Les Nouvelles du Régent December 2023 by Le Régent International School

December 2023 - Issue N°4

Les Nouvelles du Rēgent

Be a you can be! “What are your hopes for your child’s future?” To this question, most parents will reply that they hope to see their children healthy and happy. Our hope is for Rēgents to become the best versions of themselves and grow conﬁdent that they can overcome any obstacles and take on any challenge. This is the path to a healthy and happy life. To achieve our mission, we give every child countless opportunities, in class and outside the classroom, to build purpose, character, resilience, courage and belonging - in other words, to be all they can be. It is the unﬂinching determination of the Lens municipality and a handful of Valais residents who shared the same dream of having an IB World School on the Haut-Plateau that led to the inauguration of Le Rēgent in 2015. Nine academic years later, our state-of-the-art boarding school has grown from 30 to nearly 300 students from more than 50 countries. This growth is an outstanding success story, and to quote an SRF journalist, it makes Le Rēgent "the most interesting Swiss boarding school." Determination to be all they can be is what we expect of our students, which is why the phrase has become our school motto. Most children go through academic ups and downs, which is not a cause for concern in itself so long as they always try their best and feel good about themselves. Few children are highly gifted and even they must learn to work hard to fully develop their capabilities. Having a passion and the opportunity to hone one’s skills is a powerful force that unleashes creativity and leads to achieving one’s goals with a happy mind. Success takes hard work and discipline, and to enable our students to reach their full potential, we encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and shape their future. The next generation of problem-solvers will need a solid set of soft skills to complement their technical and academic skills. Moreover, they have to keep in mind that our small planet will have no future unless we all develop a more sustainable lifestyle. With this in mind, we regularly review our curriculum and co-curricular programme to support our students’ personal development and prepare them for a bright future.

-Bernd J. Westermeyer Director General

Editor-in-chief Graphic Designer & Photographer

Véronique Kampmann-Gouabault Jacobo Lasheras - Designs from Freepik (www.freepik.com)

Rēgent in Numbers top ten nationalities

Feeling truly welcome within their school community is an important component for the success of any student at Le Rēgent.

264

RĒGENTS

There is ﬁrst the comfort in a shared experience – a shared pursuit of knowledge, growth, and from time to time, a caquelon. Yet feeling welcome can also come from the warmth of inclusivity, which we TEACHERS achieve in the unique diversity of our school community. Hailing from over 50 nationalities, each student carries the richness of their distinct background, language, and culture, enriching the collective experience of their fellow classmates where no one is a minority. We are reminded when we walk through the corridors, on ski tours and at community events that every student contributes to the reality of inclusivity, and that internationality unlocks a truly special experience at Le Régent.

SUPPORT STAFF

North America

Oceania

Africa

Europe

South America

Asia

-Olivier Gudin

-Soﬁya Cox

Directors of Admissions

A Sister School of Le Rosey Le Rēgent International School and Le Rosey began their close collaboration in 2019, which led to the concept of the Rosey World, a Commonwealth that offers visions for the future of education, development programmes, solidarity and joint promotion between Le Rosey in Rolle and Gstaad, Le Rēgent International School in Crans and John F. Kennedy School in Saanen. Although each school prides itself on having a distinct identity, the sister schools share the same vision of a holistic education aimed at developing all talents and igniting a passion for life. Admissions standards are identical and the process is common for Rosey and Rēgent. The various school communities come together during sporting competitions, musical events and cultural trips.

Celebrating Diversity La semaine de la langue française et de la francophonie (French Language and Francophonie Week) is a unique opportunity to promote the French language and explore global Francophone cultures. The Department of Foreign Languages and French organises every year various entertaining cultural, intellectual, culinary, and literary activities, including the renowned “Mots en Or” contest. French is taking a prominent place at Le Rēgent and many students sit the official DELF (A1 to B1) examinations every year. To celebrate Chandeleur (Candlemas), Le Rēgent student-led charity group C-Sharp organised a delightful celebration, turning the event into a pancake paradise. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly flipped crepes as students gathered to indulge in this French tradition. -Ophélie Behem Head of MFL

CHINESE NEW YEAR Every year, our school community celebrates the Chinese New Year with many exciting activities. The children discover calligraphy, origami and Chinese paper-cutting. The school Chef never fails to delight us with a scrumptious Chinese lunch.

J A P A N E S E

DÍA DE MUERTOS Each year, our Spanish learners come together to celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead and share this traditional Mexican event with the community. They create presentations, and decorate the school to give us all a feel for this tradition. The Chef’s delicious Mexican meal is a real treat!

