Continuing our actions on Pillar 2, we at Olympus have taken a closer look at what respect means in our community. We asked each of our boys to share their views on respect. To emphasise the diversity within Olympus, we encouraged them to express themselves in their native languages.

The responses were varied and insightful, reflecting different cultural understandings of respect. We selected a few of these to display in our lobby. This not only highlights the diversity of our group but also offers a glimpse into how respect is perceived differently by each individual.

This initiative is part of our effort to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives within Olympus.

At CDL, we believe in fostering an environment where every student feels valued and respected. This half-semester, we’ve taken significant steps under the second Pillar of our Well-being Programme, focusing on ‘Protecting against Bullying and Respecting Diversity.’

Celebrating Race and Ethnicity

We kicked off with an insightful challenge centered on Race and Ethnicity. Understanding that diversity is our strength, we asked our boys to explore and celebrate the similarities they share with their roommates. This exercise went beyond mere discussions – students recorded videos and audio clips, sharing their reflections and insights. It was heartening to see how this activity brought them closer, highlighting that beneath the surface, we have more in common than what might separate us.

Addressing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The following week, we delved into a more sensitive yet equally important topic: sexual orientation and gender identity. Recognising the complexities and personal nature of these subjects, we introduced an innovative approach. Our advocates set up a platform for anonymous inquiries, allowing students to express their doubts, fears, or questions without any embarrassment or judgment. This initiative has been instrumental in fostering an environment of understanding and empathy.

Fostering Inclusivity for People with Disabilities

We turned our focus to inclusivity for people with disabilities. The boys were challenged to think about how they could make our boarding house more accessible for a disabled peer. Their innovative ideas addressed various needs, including enhancements for individuals with reduced mobility, visual impairments, and hearing difficulties. This exercise not only sparked creativity but also deepened our understanding of the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities. It was inspiring to see our students engage so thoughtfully with this important issue.

Today we did the wrapping for our Gift Box Appeal. The boarding community donated money for us to be able to buy the items needed and a group of boarders gave up their time to pack the boxes and write personalised messages. This is always an annual highlight of students coming together for a good cause to share their love and support for others. We were happy to be represented in Olympus by Nikolai, David and Artem.

@thatboardingvibe CDL Gift Box Appeal!!! #thatboardingvibe #giftboxappeal #giftwrapping #giftbox #giving #shoeboxappeal #cdl ♬ Christmas Is Coming – DM Production

As part of our Wellbeing Programme we are embarking on;

Pillar 2: Protecting Against Bullying and Promoting Diversity.

At CDL, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. As we embark on the second pillar of our Wellbeing Programme, our dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful community has never been more evident. This week, we have taken the first steps in what we hope will be a transformative journey for every member of our community.

We are particularly proud to have student advocates taking the helm in guiding us through this pillar. These passionate individuals have been instrumental in creating initiatives and discussions that challenge us to think deeper about what it means to truly embrace diversity and stand united against bullying.

The theme of our first week has been discovering and appreciating the similarities that exist between roommates from different backgrounds. It has been an enlightening experience to see students engage in dialogue, share stories, and find common ground amidst their diverse cultures, beliefs, and personalities.

Last night we started this with You-How doing a speech to the boarding house, followed by Kostya presenting a game to promote unity.

@thatboardingvibe Happy Halloween at CDL Boarding #thatboardingvibe #spookyhalloween #fancydress #schooldressup #halloweendinner ♬ Spooky, Scary Skeletons (House VIP Remix) – Crystal Knives & Lex Allen

Another month has come and gone, and with it, another unforgettable house dinner at Olympus. These monthly gatherings are not just about the delectable dishes we indulge in but also about the comfort and camaraderie we find in each other’s company. Amid the bustle of daily life, it’s a gentle reminder of the family we’ve found away from home, in this very boarding house.

This month, it was Mexican themed. As the inviting aromas wafted through the room, it was clear that something special was about to be served. The buffet was a visual feast, with colourful dishes spread out, inviting everyone to partake.

