We wanted a different experience and a change from our school and lifestyle. We wanted to ski in the Swiss mountains, meet new people and experience being away from home and our families. We also wanted some independence and when my mum (Sophie) found La Garenne on the Internet, it looked like a great opportunity. We thought one month would be the ideal length of time.

 

 

 

At La Garenne, our aim is to educate the whole person, in the broadest sense of the term. This clearly involves providing the students with a challenging and inspiring academic programme. This we do by way of the IPC and the MYP programmes - and in future via the IB Diploma. However, we also want them to push their boundaries and pursue their passions outside of the classroom. 

 

The Ski Academy is a good example of this. The students have to train hard, often giving up their own time to do so. They also have to manage their training sessions and at the same time be sure to fulfil their academic obligations. We are now in the ski competition season, where our skiers will be racing against the best performers from other schools in the area. This requires not only genuine ability and physical attributes. As is the case in all competitive sports, mental attitude is very important for success. In skiing, the boundary between success and failure can be marginal. The skiers have to take risks and occasionally overcome the pain of defeat. This is all part of individual growth - both as a sportsperson and as an individual. Developing resilience will help them in all aspects of life. 

 

 As one of the ski and expeditions staff pointed out recently: 

 

'It is hard on ski racers, as they train regularly for months but a race may only last 50 seconds and relies on them going incredibly fast..... on ice..... and staying upright.!!' 

 

We wish them every success in the races to come

Safer Internet Day is taking place on Tuesday 11th February this year. `Together for a better internet` is the key message this year. At La Garenne, we are providing opportunities for children to talk about their worries and misconceptions with regards to online safety. We are able to differentiate the learning by teaching Internet safety in class as well as in assembly.

 

In the Primary section, last Friday in assembly, Samantha talked to the children about understanding our online identity and how important it is to keep safe.

 

Well done to the children who achieved the Star of the Week for Communication. It was wonderful hearing all the positive comments from the teachers about our children, we were all left feeling very proud of our Stars!

 

Some children enjoyed creating `Snow` posters which are displayed around the school, the children came up with some wonderful ideas and rules about how to play safely in the snow. These children chose to design the posters in their own time and we wanted to say thank you by giving them a certificate.