FO O D

The Japanese IB students supported by Mrs Webber, our Japanese Junior Boarding Houseparent, organised a charity sale of Japanese dishes they had prepared themselves in the afternoon. This highly popular event gathered teachers and students around the discovery of ﬁne Japanese cuisine: curry, sushi, ramen, etc.

INDIAN FESTIVAL Our Indian students presented Diwali or the “festival of lights” during a secondary school assembly, a welcome opportunity for all of us to learn more about the most important and biggest Indian festival. Dressed in their colourful traditional outﬁts, they performed songs and dances and treated our community to an Indian sweet tasting, a shared moment of joy and pride.

Loy

K r a t h o n g FESTIVAL

Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated in Thailand, where you ﬂoat a "krathong", a basket made of biodegradable materials, to pay respect to Lord Buddha, the goddess of water and our ancestors. I was really glad the school helped me celebrate this festival in Crans-Montana. It reminded me so much of my hometown! -Fah, G10

2023 University Admissions Where

are

Rēgents

furthering

their

education after they graduate? As a single country,

the

Amsterdam, IE University in Madrid, and

Looking at the applications at the time of

Waseda University in Tokyo.

writing this article, the 2023-24 scenario appears to be very different from the previous

remained

the

university

applications.

Interestingly, no one in the graduating class

year, with numerous applications throughout

Almost a third of 2023 graduates chose larger

of 2022-23 chose to apply to the United

the United States, in addition to the UK and

cities

Manchester,

States, although many expressed their plans

Western Europe.

particularly when studying Art, Design,

to apply to the US for a master’s degree or

and/or Fashion at some of the ﬁelds' top

further professional programmes after their

This year’s IB1 students attended the October

programmes. Others chose locations such as

undergraduate studies.

CIS College Fair, which gave them the chance

destination

A Sneak Peek at 2024

for

such

London

largest

Edinburgh, Bath, Warrick, or Durham, highly

to meet admission ofﬁcers of over 70

ranked

universities and ask insightful questions

universities

for

Business,

about academic programmes, applications,

Engineering, and tech-related ﬁelds.

and student life. A 10-day tour took a group of Grade 10 – IB2 students to California

The single most popular region was mainland almost

Europe, half

to explore some of the

with

most

the

prestigious

graduating

students

universities in the world,

selecting

programmes

such as Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford.

presented in English in Western

Another

tour

European countries such as Italy,

scheduled in May 2025 to visit the

Switzerland,

most popular universities in England

Germany,

the

and Scotland.

Netherlands, and Spain. Some of these universities specialise in business and hospitality (Bocconi, EHL) as well as science and engineering (Constructor University). Many chose large universities in popular capital cities, such as the University of

UNITED STATES SWITZERLAND

UNITED KINGDOM Durham University Goldsmiths, University of London Imperial College King's College London

American University Boston University

EHL

-Matt Tomich

Glion Institute

Careers & University

George Washington University

Università della Svizzera Italiana

Guidance Counselor

New York University

University of Geneva

New York University Abu Dhabi

University of St. Gallen

Northeastern University

Webster University Geneva

Pepperdine University

London School of Economics University of Bath University of Bristol

CANADA

Santa Clara University

University of Alberta

UC Davis

University of British Columbia

UC Irvine

University of Calgary

UC Riverside

University of Toronto

UC Santa Cruz

University of Edinburgh

EUROPE

University of Glasgow

Bocconi University

University of San Diego

Constructor University

University of Virginia

University of Leicester University of London, City University of Manchester University of St Andrews University of the Arts London University of Warwick University of Oxford

IE University Istituto Marangoni University of Amsterdam University of Leiden University of Utrecht

(St John’s College, Pembroke College, Worcester College) University of Cambridge (Downing College)

Rēgent pour un jour, Rēgent pour toujours

A smooth pathway from

m nu s

Once you graduate from Le Rēgent, you leave the campus and part from your teachers and most schoolmates. However, you don’t leave your life at Le Rēgent behind and you don’t part from the Le Rēgent family. Making sure of that is the alumni association’s purpose. We strive to keep alive the sense of community that supported you over the years at Le Rēgent and we help you fortify the relationships you built with the school community.

We host large reunions, as nt well as smaller events, with all sorts al u / t a o of activities to stay in touch and keep a lum n having fun. Dinners in Crans-Montana, ski competitions, networking events and exploring a new city together, are just a few examples of events that you’ll have the chance to join once you’ve migrated from Le Rēgent International School to Rēgent International Alumni Association. We’ve hosted a university panel, where a few of our alumni volunteered to present their universities to IB students, to give them more of an honest student perspective. We’ve organised several virtual class reunions, a Swiss National Day celebration, as well as a long weekend reunion, which included class dinners, last year’s graduation ceremony, a picnic in the park, brunch and water-based activities in Lake Geneva.

RIAA is planning events all over the world, not just in Crans-Montana - so, wherever you end up after Le Rēgent, you won't miss out! Once you join RIAA, you’ll also have access to a powerful network of alumni, parents, and other school connections worldwide - to help you, no matter what stage in your life you are. Whether you’re looking for an internship, your ﬁrst job, an apartment in a new city or anything else, we’re here to help. RIAA currently counts 100 alumni with four graduating classes. As the school keeps growing, so does the alumni association! Before we know it, we’ll be at 3-500 alumni, which will allow for so much networking - an exciting prospect! We look forward to welcoming you to the RIAA very soon!

-Mikaela Lindstrom RIAA President

BREAKING

NEWS Congratulations

Alumna

Anna

Gorbunova (2021) for being awarded the prestigious Roger Warwick Prize in Anatomy. Anna is a BSc Anatomy Undergraduate

King’s

College

London. The prize is awarded to the best 2nd-year

student

the

Anatomy

Department based on the weighted average of module results.

ploring x E

california states sity Camp

During the October mid-term break, 17 Rēgents, accompanied by Le Rēgent's University Counselor Matt Tomich and Head of IB Jenny Cogbill, visited 11 universities throughout the state of California. The 10-day tour took the group to Los Angeles, San Diego, Malibu, San Jose, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. Rēgents visited the campuses of Stanford University, University of Southern California (USC), CalTech, and UC San Diego. They met in person with admissions ofﬁcers from UCLA, Berkeley and the University of San Diego.

With an average of 2 campus tours per day, the Rēgents were quite busy, however they eagerly explored the Golden State and visited exciting sites including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Malibu beach, the Palisades, Alcatraz island, Sausalito, the redwood forest that makes up the campus of UC Santa Cruz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park.

Le Rēgent University tours constitute a unique opportunity to experience memorable experiences and discover what some of the most prestigious universities in the world have to offer.

-Ibrahim, Grade 10

“The California trip helped me to form a more comprehensive picture of the universities available on the West Coast of the USA. Experiencing the student culture and campus life, and getting a feel for what it's like to be a student at these universities became much clearer and more coherent when touring in real life. This university trip wasn't just an academic excursion; it was a relaxed and social experience. We had the chance to enjoy the beautiful beaches of LA, explore the Getty Center, visit the famous Golden Gate Bridge, experience the beautiful San Francisco skyline and visit many other iconic California landmarks. It was my first time in the USA so the experience for me was twice as good, seeing everything for the first time.”

University Guidance

Preparing for SAT

Navigating higher education options and putting together compelling university applications is not an easy task for secondary students. The role of our university counsellor Matt Tomich is to advise them on further studies, help them understand how subject choices affect university options, notify them of any requirements for studying in different countries, and make their university applications stand out from the crowd. Keeping informed, and building bridges with universities is hence paramount.

Le Rēgent has been partnering with AlphaPrep (www.alphaprep.com) for several years. Experts in their ﬁeld, they specialise in meeting the unique and individual needs of international students who aspire to study in the best U.S. Universities and Colleges. AlphaPrep’s founder Josh Lippman comes to Crans-Montana in person to run face-to-face workshops, in addition to teaching the weekly online classes that our Grade 10 and IB students receive.

To that purpose, Mr Tomich gave a presentation at the Council of International Schools Global Forum on International Admission and Guidance in Dublin, in conjunction with representatives from Durham University (UK), Northumbria University (UK), and the American School of Dubai. They focused on how university counsellors and universities can work together to inform parents how to determine which universities are the ‘best ﬁt’ for students. The Global Forum is an annual event attended by over 400 universities and international schools to meet and discuss the latest developments and trends in university admissions.

breaking news The in-person element of the course has proved to be a great success and our students make vast improvements as they progress through each stage. Most recently, Matias in IB2 achieved an SAT score of 1560 - including a phenomenal perfect score of 800 in Mathematics - on his very ﬁrst attempt! He will undoubtedly improve further with the super-scoring element and hopefully achieve his aspiration to study at MIT.

In addition, Mr Tomich was invited by IE University in Madrid, Spain and the Scottish Universities European group to visit and meet with the admissions team of IE and 6 universities in Scotland, including St. Andrews University, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen, University of Strathclyde and University of Abertay. During university visits, counsellors receive a tour of the campus and the surrounding area, as well as discuss admissions, student life, and the programmes at the university.

-Matt Tomich Careers & University Guidance Counselor

N I G C R E AT I R U T R U

t en

d ya

the cu rri c u l u m : T h ea d to

tre &

ma Pe r f o r

Y T VI

n ce

Ask ten people what creativity is about and you will probably get ten different definitions. However, everyone will agree that teaching creativity fosters critical thinking, instils curiosity, builds confidence, broadens perspectives, inspires collective thinking and can help society overcome prejudices. With this in mind, Rēgents are given endless opportunities to boost their creative skills, with a particular focus on developing The Arts. We ensure that all students receive a rounded and balanced education - an approach that is reflected in our curriculum. Creative thinking is enabled and encouraged through the inclusion of well-chosen subjects. From as early as Kindergarten, students have weekly lessons in Theatre and Performance, Music and Visual Art, which are taught in specially designed and well-resourced learning spaces, making teaching and learning enjoyable for all. As well as the timetabled lessons, there are a range of extra-curricular clubs and activities where particularly passionate or motivated students can dedicate more time to projects and further hone their skills. The subject specialists within the Arts department also organise regular opportunities for our community to participate in dance and theatre performances, art exhibitions, musical recitals and concerts. In addition to the traditional Arts subjects, in our Creativity Labs students work on projects that provide solutions to real-world problems during their STEAM lessons. Designed to empower them, inspire inquiry and curiosity, promote creativity and exploration, and connect their problem-solving to real situations, STEAM is not a subject itself; it is a hands-on approach to education focused on developing key 21st-century skills. This interdisciplinary, process-based

approach

fosters

creativity,

innovation

and

collaboration by combining the practical elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.

An essential skill tha

t wi l l

deﬁn

e the

n ex t

l ve gener a t i o n o f p ro b l e m - s o

There is a relationship between project-based learning, creativity and other 21st-century skills such as communication and collaboration. We have created active learning environments that are meaningful and engaging. One only has to visit our beautifully equipped Art or Music rooms and STEAM labs to see motivated students and committed teaching in action. Curiosity leads to creativity and both lead to happier students who are more prepared to learn and meet the challenges of the future. Organisations such as UNESCO and the OECD value the transversal and soft skills acquired through culture and arts education such as empathy, critical thinking, resilience, creativity, innovation and global citizenship. In fact, curiosity and creativity are more predictive of later academic success than learning to read or count early. Academic research also indicates that creative subjects support the well-being of children and young people. At Le Rēgent, we do not only encourage our students to be practically or artistically creative; we also allow them to have agency over their own learning. From Grades 6 to 10, students work on an independent Personal Project, guided by one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, or another personal ‘passion’. Their sustained efforts over the year will culminate in a summer exhibition where students will showcase their research or pitch their entrepreneurial ideas. The Personal Project is designed to develop the skills and persistence that will be required for the IB Diploma Extended Essay that begins in IB1. -Lisa Raffy Academic Director

Inside

le regent's innovative Creative Labs

Are you ready to embark on an educational journey that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms? Le Rēgent International School is blazing a trail with its cutting-edge Creative Labs, a hub of innovation and collaboration that's transforming the learning experience for our students. Step inside the Creative Labs and you'll ﬁnd a vibrant space designed to challenge and inspire. It's where students from every corner of the globe come together to explore the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM). The Creative Labs are not just another classroom, they're a sanctuary for those who thrive on intellectual exploration. But it doesn't stop there. After school hours, the labs remain open, inviting students to follow their passions, experiment and create. This self-directed, experiential learning approach empowers students to take charge of their education, fostering independence and a lifelong love for learning. The astronaut, Mae Jemison once said, "Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.” Here at Le Rēgent, we take this to heart. We want students to get lost in their projects, to be so engrossed in their learning that the ‘inﬁnite scroll’ on social media takes a backseat to their latest breakthrough. The impact of the Creative Labs is already palpable. From Robotics and Laser Cutting to 3D Printing and Woodwork, students are gaining hands-on experience in a range of disciplines. Our Kindergarten students play in a Teepee built in the lab, our aquaponics vertical garden stands as a testament to sustainability and innovation. Le Rēgent has a lineup of future projects that promise even more creative adventures. From designing a Reading Sofa to the Bufori Evie Engineering Race Team, there's no shortage of opportunities for students to push boundaries and make a positive contribution to our learning community. We're not keeping this revolution to ourselves. We invite parents, community members, and industry experts to join us in this exhilarating journey. Whether you're offering expertise, materials, sponsorship, or simply your support, we welcome you to be a part of Le Rēgent's vision for a dynamic and relevant education. Join us in the Creative Labs, and let's ignite a passion for intellectual exploration together!

FOR MOR

E INFORM

email your ideas to creativelabs@regen tch

ATION

ool.ch

“I love the independence given to us in the lessons, teaching us to solve our own problems. I have really enjoyed being in a team with friends, building a robot and a birdhouse with wood. In the future, I would like to build a table out of wood and 3D print different interesting things.”

-Lupo, G7

“STEAM for me, is not only a fun thing to do but also helps me

-Jon Snell Head of Digital Learning

learn critical skills which I will need in the future. STEAM has made me more conﬁdent with building things and keeping on trying when I fail. Overall my favourite subject is STEAM.” -Garv, G8

ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Academic competitions are a fantastic way to encourage students to get engaged and have fun in the process. Each year, Rēgents attend prestigious competitions. Here are some highlights:

Senior mathematicians in Grades 10, IB1 and IB2 competed in the Senior Swiss Math Olympiad, along with 1500 students from all over Switzerland. The three-round competition to represent Switzerland internationally was fierce. Congratulations to Henny in IB1 for reaching the second round. Henny is now recognised as being amongst the top 202 mathematicians in Switzerland! Round 2 will take place later in the year and the final results will be published in the next issue of this publication. We wish him luck!

Henny, IB1

Alexander in Grade 9 nearly made it to the second round of the Junior Math Olympiad and achieved the best mark in the school followed by Marcelo (Grade 9) and Barnaby in Grade 7. Congratulations!

Barnaby, G7

Alexandre, G9

Rēgents are on a roll. It is now the turn of a group of students in Grades 10 and IB1 to challenge themselves in the Ritangle Team Mathematics Competition, with Henny as the team’s Captain. Go team!

Marcelo, G9

The Physics and Chemistry Olympiads are competitions for motivated high school students. The main goal is to challenge young science enthusiasts and help them connect with like-minded people. IB1 and motivated IB2 students sat the first round online in September. The questions asked can be very difficult: sitting in the grey area between IB and University level, they are designed to test students' problem-solving abilities and application skills. The students require a real depth and breadth of knowledge. Matias (IB2) reached the 2nd round of BOTH the Chemistry and Physics Olympiads, this is an exceptional feat and we are extremely proud of his success. He will sit this paper in January. Students who do well in this competition will represent Switzerland at the European and possibly even the International Physics Olympiad (EuPhO and IPhO). We wish him the best of luck with this!

NEWS -Emma Thompson

-Heather Thexton

Head of Mathematics

Head of Science

Hats off to Ayuri (IB1). She was awarded a special commendation from Pearson Edexcel for her IGCSE performance. Ayuri achieved the best mark in Switzerland in the Dual Award Science and English Literature IGCSE. What a feat!

A VIBRANT JUNIOR COMMUNITY

As we into

moved the

new

academic year, we saw the culmination

the

Bilingual

Infant Section (BIS) and Junior merger and our infant and junior classes were integrated into one single, vibrant and dynamic Junior community. Transitions can be both exciting and daunting. Moving from the familiar grounds of the BIS to the larger setting of the Junior Section was, for some, initially daunting. However, the hallmark of the autumn term was witnessing the happy faces of our younger children as they adapted effortlessly to being part of our junior community. The smiles, the newfound friendships, and the growing conﬁdence that teachers observed in each step taken were a pleasure to observe. We look forward to the continuation of this shared adventure as we move through the school year, ready to embrace the growth and potential that lies within each child. Together, as a community, we will continue to nurture the spirit of learning, resilience, and unity that deﬁnes our Le Rēgent family.

-Claire Park Head of Junior Section

How to BREAKING fall in love with reading? Borrow 8 S W E N books from the school library and bet you can read them in just 7 days during your school break. This is exactly what Evgenii in Grade 1 did, a few months after starting to speak English. He rose to his own challenge to gain conﬁdence as he was tired of fearing going to school on days when English was on. Reading in English has now become one of his favourite pastimes and he loves writing as well. Well done Evgenii!

2023 was a proliﬁc year!

In winter, ski

Rēgents attended many tournaments and ﬁxtures across all age categories and in 11 different sports including skiing, snowboarding, football, basketball, volleyball, MTB,

and

snowboard

races

grabbed

the

spotlight and Le Rēgent hosted 2 big races in Crans Montana. Our students reached the podium in all of them and as a

golf, cross country, climbing, tennis and athletics.

highlight of the season, our senior boys ski team took all 3 medal places in the SGIS race.

In spring, football took centre stage with the Mediterranean Cup, an international tournament in the Italian city of Verona. Rēgents spent 4 days enjoying not only the game of football but also the city of Romeo and Juliet, forging new international friendships in the process.

Rēgents competed with large schools, some of them with more than 2000 students and managed to bring more than 20 trophies, a great feat! Icing on the cake, our football, basketball and volleyball teams are now qualiﬁed for the play-off stage of their leagues, a tribute to our coaches and athletes' hard work and commitment.

-Vojtech Cerny Extra Curricular Sports Coordinator

Go Go Regents!

the Great Gletterens plage

2023.10.16

Teaching children to love the great outdoors, in a world of social media, video games and virtual reality, is not a simple matter, but it is worth it. The key is to provide lots of opportunities to explore the majestic mountains that surround us, impart essential life skills during our expeditions and in the process develop an appreciation and connection to nature. Valais is the perfect place to do just that with 41 mountains above 4000 metres (out of a total of 48 in Switzerland).

r acie l G sch Alet

IB1 expedition

lding to g and shelter-bui in ak m eﬁr e lik skills e from bushcraft level, students gain Our activities rang tion. At a personal ra bo lla co d an rk ster teamwo erance. For our endeavours that fo hancing their persev en d an s ar fe eir th e in confronting own arrows, valuable experienc imals and craft our an ld wi ck tra to ts embarked on ques students . Meanwhile, other younger students, we ws bo d te af cr nd ha th ing to use them wi ountain shepherd. subsequently learn day in the life of a m a e nc rie pe ex or s to visit farm had the opportunity

Farm & Forest in Chalais

One of the unique challenges

education

of outdoor

dealing with elements beyond our control, like the weather. It's been truly heartening to see many of our students rise to the occasion, maintaining a positive and engaged attitu de, or even dancing in the rain when surprised by sudden changes in we ather. The accompanying images provid e a glimpse of some of these memorable experiences.

-Tom van der Meij Head of Co-Curricular & Outdoor Education

20222023

ARTS THEATER & MUSIC

ADMIT ONE Grand City Auditorium Thursday 6 August 2015

Each year the International Menuhin Music Academy collaborates with Le Rēgent and the Lens Town Council for an evening of spectacular music making. As the quaint village of Lens went

IMMA Concert

dark, and the yellow street lights went on outside the Église de Lens, we were audience to a captivating evening of music from the Baroque to Romantic periods. As a ﬁnale, the IMMA Musical Director and Concertmaster, Oleg Kaskiv, performed

2022

Sarasate Navarra for two violins with his son, Theodor Kaskiv, a student at Le Rēgent International School, resulting in a standing ovation by the entire hall.

-Anton Bredow Head of Music

THE CHRISTMAS SHOW 2022

The Summer Show was an excellent example of how the Le Rēgent community comes

together.

Our

youngest

students

w o h S

worked alongside our Secondary Section students in a whole school performance of theatre and music. Our younger students took us down memory lane with their theatre performance of ‘Moving On - The Musical’ and ﬁnished with a poignant song ‘Light up the World’. The Secondary Section students performed a murder mystery, ‘Cards on the Table’, set in the 1930s - a classic whodunit story with many twists and turns along the way. Our very talented musicians supported both theatre pieces beautifully.

FÊTE DE FIN D’ANNÉE 2023

-Catherine Snell Head of Theatre & Performance

As the end of the year approaches, the excitement builds among Rēgents. For some, it means moving up a year, while for others, it's a step into a new building, marking the passage of time and growth. Our Fête de ﬁn d’année celebrations are special, where we come together to honour academic achievements, revel in the successes of each student and unite with families. The graduation ceremony serves as a poignant moment, a beautiful symbol of our students spreading their wings and venturing beyond the familiar walls of Le Rēgent. As they embrace new paths, our deepest and warmest wishes accompany them, hoping for their boundless success and unending happiness. They will forever remain an integral part of our Le Rēgent family and we eagerly await the stories of their -Delphine Lafond-Puyo Director of Pastoral Care

accomplishments upon their return!

V ual Arts: IB2 Exhibition 2023 In Spring 2023, after two years of hard work and as part of their IB ﬁnal examination, our IB2 Visual Art students prepared and showcased a compelling art exhibition concerned with understanding the human condition; exploring the mind; highlighting the power of positive mindfulness and celebrating nature and femininity. A room full of creativity and talent, this was an outstanding evening and experience for our community and we are looking forward to the next exhibition in Spring 2024.

-Hana Le Cam Head of Visual Art

J. Brahms, 190 ye s In a delightful homage to Johannes Brahms on what would have been his 190th birthday, Le Rēgent hosted a classical music evening featuring the talents of its students. From transcriptions of Brahms’s Clarinet Sonata to his famous Hungarian Dances on Violin, the evening captured the essence of the composer's diverse repertoire. Before their performances, every participant prepared a pre-concert talk, offering insights into the historical context, musical elements, and personal interpretations of their chosen Brahms’s compositions. Each student not only demonstrated their musical ability, but also showcased their academic engagement with the material and their capacity for eloquent public discourse. We look forward to next year when we will similarly celebrate Frederic Chopin.

