us of the interconnectedness of our lives and the value of expressing appreciation for what we have and who we share it with.

As the week unfolds, we look forward to these celebrations, knowing they bring us closer as a house and as individuals. Thanksgiving, in particular, encourages us to step back and recognize the small, everyday blessings that make Olympus House a true home away from home.

As autumn sets in, the boys of Olympus House embraced another exciting weekend filled with activities, adventure, and new faces.

Saturday saw a mix of football, basketball, and tennis keeping many of the boys active, while the rock climbing crew—who are building quite the climbing culture—hit the walls both Saturday and Sunday. Others took the chance to relax with trips to Geneva and Versoix, enjoying the autumn air and Swiss charm, while a few returned from memorable trips abroad, including a stop in Milan.

Sunday brought its own excitement as a group of boys headed to the golf course for some fresh air and friendly competition. Meanwhile, the gym was buzzing with others focusing on their fitness, as the Olympus health culture continues to thrive.

The weekend concluded with our beloved Sunday brunch—a spread that truly lived up to its legendary status. From traditional English breakfast options like eggs, bacon, and salmon to fresh fruit mixes, cereals, donuts, and milkshakes, there was something for everyone. And for our international crowd, a fun fact: “brunch” is a blend word, combining breakfast and lunch into one!

Speaking of blend words, here’s a little fun fact to end the weekend on a light note. Blend words like brunch are created by merging parts of two words to form a new one. Some other examples include:

1. Glimmer (Gleam + Shimmer)
2. Camcorder (Camera + Recorder)
3. Motel (Motor + Hotel)
4. Sitcom (Situation + Comedy)
5. Clash (Clap + Crash)
6. Moped (Motor + Pedal)
7. Smash (Smack + Mash)

Just like brunch, these blend words make everyday language more fun and creative—much like our weekends here at Olympus!

Back at Olympus, the fun didn’t stop for the boys who stayed on campus. The sunny weather made it the perfect weekend for outdoor activities like climbing, tennis, and badminton. Our boys showed off their competitive spirit, teamwork, and skill, whether it was racing up the climbing wall or smashing serves on the tennis court. The camaraderie was strong, with everyone cheering each other on and making the most of the weekend at home.

To top it all off, the boys gathered on Sunday for a delicious brunch that featured everything from fresh pastries to hearty dishes. It was the perfect chance to relax, swap stories from the weekend, and enjoy a laid-back end to a busy few days. Whether at Europa Park or at Olympus, the weekend was packed with adventure, laughter, and memories that will last long after Monday morning!

This weekend, our Olympus boys dived into an epic adventure at Europa Park, Germany’s biggest theme park! After a long bus journey (with a pit stop for KFC), we arrived in Rust, just a short walk from both Europa Park and the splash-filled Aqua Park.

Europa Park is no ordinary theme park—it’s like traveling the world in a day! The park has 15 themed areas, each representing a different European country. From the high-speed twists of Silver Star, one of the fastest coasters in Europe at 130 km/h, to the wet and wild water rides of the Scandinavian Fjord Rafting, there’s something for everyone. Some of the boys faced their first-ever roller coaster rides, but by the end of the day, they were pros!

We also stopped for a break at an Italian buffet that rivaled any real trip to Italy—pizza, pasta, and gelato galore! After the day of thrills, the boys had the option to cool off at Rulantica, Europa Park’s Aqua Park, featuring everything from massive slides to wave pools. Fun fact: Rulantica has over 25 water attractions, so there was no shortage of ways to chill out!

Sunday was another chance to enjoy a few more hours in the park before heading back to campus, returning at 7:30 p.m., full of stories and excitement from the weekend!

Recently, College du Leman had the honor of hosting French Senator Éric Bothorel, who shared his inspiring journey from tech entrepreneur to politician. While the senator’s insights captivated the audience, one of the standout moments was a remarkable piano performance by our very own Nikolai Sievers.

Nikolai took the stage in front of over 200 attendees, and performed Schubert’s Impromptu No. 3 on the grand piano. Despite the large audience, Nikolai delivered his best performance to date, earning praise from everyone in attendance.

Nikolai’s musical talent and confidence were a source of pride for the Olympus community, demonstrating not only his dedication to his craft but also the power of the arts in moments of shared inspiration.