Welcome Party Extraordinaire

Last night, we were amazed by the school's annual welcome party. This party is put on by the school to welcome their new tenth graders who have arrived from Japan, as well as to welcome the exchange students from SRSS and MMC. I have rarely seen such a grandiose affair. The food was spectacular, with main dishes, desserts, appetizers everywhere. It included traditional Swiss fare and Japanese dishes and more. It was fun watching the Japanese students take selfies and photographs with our students throughout the evening. 

Here's some photos for you to see!

Tim & Elviene

Trekking

Tim & I joined a number of students yesterday on the first trekking activity. Nathalie, Jodi, & Ben (from MMC) were the students signed up for yesterday's trekking. We took the cable car up the mountain and then trekked downhill from there. The views were breathtaking, even overlooking Lake Geneva. We saw some cows and alpacas along the way, and passed by two little cafes on the trail offering ice cream and traditional Swiss fare. The cows all wear cowbells, which sound a lot like windchimes to me (which I happen to love). 

The weather has been especially hot this year in Switzerland, so this is warmer than usual they say. But we are grateful that we've had a sunny start, as opposed to the rainy summers they can often have.

Today is our first Friday at the school, which means it is the night of the welcome party banquet. I hear they put out quite the spread! We are looking forward to it.

Here's some photos of the trek:

Tim & Elviene

Town Scenery

Yesterday morning, I had the opportunity to go explore the town. The  Japanese partners took the students on a tour a couple of days ago, so they were one step ahead of me. It was a beautiful walk, and I stopped in at a French bakery before heading to the Co-op to pick up some groceries. Our school is located on the upper portion of town, so it's a nice downhill stroll to get anywhere; however, the walk back uphill can be quite the workout! We really are situated directly up the side of the mountain.

Here's some snapshots of the town: 

 

Today, some of us will be going trekking as part of the afternoon activity. The activity will also take us on the gondola/cable car up the side of the mountain. I am sure the views from there will be even more fantastic!

Tim & Elviene

Boarding School Schedule

Students seemed exhausted this morning, as they are adjusting to a very full schedule. Their free time is limited, something most of them are not used to. Here's a run-down of what their day looks like:

7:00-7:45 Breakfast

8:00-12:35 Classes (All students are scheduled for 6 classes per day, in 40 minute slots with a 5 minute break between each - there is one 15 minute break in the middle of the morning. Students are signed up for Japanese or European Studies, Drama, Japanese Language x2, as well as a Graphic Design, Studio Art, or Creative Writing.)

12:35-1:15 Lunch

(Wed) 1:25-1:40 Family Time 

(Mon/Tues/Thurs) 2:00-4:00 Activities (2 of these days with one afternoon off - Students have signed up for activities like hiking, swimming, etc.)

(Fri) 2:15-2:45 Student Assembly

5:45-6:30 Dinner

7:00-9:00 Study Hall in their respective dorms

10:00-10:30 In-room time

10:30 Lights out

For meal times, food has been excellent. Here's a snapshot!

On Monday night, the school put on a welcome BBQ, with BBQ shrimp, pork, and chicken. It tasted excellent!

The students also participated in the Dorm Orientation alongside the new grade 10 students that arrived from Japan on Sunday night. Here's the girls playing a version of Hot Potato. Chantal almost won!

Here's also a couple photos from a Japanese studies class this morning. The class is being taught by Terri, who is our main school staff host during our time here. She looks after the exchange students and their programs primarily. 

Good luck getting your son/daughter to turn their lights out at 10:30pm when they get home!!

Tim & Elviene

Japanese Partners

Yesterday was a great first day, getting used to the class schedule and getting to know the Japanese partners. 

Here's some photos from the day:

The students hanging out at the exchange welcome party in the afternoon, after a full morning of classes.

Here are all the students with their Japanese partners:

Once a week, each Japanese partner is required to plan some intentional activity where they get to know their Canadian partner. It seems as though Mason's partner decided that a nap would be a good idea!

Today is another day of classes and activities. Tonight, students will experience "study hall" for the first time, where they will work to stay focused on their studies for a full two hours.  Let's see how well they do!

Tim & Elviene

First Days in Switzerland

So we have all arrived safely in Switzerland and have been taken aback by the breathtaking views. All the students have a view of the Alps from their dorm rooms. What a change from the flat prairies! 

We arrived here on Saturday morning, very exhausted and jet lagged. We were welcomed by our partners with a lunch and an introduction to our rooms. On Sunday, after getting some rest, students participated in a welcome assembly, as well as an orientation to the rules and schedules of the school. The school schedule and expectations in a Japanese-oriented boarding school are quite different from a Canadian public school; however, our students are adjusting well as they get to know the Japanese students. Many of them have already been able to establish connections with their Japanese partners. 

Today, classes have started and there is a welcome party for our students this afternoon. If you have not yet heard from your son/daughter, take heart... The tech staff was only on campus starting today, so hopefully all will receive wifi access before the end of the day (fingers crossed). 

We are off to a great start!

Tim & Elviene

Waiting for our next flight in the Montreal airport. Can you tell who the sleeping beauties are?

Enroute to Geneva. Some students experienced flying for the very first time! We also caught a glimpse of the Alps from the plane cabin. 

Orientation in Switzerland in the school hall.

The view from the school. Beautiful!