Cаtello B gone

Following the success of the Brahms Concert our students were invited to repeat their performances at Castello Bargone in Italy. They provided one hour of works ranging from Brahms to modern Italian vocal classics, accompanied by Le Rēgent's Music Department staff. It was a great success which paved the way for a lasting partnership between our school and Castello Bargone.

-Anton Bredow Head of Music

Regent Dreams December 2023 witnessed a true celebration of this magical time of year involving students from Kindergarten to IB2 in a variety of theatre and musical acts. The students were involved in all parts of the performance, making and creating the set design and props, deciding on the costumes, working as lighting and sound technicians and of course performing themselves. Well done to everyone involved.

-Catherine Snell Head of Theatre & Performance

Chyulu Wilderness Camp A Transformative Adventure

In the heart of Kenya's Chyulu Hills, a group of Rēgent students embarked on a learning journey. This week-long school trip to Chyulu Wilderness Camp was an extraordinary blend of outdoor adventures, cultural exchanges and personal growth.

Amidst the stunning landscapes, they experienced the thrill of safari, encountering majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. The Chyulu Wilderness Camp provided a unique backdrop to witness the beauty of nature, fostering a deep appreciation for conservation and environmental awareness.

The cultural highlight of the camp was the interaction with the local Maasai people. Students engaged in meaningful exchanges, gaining insights into the rich Maasai traditions and way of life. These encounters transcended cultural barriers, creating a bond that went beyond differences, and fostering a sense of global unity. Special friendships blossomed throughout the trip, as students faced challenges and shared unforgettable moments. The camaraderie formed during outdoor adventures and cultural explorations highlighted the power of shared experiences in forging lasting connections.

A pivotal aspect of the camp was the collaboration between students from local Maasai schools and our own. The exchange not only enriched academic learning but also cultivated a sense of global citizenship and understanding.

Students demonstrated resilience, courage, and leadership. Confronted with the unfamiliar, they embraced the challenges, growing not only in knowledge but in character. As the week unfolded, it became evident that our students were not only experiencing the wonders of the Chyulu camp but were also undergoing real personal growth and transformation, something which will endure far beyond their week in the wilderness.

-Diletta Bredow Grade 1 Form Teacher & Chyulu Camp Coordinator

IN IMAGES

Campus Developments A Brand New Boarding House As families grow, needs change and expanding one’s home (or moving to a larger one) becomes necessary. This is what happened to the Le Rēgent family and in September, brimming with excitement, we inaugurated a brand new boarding house to provide a warm and nurturing environment for our IB girls. At the heart of this new home is Ms. Rollandin, who takes on the role of Houseparent with open arms and a warm smile. Her foremost responsibility is to create an environment where every student can thrive and ﬁnd comfort as well as a sense of belonging. With a wealth of experience in student support and a passion for fostering a nurturing atmosphere, Ms. Rollandin leads this heartwarming journey beautifully. She is joined by a dedicated house team who share her enthusiasm for creating a supportive and inspiring living space. Dara Bonomi, the boarding tutor, is an essential part of this team, ensuring that each student receives personalised care and guidance. Developing the new house and its identity is the result of a collaborative project involving students, boarding and day staff, as well as parents. Like our other boarding houses, it is more than just a place to live. It is a place where students can build lifelong friendships, discover their passions, spread their wings and ﬂourish - in other words, be all they can be.

-Dorothy Rollandin Houseparents IB1 & IB2 Girls

Meet Ms Rollandin -Delphine Lafond-Puyo Director of Pastoral Care

It has been an exciting and busy time at the Congress House, ﬁlled with creative opportunities and wonderful encounters. Miss Bonomi and I are honoured to lead this fabulous group of girls, along with our amazing team, on this new adventure. We are grateful for the chance given to us to shape and nurture the House with our values, creativity and passions. We began our journey with an exceptional dinner out and continued with individualised birthday celebrations, movie nights in our cosy lounge, numerous communal lunches and dinners on weekends, and culinary Fridays. Enjoying a large and well-equipped kitchen, we had a lot of family fun exploring an array of international menu ideas. Hosting the Juniors for the long-awaited Halloween trick-or-treat gave the girls the chance to be the older, fun and generous school sisters, a nice community moment to witness. The recent students’ art workshop, led by Eliana Szabo, was an excellent opportunity to give a unique character to the house and nurture our creativity with effective guidance. Secret Santa brought us to the end of the term with the sense of being part of a warm-hearted and caring community. Writing this ﬁrst chapter of the Congress House in Le Rēgent history is fascinating and I cannot wait for the ones to come!

