International Dinner: Nowruz 😍

Nowruz is a time for renewal, rejuvenation, and new beginnings, and the traditional foods served during this time reflect this spirit. One of the most important dishes is “sabzi polo mahi,” which is a fragrant and flavorful dish made with basmati rice cooked with fresh herbs such as dill, cilantro, parsley, and fenugreek, and served with fried fish. This dish represents prosperity and abundance, as fish is considered a symbol of fertility and rice is a symbol of wealth.

Another popular dish is “kuku sabzi,” a savoury herb and vegetable frittata made with eggs, parsley, cilantro, dill, scallions, and other greens. This dish is often served as a snack or appetizer during Nowruz celebrations.

Other Nowruz dishes include “ash reshteh,” a hearty noodle soup made with beans, lentils, herbs, and spices, and “dolmeh barg,” stuffed grape leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices.

Finally, no Nowruz celebration would be complete without sweets, and one of the most popular desserts is “shirini berenji,” a sweet and fragrant rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and rosewater, and topped with pistachios, almonds, or other nuts.

Overall, Nowruz food is a wonderful and delicious celebration of the arrival of spring and the hope for new beginnings.

Here are some photos from the International Dinner:

 

Talent Show 🀩

Talent shows can be a fun and exciting way for students to showcase their skills and talents and for the school community to come together and celebrate their accomplishments.

For Olympus students, the talent show has been an opportunity to display their diverse talents, such as singing, dancing, acting, or playing musical instruments. Students may have spent weeks or months preparing for their performances, practising their routines, and perfecting their skills.

During the talent show, students likely experienced a range of emotions, from nervousness and anticipation before going on stage to excitement and satisfaction after their performances. They may have also felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as they received applause and positive feedback from the audience.

Overall, the talent show can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for students and can help to build a sense of community and camaraderie among the school community.

Here are some photos of Olympus students in their performance:

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Wellbeing Pillar 4: Online Safety – Scams, Security, Identity theft

Online safety is an important aspect of overall well-being in today’s digital age, and as part of Pillar 4 of the Wellbeing programme, we focused on scams, security, and identity theft.

Scams, security, and identity theft can all have serious consequences for students, ranging from financial loss to damaging one’s reputation or identity. It’s important to be aware of the different types of online scams that exist, such as phishing scams, malware and social engineering. By learning how to identify these scams and take appropriate precautions, individuals can better protect themselves and their personal information online.

In our House Meetings this week the Wellbeing Advocates delivered a presentation on How to identify scams and how to protect themselves.

They also did a Kahoot Quiz to see how informed they are about online safety. The questions were;

What is the strongest password?
______ are messages that try to trick you into providing sensitive information
When shopping online, which payment option is generally the safest?
Facebook can freely use your photos if you do not decline this in your privacy settings- true or false
What does “Accept all cookies” mean?
What is catfishing?
What is the best way to know if a website is secure?
How can you be found online?

 

International Dinner: Portugal πŸ˜‹

Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavours, influenced by a variety of cultural and historical factors. Some popular Portuguese dishes include grilled seafood, salt cod dishes, stews, and pastries.

It was delicious and enjoyed by many. The combination of flavorful spices, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques can make Portuguese cuisine a real crowd-pleaser.

It is also worth noting that food can be an important part of cultural exchange and learning. By sampling different dishes from around the world, diners can gain a greater appreciation for the diverse food cultures that exist globally. The International Dinner may have provided a great opportunity for people to try new foods and learn more about the cultural traditions behind them.

Here, there are some pictures of the International Dinner:

 

⚽ match: students and staff together

Events like football matches can provide boarding students with a chance to bond with their peers and build a sense of community within their boarding house. Students from Olympus boarding house specifically, felt a sense of pride and camaraderie in representing their house on the field.

Overall, it’s wonderful that staff and students were able to come together and enjoy a fun and exciting football match.

Here is a picture at the end of the match:

Weekend fun πŸ“πŸΈπŸŽΎπŸ§—β€β™‚οΈπŸ€πŸ”β™Ÿ

Olympus students had a fun and active weekend engaging in a variety of different activities:

First, Murat, Tim, Ivan, and Gary played Badminton and Ayu played table tennis. Both indoor sports are popular, as they provide a great opportunity to stay active while also socializing with friends. Otabek, Aleksei, Navidreza and Ilya went climbing which challenges both physical and mental abilities and requires focus and strategy.

Secondly, Lael, Murat, Tim, and Richard played basketball and Artem played volleyball. They enjoyed this wonderful sporty time!

Temur went to Lavey’s les bains Spa. It is a great way to unwind and relax after a long week of studying and activities. The spa offers a range of services such as hot springs, saunas, and massages, which could help Temur relieves stress and relax his body and mind.

Finally, Nikolai and Adi played chess, a classic board game that requires critical thinking and strategy and can be enjoyed both individually and with friends.

Overall, it seems that Olympus students had a diverse and enjoyable weekend, engaging in a range of activities that catered to different interests and skill levels.

Here, there are some pictures from this amazing weekend:

International Dinner: Turkey 😍

Turkish food is widely regarded as delicious and diverse. Turkish cuisine has a rich history and incorporates flavours and techniques from various regions, such as the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asia.

Some popular Turkish dishes include kebabs, meze (small plates of appetizers), baklava (a sweet pastry dessert), Turkish delight (a type of candy), and various types of stews and soups. Turkish cuisine also features a lot of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, which contribute to its unique and delicious flavours.

Overall, Turkish food is loved by many people around the world for its variety, flavour, and cultural significance.

Here, there are some pictures of the international dinner:

International Dinner: Bulgarian πŸ˜‹

Bulgarian food is known for its variety, taste, and use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine is heavily influenced by Balkan, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavours.

Some of the traditional Bulgarian dishes include Banitsa (a savoury pastry made with filo dough and cheese), Shopska Salad (a fresh salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and feta cheese), Kavarma (a meat stew), and Kebapche (a grilled sausage made with minced pork and beef).

Bulgarian cuisine also features a variety of dairy products, including yoghurt, feta cheese, and kashkaval cheese. The country is also known for its production of high-quality wine.

Overall, Bulgarian food is considered delicious by many people and is definitely worth trying if you have the opportunity.

Here, there are some pictures of the international dinner:

International Dinner: Morocco πŸ˜‹

Moroccan gastronomy is a vibrant and diverse cuisine that is a blend of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean influences. With its bold flavours and rich textures, it is a feast for the senses.

Tagines, slow-cooked stews of meat, vegetables, and spices, are one of Morocco’s most iconic dishes. They are traditionally cooked in a clay pot and served with couscous or bread. Other Moroccan specialities include a hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, and tomatoes, and bastille, a sweet and savoury pastry filled with pigeon meat, almonds, and spices.

Moroccan cuisine is also known for its use of fragrant herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander, saffron, and cinnamon. Mint tea is a popular drink that is often served with sweet pastries or dates.

Overall, Moroccan gastronomy is a delightful blend of flavours, aromas, and textures that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who experiences it.

Here, are some pictures of this lovely evening: