School Trips to Iceland and Kenya

This term we have taken the DP1s to London to visit different universities, as well as the whole senior school to either Iceland or Kenya.

During the trip to Iceland, the group had a smooth start with a visit to notable sites in Reykjavik, including a unique lava show. They then explored Þingvellir National Park, swam in the Secret Lagoon, and witnessed stunning waterfalls and geysers. The following day, the students engaged in conservation work, collecting wood chips, clearing branches, and creating benches.

They also visited a geothermal energy plant to learn about sustainable practices. The journey continued with visits to the Lava Centre, glacial lagoons, and Diamond Beach, where icebergs washed ashore. They explored Black Sands Beach and discussed sustainability. The students concluded their trip by returning to the conservation area, working on bridges, completing the forest path, and constructing benches, without forgetting a morning boat ride to see dolphins and whales. Overall, the trip provided a rich experience filled with natural wonders, cultural exploration, and hands-on conservation efforts.

Regarding the trip to Kenya, the photos speak for themselves. Having said that, the students spent a week at the Chyulu Wilderness Camp in Kenya learning first hand about the culture of the Massai Mara people in addition to focusing on the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Project. Highlights from the trip include talking with the Maasai elders; making bracelets with the Maasai women and of course all the wildlife spotted on safari. As part of their CAS project, the boarders painted a local Maasai primary school and interacted with its students. This was for many the highlight of their trip. To offset the carbon emissions generated by the trip, we spent the last afternoon planting trees at the organic plantation.

Fixtures and Sports Day

Sports played a central role this term, bringing together our students and showcasing their athletic skills. One of the highlights was our exciting Sports Day, where friendly competition, team spirit, and celebration of sportsmanship took centre stage. On Sports Day, our students demonstrated their skills and determination across various disciplines. They participated in track and field events, showcasing their speed, agility, and endurance. The air was filled with cheers as they sprinted, leaped, and threw, giving their all in pursuit of personal bests and team victories. Three school records were broken and we are looking forward to seeing new PBs in our next edition.

In addition to Sports Day, our students also engaged in volleyball and football competitions against other schools. These thrilling matches were a testament to their hard work, discipline and teamwork. They strategised, communicated, and honed their techniques, displaying their commitment to their respective sports. A sport where La Garenne has dominated greatly this year is in golf. We won two out of two tournaments and we would like to thank our golf stars.

Welcoming New Students

Every ski season, students join us for an unforgettable ski experience. We have had the pleasure of welcoming people from all over the world, including Peru, Brazil and Iran. These opportunities are incredibly enriching for both campers and boarders. The campers get to ski in the Swiss Alps, while the boarders get to meet new people and new perspectives. We have been extremely proud of our boarders, as they were very welcoming, taking new students out for dinner, showing them around town and giving them a taste of what a real La Garenne student is like. In fact, many campers want to come back, a true statement of our students’ social and empathy skills. Thanks to the boarders, the campers will treasure their newly formed memories of La Garenne and Villars for life.

 

ECAs and Weekend Activities

Due to students’ skiing commitments this term, we reduced the number of compulsory ECAs. Having said that, some of our boarders still wanted to do just as many and we are proud of their proactivity. We have a brand new gym which is used day in day out by our future body-builders. 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. Our most popular options were yoga, robotics and our Wednesday Fondue outing in which we are transported by a ski-doo to the magnificent Solalex Valley.

At the weekend, we make the most of our surroundings, taking students out to explore our own beautiful canton of Vaud, including our students’ favourite: Montreux. We have also been playing padel tennis, karting, relaxing at the privatised thermal baths in Villars, watching movies on cinemas booked only for us, as well as trying out curling and of course hitting the pistes in our ski resort.

 

LG Outdoor Programme

In addition to our weekend excursions, students had to take part in the outdoor programme: they had to choose from ice-climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or ski touring. Additionally, they spent a weekend away at another ski resort such as Grimentz or even Courmayeur at the foot of Mont Blanc. Not only do they gain in confidence - heading down a steep slope on skis can be intimidating - but they also develop the resilience needed to never ever give up.

 

Fixtures, School Challenge and House Competition

Our athletes showed their competitive nature during different fixtures held in and around Villars. We had some fantastic results, including our snowboarders who took home most of the prizes (1st Team Slalom, 1st Individual male, 1st Individual female). Our girls’ volleyball team keeps improving, as does our younger girls’ football team. We would like to thank those students who represent our school and constantly demonstrate their commitment to training, week after week, in as many disciplines as possible. Well done. This also goes for those who travelled all the way to Frankfurt to take part in the MUN (Model United Nations) conference. Last, but not least, our students took part in a school challenge that consisted of running a rather challenging obstacle course. Well done everyone.