Eliana Szabo Graduate Assistant

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Hana Le Cam Head of Visual Art

A Brand

Our new Music room stands as a

Centre

testament to Le Rēgent’s commitment to nurturing the musical talents of its students. The new facilities combine modern amenities with a focus on individual growth, catering to the diverse needs of students exploring both classical and contemporary musical genres.

-Anton Bredow Head of Music

A composition computer lab for digital creativity An independent study area to explore further study and promote autonomy and self-expression A designated rehearsal space for the school orchestra The Music room plays host to monthly open mic nights, transforming its rehearsal spaces into intimate venues where both faculty and students showcase their works in progress.

Future Campus Developments Three years ago, Le Rēgent obtained authorisation from the Lens Town Council to convert a small half of the car park bordering the school into sports facilities. In the spring of 2024, if the building permits do not raise objections, what remains of the overground car park will be replaced by additional sports facilities dedicated to soccer, handball, volleyball and paddle tennis. All parking spaces will be located in an underground car park, with a safe drop-off area for our youngest Régents. David Bagnoud Président de la Commune de Lens

This major development will make the campus whole, bringing together the senior and the junior buildings, the sports hall, the Congress centre, the outdoor sports facilities and the beautiful grounds.

Our most sincere gratitude goes to the Lens authorities who managed this project efﬁciently and effectively, and to the Lens residents for their votes of conﬁdence.

079 590 64 81 info@rossierarchitecte.ch rossier - architecte hes Rue de la pogure 18 3979 Grône (VS)

C-Sharp organisation

which

for the better good

student-led

aims

raise

money through fun and engaging events throughout the school year. The last academic year proved to be very proliﬁc. We hosted numerous events: a school football competition, snack sales, La Chandeleur, St. Valentine's Day Roses Sale, and supported the Tendi Sherpa talk in school. A total of CHF 4’667 was raised of which CHF 500 was donated to the Tendi Sherpa Association and CHF 3’000 to École St. Patrick in Mauritius, a school for children with and without academic disabilities. This year, the C-Sharp group is supported by almost 20 students of different ages and many events are on

the

drawing

board,

including

football

-Manon, IB1

competition, movie nights, St. Valentine's Day sales, a rafﬂe, and many more!

TOGETHE R

school community.

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We are pleased to be a vibrant part of Le Rēgent’s

The Pre-loved Uniform Resale has already become a well-loved institution at Le Rēgent. Both ecological and pedagogical in nature, it is run by the Education for Sustainable Development parents’ association group and student volunteers. Each term, they run donation drives across the school to gather uniform items that are still in excellent condition but outgrown or no longer needed. Second-hand uniforms are then sold at half the usual price and all the proceeds go to charities selected by the students involved. Last year, we raised CHF 6000, so the students decided to split it amongst 6 different charities: Le Rēgent C Sharp; La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Valais; Evelina Children’s Hospital in London; Protesting the Willow Project and supporting Earth Justice lawyers, Akshaya Patra Foundation in India and sponsoring a girl and boy through ActionAid. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Akshaya Patra donation did not come to fruition, so the students decided to donate their sum to ActionAid. This CHF 2000 donation was deemed so substantial that ActionAid invited us to sponsor a whole class of Grade 8 students at the Salambila Institute in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We will be setting up a Le Rēgent student group to correspond with them through letters and drawings this term.

The Open Community Event, also known in some parts of the world as a “gratiferia” or a “swap shop”, is a money-less pop-up shop run by Le Rēgent parent and student volunteers twice a year. The whole school and the wider communities are invited to give their unwanted household items, clothes, toys (and more) a second life. Items are donated on a Friday and swapped the next day, enabling a closed circuit economy model to lower consumption and wastage.

-Lucy Shaw English & Art Teacher

Christmas Gift Appeal - Le Magasin solidaire à Crans Montana There are today about 100 local families in a temporarily precarious situation. They pick up food and other basic necessities at the Magasin Solidaire in Crans-Montana - premises made available by the Commune of Crans Montana. The number of disadvantaged people is on the rise and several years ago Le Rēgent joined the chain of solidarity. Every December, we take donations of presents for children and families in need and contribute to spreading love and hope.

-Amy Salter Head of Learning Support

REGENT CAMPS

absolutely Crans-Montana

NEW HEIGHTS SWITZERLAND | JULY & AUGUST 2024 | 2 WEEKS BOARDING CAMPS

8-14 years old

12-15 years old

LABS & PASSION

LEADERSHIP TRACK

15-17 years old IB & IGCSE MATHS TRACK or

SAT ® PREP TRACK