LG Outdoor Programme

The summer term featured an unforgettable expedition where our students embarked on a thrilling journey of camping, climbing, rafting, and surfing. They experienced the beauty of nature while camping under the stars, tackled thrilling rapids during rafting, and rode the waves while learning to surf. This adventure fostered teamwork, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. It created lasting memories and instilled a love for adventure in our students, preparing them for future challenges.

ECAs and Weekend Activities

MYP4 and MYP5 students have participated in at least 3 ECAs this term, with some students going above and beyond and signing up for up to 4 activities. The gym has seen high attendance from our boarders who never miss a workout. In terms of ECAs, students have been able to choose from academic subject clinics, creative activities, sports and even helping out at a nearby refugee centre. Before the DP2 exams we decided to privatise the SPA and take the boys for a relaxing session in which they enjoyed the jacuzzi, sauna and cold plunge.

We can't help but reflect on the fantastic weekend activities that our students had the opportunity to engage in. From exhilarating adventures to cultural explorations, our weekends were packed with excitement and new experiences. Here's a glimpse into some of the thrilling activities our students enjoyed:

Archery: Our young archers embraced their inner Robin Hood as they honed their skills in the art of archery. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, they learned the techniques of aiming, drawing, and releasing arrows with precision. The focus, discipline, and concentration required in this sport were evident as our students hit the bullseye and celebrated their newfound prowess.

Scaling new heights, our students challenged themselves on climbing adventures as we ventured into the great outdoors. The teamwork, trust, and problem-solving skills developed during these adventures were invaluable as they cheered each other on and reached for the summit.

Earlier this year, our Primary students had the chance to take part in a mass singing event in London's iconic O2 Arena.

Young Voices brings together young people from all over the world and for our students and staff, it was an incredible experience for many different reasons.

This video sums up just how much it meant to our La Garenne community and why.

Wellbeing Newsletter

INTRODUCING OUR NEW HEAD PREFECT

My name is Myriam and I have the honour to be the Head Prefect of La Garenne International School. I am 17 years old and I am currently studying for the IB diploma. I have been at La Garenne for 2 years and it has been greatly valuable for me. I am very pleased to receive a lot of support from the staff and teachers on a daily basis. Besides that, I love spending time with my friends, going out for activities or doing sports. However, I have to admit that it can be quite challenging to manage my studies and my hobbies. That is why I am doing plenty of things to take care of my mental health in order to manage all of it at the same time. For instance, I like to go out for a walk to get some fresh air, going to the gym, going out to a restaurant, planning my days, tidying my room, reading books and also, taking naps. I believe that our mental health should be our priority and we must take care of it.

MANAGING EXAM STRESS

Just Breathe
"You are strong enough to handle your challenges,
Wise enough to find a solution to your problems, and
Capable enough to do what needs to be done.”
Lori Deschene

For the first time in the history of La Garenne International School, the first cohort of DP2 students is embarking on their IB exams. This is a very exciting but also challenging time for everyone. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when preparing for and writing an exam, but looking after our mental health and our wellbeing during revision and exam time is very important. Here are a few tips that were shared with our DP2 students to help them navigate the upcoming stress:
Step2: High levels of stress tells you that you need to take a break from the stressful sitaution. Here's what you can do:

Laugh with friends
• Eat healthy snacks
• Learn to say no
• Listen to music
• Tidy your study space
• Stretch your body
• Drink water
• Take deep breaths
• Sleep more
• Go for a walk
• Reduce screen time
• Do something creative
• Read a book
• Write a diary

Step 3: Talk to someone for additional support: your boarding houseparents, your health and counselling team, your teachers and school mentors. The whole school would like to wish our DP2 students all the best in their upcoming exams.

WELLBEING IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

It is well known that bringing pets to the classroom has a positive effect on the education of our students: not only do they provide an alternative way for children to learn, but it is also linked to supporting emotional wellbeing. For children who do not have a pet at home, they have the opportunity to see, feel and touch an animal, enriching their curiosity and creativity. The primary section was extremely lucky last week to welcome Sausage the rabbit into their Art class.

EARTH DAY

Since 1970, Earth day has been celebrated annually on 22nd April to raise awareness and to show support for protecting the environment. The first Earth Day started with Senator Gaylord Nelson, an American politician and environmentalist who wanted to raise awareness about environmental issues.
The theme for this year’s Earth Day was Invest in our Planet. This reminds us of our responsibility to give our time, energy and resources to help solve different environmental issues. How can we as individuals help to invest in the future of our planet?

• Reduce plastic consumption
• Join an organisation to plant trees to offset our carbon footprint
• Commit to sustainable fashion
• Use public transport as much as possible
• Turn off the lights when you leave the classroom

La Garenne also plays a role in protecting the environment with our sustainability initiatives. This school year, La Garenne has invested in green energy by installing our own solar energy plant outside Beau Site, as well as investing in two electric minibuses to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air in the community. Every small action can have a big impact when it comes to protecting our planet.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Anxiety, which is one of the most common mental health problems affecting people today. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry and fear that can affect a person in a variety of ways.
Anxiety is a normal reaction that can, in some situations, be beneficial to us in that it can make us more aware and alert. A healthy level of worry or stress can help us in preparing for an exam or an important presentation. However, when this worry becomes too big and takes over our thoughts and feelings, it ceases to be helpful and turns into a disadvantage.

What can we do to cope with feelings of anxiety?

• Focus on your breathing - use a breathing technique that works for you, for example the 4-7-8 system
• Keep a diary of your emotions - this can help you see what triggers your anxiety
• Take time outside in nature - it can help us feel calmer and less stressed
• Exercise on a regular basis during the week. This does not have to be too strenuous. A walk outside with friends can do wonders to our wellbeing

During Wellbeing Week, the students will take part in numerous activities linked to looking after their wellbeing and in particular reducing stress and anxiety levels on a day to day basis. Some of the lunchtime activities that will be run by staff and prefects will be:

• Making your own calm jars
• Make your own stress balls
• Fun and creative workshop linked to anxiety
• Board games and bingo
• Mandala colouring session

FIVE DAILY REMINDERS

I am amazing
I have the power to do anything I put my mind to
I choose to be positive
I will not give up
I will let go of the negative energy surrounding me

MENTAL HEALTH LINKS

Yoga office / screen break
Yoga to release tension
Tai-Chi / Qigong
Meditation
Fitness with Madfit
Tabata workout
African dance lesson
You are not your thoughts
Mindfulness revision

Beau Site Boarding, March 2023

Beau Site is a vibrant place to live and work. Our students are a great bunch of young people who we love seeing grow and mature, as they progress through the year.

Celebrations

Birthday parties, themed nights, music and fun. That's a core part of the Beau Site boarding experience.

Well Being

Being away from home and family for long periods can take its toll. So we try hard in Beau Site to give our students space to relax, to be themselves, and take their minds off homework. Well Being week was an opportunity to do just that.

House Events

Inter-house events are a healthy way to encourage competitiveness. Each term, students take part in sporting challenges and social projects which gain points for their houses - Buse, Lynx, Bouquetin and Cerf.

Weekends

Weekends this term have been absolutely packed with different activities and social events. We've also ensured that students have enough time to get their homework done, call their families, and chill.