 

School Trip (Paris)

Yet again, a rather busy term. Despite this, intrepid boarders took their suitcases (the big ones to make sure some shopping will fit), and headed to the City of Love - Paris. They visited the Tour Eiffel, the Opéra Garnier, the Sacré Coeur, saw a Lion King live performance, took part in a graffiti workshop and before they had time to stop and think, they were back in Villars. Their behaviour was outstanding, so congratulations are in order!

 

Birthdays

We have had many birthday celebrations this term and we would like to congratulate again those lucky boarders who got to do their favourite activity, eat at their favourite restaurant and taste a delicious cake baked freshly by our local partner. Happy birthday LC, Yu, Eloy, Mark, Hugo, Charlie, Carla, Kaloyan, Taiki, Vlad, Shoei and Daniil. Happy birthday also to our boarding colleagues Naji and Mouna!

 

Boarders of the Week

Every week we choose two students who stand out for different reasons. Sometimes it is because of their positive attitude, while for others we acknowledge their contribution towards life in the boarding house, either by carrying out their duties to a high standard, or helping house parents or their peers. The outstanding students this term are:

• 12th January: Camila and Hugo
• 19th January: Sasha and Mark
• 26th January: Ava and Roman
• 2nd February: Maria Laura and Marcelo (winter campers)
• 9th February: Angelika and Alejandro
• 16th February: Carla and Eloy
• 23rd February: Samira and Vlad
• 2nd March: Maki and Taiki

 

As a reward for their contribution this term, our boarders of the week were taken by train to a special evening where we had an exquisite dinner in the middle of our Villars ski slopes, surrounded by a full moon and a clear sky.

This term we have again offered a wide range of extracurricular activities, open to all. Students have been able to choose from academic subject clinics, creative activities and sports. Our most popular options are golf, cookery, trail running, fitness, robotics/3D printing, the stock market club and yoga.

On of the things we are able to do as a bespoke Swiss boarding school, is to make special arrangements for students who show particular aptitude and talents for particular sports. This could be swimming, horse riding, golf or even ice hockey. Andrei is a formidable ice hockey player who trains almost every day, yet manages to combine this very successfully with his academic studies. It means getting up early to go to training, and coming back ready to study in a normal, ice-free classroom!

We also try to celebrate as many festivals as we can. Naturally, Halloween is a great favourite and this year, our students carved pumpkins and the best one got a voucher to their favourite restaurant in Villars.

At the weekend, we make the most of our surroundings, taking students out to explore our own beautiful canton of Vaud and neighbouring Valais. We do not have to go far to enjoy great views. We have also been climbing, playing padel tennis, relaxing at the thermal baths in Lavey, as well as trying out beach volleyball and enjoying the first snow of the season in Saas Fee.

In addition to our regular weekend excursions, we have introduced a more ambitious outdoor programme: students have had to choose from Via Ferrata (rock climbing) canyoning, bridge swinging and mountain biking. These challenging activities push our teenagers out of their comfort zone, teach them invaluable skills and increase self awareness and confidence. An exposed Via Ferrata route makes you dig deep to find your inner courage and strength.

It’s not all fun and games: our students have also taken part in university open days and visited colleges and universities in London. Back in Le Roc, they know the importance of hard work to achieve their goals and study time is increasingly important as the school year wears on.

Every week we choose two students who stand out for different reasons. Sometimes it is due to their positive attitude, while on others we acknowledge their contribution towards life in the boarding house, either by carrying out their duties to a high standard, or helping house parents or their peers:
Boarders of the week
8th September: Georgy and Issy
15th September: Anna and Evgeny
22th September: Ahmad and Dameli
27th September: Kristina and Daniil D
6th October: Eloy and Liza
13th October: Oleksandr and Myriam
3rd November: Sofia and Nikita
10th November: Taiki and Issy
17th November: Donya and Andrey S
24th November: LC and Rino
1st December: Daria and Roman

Thank you to each and every one of our wonderful boarding students for making this term so special. We hope you have a lovely time with your families over the holidays and come back rested and ready for more amazing experiences in 2023.
Alex, Diego, Laszlo, Mouna and Najima