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.

Celebrating Internationalism: André, Gabriel, and Leandro Showcase Brazil

One of the most exciting aspects of attending a global boarding school is the wealth of diversity and culture all under one roof. Our monthly boarding assembly serves as a testament to this very essence, and this month’s edition was a true spectacle.

In a bid to promote internationalism, three Olympus students – André, Gabriel, and Leandro – took to the stage and turned the spotlight onto their vibrant homeland. With a perfect mix of enthusiasm, pride, and a hint of nostalgia, they painted a vivid picture of Brazil – its culture, traditions, landscapes, and the undying spirit of its people.

The boys spoke eloquently about Brazil’s rich musical heritage, from Samba to Bossa Nova; the nation’s love for sports, not just football but also volleyball, capoeira, and the famous Brazilian Grand Prix; Brazil’s diverse cuisine, leaving many mouths watering with the descriptions of feijoada, brigadeiros, and acarajé.

Our school’s aim has always been to celebrate and understand the tapestry of cultures that each student brings. André, Gabriel, and Leandro’s presentation was a testament to this mission, proving that when students share their backgrounds, it enriches the entire community.

We applaud the effort and courage of these three young men. Stepping onto the stage and presenting in front of peers can be daunting, but they did so with grace and fervour. Their initiative has undoubtedly sparked interest in many others to share stories from their own corners of the world. Here’s looking forward to more such enlightening sessions in the future!

Our boarders in Olympus made the best of another weekend.
Participating in many different activities, they managed to exercise and enjoy themselves. This weekend we had Chess, Climbing, Cooking, Golf, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Running, Tennis, a Football Stadium match and a trip to the theme park Walibi.

Some of our boarders also took part in the planned trip to Disneyland, where they had a magical time.
This was another weekend filled with fun, happiness, energy and new experiences.

🌍 Happy International Translation Day! 📖 Today, we celebrate the unsung heroes who bridge the gaps between languages and cultures. Translators not only enable communication, but they also play a pivotal role in fostering understanding and unity in our diverse global community. This works in our international community to as we learn, exchange and acknowledge the wealth of languages within our boarding community.

On Friday, 29th October, College du Leman celebrated with a “Welcome Back BBQ” for all students and their families. The event was filled with delectable food, engaging activities, and captivating live performances from our school’s talented students.

In a commendable effort, some students ran a stall selling mooncakes. Their initiative wasn’t just entrepreneurial; it was also charitable. Every cent of their profit is being channelled towards charitable causes in Morocco. Additionally, their endeavor served as a heartfelt nod to their homeland, honoring the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Above all, the highlight was witnessing our students laugh, immerse themselves in new experiences, and further solidify the bond of our boarding community.

For the topic of Pillar 1, we will be discussing SLEEP

Sleep. It’s something we all do, and yet many of us undervalue its significance. This year, as part of Pillar 1: Healthy Body, Healthy Minds, we have embarked on an enlightening journey to delve deep into the mysteries of sleep and its paramount importance.

Guided by the Pillar Advocate Ms. Perrine, an enthusiastic team of students has taken the lead in championing this cause. Through comprehensive research and dedication, they’ve unveiled the multifaceted nature of sleep, and its impact on our cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and physical health.

Why Is Sleep So Crucial?

Contrary to the notion that sleep is just a passive activity, it’s a time when our body performs several vital tasks. Our brain consolidates memories, making it easier for us to recall information. The body repairs cells, restores energy, and releases hormones that are essential for growth and stress regulation. Without proper sleep, our ability to concentrate, make decisions, and even interact socially can be severely hampered.

The dedicated students, under Ms. Perrine’s guidance, have crafted enlightening educational videos that were showcased during our house meetings. These visuals not only elucidated the science behind sleep but also offered actionable techniques to enhance our sleep quality.

One compelling challenge set forth by this team is the adaptation of at least one sleep-enhancing technique. For instance, did you know that the blue light emitted by our phones can interfere with our sleep hormones? That’s why it’s advised to distance oneself from electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Meditation, on the other hand, calms the mind and can significantly improve the quality of our sleep.

We commend the unwavering commitment of the Pillar 1 team and Ms. Perrine. Their endeavour underscores the school’s dedication to holistic well-being. As this knowledge resonates across the globe through our blog, we hope that everyone takes a moment to reflect on their sleep habits. After all, nurturing our minds and bodies begins with a good night’s sleep.

This year we are excited again to introduce our Wellbeing Programme. We consider this as our boarding curriculum much like the students have their academic curriculum in school. We have grown this programme over the past years into a successful and engaging series of pillars for our students.

We have five Pillars to our programme;

Healthy Body, Healthy Minds
Respecting Diversity and Protecting Against Bullying
Building Positive Friendships
Online Safety
Making Safe and Responsible Choices

Going to a boarding school in Switzerland gives students a great chance to learn French, a language spoken by millions of people around the world.

To help our boarders learn French in a fun and easy way, Mr Ishaan has started putting French word labels on different items around the house. This means while grabbing a “pomme” (apple) or sitting on a “chaise” (chair), students can learn new words every day!

Plus, one night a week, we’re making house time extra special by speaking only in French. This gives everyone a chance to practice what they’ve learned and chat with friends in a new language.

By learning French, students can make new friends, discover French books and movies, and feel more at home in Switzerland. So let’s have fun learning French together!