But as much as the food was the talk of the evening, the real essence of the dinner was the atmosphere. Music played, laughter echoed, stories were shared, and memories were made. New students felt the warmth of inclusion, while seniors nostalgically relished in an important part of house spirit.

The much-anticipated CDL Basketball Match between the boarders and day students took place on Wednesday, and the energy was palpable. This isn’t just any regular basketball game, it’s a friendly rivalry that embodies the spirit, talent, and camaraderie of all students at CDL

From the onset, the gym buzzed with excitement. Students showed support for both teams with cheering squads, representing both boarders and day students.

The game itself was a testament to the skill and passion of the players. The boarders, with their well-coordinated plays, showcased their strengths in teamwork and strategic moves. They made swift passes and had a solid defence.

In the end, while there was a winner and a loser, what stood out more than the score was the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by both teams. The handshake line post-game was filled with smiles, mutual respect, and a few friendly jabs.

As we finish Pillar 1 on our Wellbeing Programme, we conclude that sleep is a vital aspect of keeping our body both physically and mentally well. We share with you a reflective essay by Mikhail ISAEV, on the importance of sleeping and Procrastination.

Many of us struggle with procrastination, and it occurs more frequently than we might imagine. It happens when we put off tasks that we know we should complete, such as studying, chores, or assignments. Instead, we spend our time scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, which are purposely all designed with the intention so that we stay on them for hours and continue procrastinating. That explains why TikTok is so addictive. This infinite loop continues because every time you scroll until you find something you like, dopamine is released in enormous amounts. Although it may appear innocent, procrastination can have some negative effects.

Stress can result from procrastination, which is one of its major minuses. When we put off doing anything until the last minute, we frequently speed through it, which might make us feel uneasy. For instance, if we wait until the night before to start an assignment like a presentation that is due in a week, we might not do our best work and not finish it. Which might also cause us to lose sleep, and that could make us feel tired and stressed out and affect how well we do in class and at school.

As I’ve already stated, procrastination can have an impact on our academic performance. We might perform less well on tests or assignments if we put off studying or finishing our homework. And we know that for teenagers like us, sleeping is an essential part of our life. Experts recommend for 8 to 10 hours of sleep, procrastination can affect our sleeping schedule and thus mess with our sleeping cycle which can cause serious consequences, as I have already previously stated.

Another problem with procrastination is that it can become a habit. The more we put things off, the easier it becomes to keep doing it. It’s like a cycle that’s hard to break. We might start to feel like we can’t get anything done, which can hurt our self-esteem and ego.

So why do we put things off? There may be several causes: Like when we simply don’t feel like accomplishing the task and would prefer to do something more enjoyable. Or sometimes we put off the chore because we don’t know where to begin since we feel overwhelmed by it.

But procrastination can be overcome. Knowing when we’re doing it is one of the first stages. If we see that we are delaying anything, we should stop and consider why we are delaying it and how it makes us feel. The task can then be divided into smaller, easier to handle steps. It may seem less overpowering as a result.

Setting objectives and deadlines might be beneficial. A clear schedule for when something must be completed can encourage us to start earlier. It’s similar to following a road map.

In conclusion, procrastination is a widespread issue that can result in stress, poor academic performance, and a feeling of frustration. However, with awareness and a few techniques, we can overcome it.

By Mikhail ISAEV

On Wednesday, the Leman Dining room transcended its usual charm to become a vibrant corner of Thailand. This transformation was not merely about food but a celebration of the rich international tapestry that makes up our boarding community. As we stepped into the dining area, it was impossible to miss the traditional Thai adornments that hung gracefully, echoing the intricate patterns and colours reminiscent of Thailand’s illustrious heritage.

To ensure an authentic experience, we brought in external caterers, specialists in Thai cuisine. Their expertise was evident in every bite, as they masterfully blended the quintessential sweet, sour, spicy, and umami flavours that Thai food is celebrated for.

In essence, our Thai night at the Leman Dining room was more than just a meal; it was a tantalizing treat for the senses and a heartwarming reminder of the beauty that lies in embracing and celebrating diverse cultures.