New Family Welcome Guide | Aiglon College

Welcome to Aiglon College. We are proud that you have chosen our school, and we are delighted to be able to welcome you and your family to our community.

Now that you have enrolled, it is time to start planning your arrival. This guide is written with both you and your family in mind, so that together you can complete the steps needed to begin your first day with confidence and success.

We hope that you are excited to join us on the mountain. On behalf of the whole school community, we look forward to seeing you soon.

The Aiglon Admission Team

Looking ahead . . .

This guide supplements the checklist that is available through your online admissions profile. It is important that you promptly complete all outstanding items.

Important action items are indicated by the red arrow block throughout the guide. Please pay attention to these points and let us know if you need further assistance.

Helpful tips or common questions are indicated by this blue information block.

Welcome! We have a lot to do to get you ready for your first day of school. This guide is designed to help our families navigate the many aspects of life at Aiglon that need to be considered before you set foot on campus. If you are joining us in the winter or summer term, most of this information still applies, but you can expect to receive further details from us right away.

Family webinar (May)

Curious to learn more about Aiglon? We host a new family webinar in the spring for you to hear from teachers, house parents and fellow students.

Financial information (January)

The school confirms fees and financial information for the academic year ahead.

Fees invoice (March)

Our Finance Office will send an invoice for the year's fees. Payment is required by 30 April.

Visa application deadline (May)

Don't forget! In order to start on time your visa application must be submitted to your Swiss embassy. Learn more on page 06

Subject choices (May)

House assignment (July)

Over the summer you hear which boarding house you will be living in —not before! Learn more on page 16

Subject choice lists will be sent from the Studies Office for Years 10, 11 & 12. The school will also request original transcripts from you. These are due by 15 August.

Guardian Top Tips! Check out these circles for advice from our School Guardians. They know their way around Aiglon!

University Advising (August)

Years 10 - 12 will learn more about our university advising programme and parents will receive details about associated costs and applications.

New student arrival programme (August)

All new students beginning during the autumn term must be present on campus for our induction programme.

Visa and travel instructions

Arriving at school on time and with your documents in order is important for a smooth transition. Pay close attention to the visa application process for your country and to all relevant travel procedures.

APPLYING FOR A SWISS VISA

Begin the visa application process as soon as you have enrolled. A visa application can take up to 12 weeks to process, so please do not delay! Please inform us of the date you submit your documents so that we may follow up directly with the local Swiss authorities, if necessary. You cannot begin your studies at Aiglon without a valid Swiss entry visa

The required documents to support your visa application are available through the admissions portal. Please download these for your embassy visit.

Families are responsible for applying for the visa. After arrival at school, Aiglon will undertake the application for a Swiss residency permit. The visa is needed for your first entry into the country, but the residency permit will be valid for subsequent travel to/from Switzerland during school trips and holidays. It is updated by the school every two years.

TRAVEL

New students need to arrive to campus on New Student Arrival Day. An Aiglon representative is on-hand at Geneva airport on the main arrival day to assist students and ensure a smooth transfer to campus.

For all future travel, families may arrange their own transport or Aiglon's Travel Office can arrange this for you. The cost of these transfers are applied to your account. Your travel plans must adhere to the school's published term dates. Early/late arrivals or departures are not permitted.

Swiss Visa Guidelines

A visa may be required prior to your arrival in Switzerland. Please refer to this guide based on your individual circumstances.

No Swiss visa required

Students who hold a valid passport, long-stay visa or residence permit issued from any of the below countries do not require a visa and can travel freely in and out of Switzerland.

EU-28/EUFTA

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

*Other nations exempted from the visa obligation: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, United Kingdom.

Upon arrival, the Travel Office will obtain a Swiss residency permit on behalf of the student allowing travel within the Schengen area for two years, usually up until the 30th September of the following year.

*Nationals of these countries are required to submit the same documents (except the visa application) as students who are subject to the below visa obligation. However these documents can be submitted once in Switzerland.

Swiss visa required

All other passport holders require a student visa for entry into Switzerland.

Once accepted to Aiglon, an application for a National, type D, visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of residence must be made. The following will be provided by Aiglon in support of your application:

• Aiglon acceptance letter

• Application for a Temporary Residence Permit

• Letter A form

A visa application can take up to 12 weeks to process and should be submitted as early as possible. Students are not able to begin studying in Switzerland until their visa has been approved.

Swiss residents and passport holders

Students who hold a Swiss passport but do not reside in Switzerland need to provide Aiglon with a copy of their Acte d’Origine.

This document is issued by the commune of origin.

Any students resident in Switzerland (Swiss and non-Swiss passport holders) need to provide Aiglon with an original Attestation de Domicile.

This document is issued by the commune of residency.

Further information is available on the State Secretariat for Migration website: www.sem.admin.ch

New student arrival programme

The induction programme at the beginning of the autumn term is designed to help you get comfortable with your new surroundings before starting lessons.

Even if you are not joining in th eautumn term, don't worry, we will make sure you have all the information and meeintgs you need. Arrival is an important time for you and your family to familiarise yourselves with life at Aiglon and to gain an understanding of the available opportunities.

WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS & FAMILIES EXPECT?

Uniform

fair

You will be able to schedule an appointment in advance of your arrival to have your uniform fitted and collect needed items. Banks and local shops are also normally present to help you take care of other practical business.

Department presentations

Meet teachers and other department heads during a series of presentations to help families understand Aiglon's academic programme as well as everything else that is on offer.

Unpacking and house meetings

It's time to settle into your new boarding house. You can move in throughout the day, meet the house team and then gather for an introductory meeting with your family to receive important information.

Parent welcome events

As students meet new friends, parents and families have the opportunity to meet one another during our scheduled parent event programme.

Clothing and packing lists

You will experience all four seasons whilst at school. Knowing the essentials of what to bring and what is provided by the school is important for your arrival. The lists on the next page should aid your packing!

SCHOOL LAUNDRY

Every item of clothing brought to school, and all purchased items, are required to be labelled with your name and personal laundry number. This number and labelling instructions are communicated prior to arrival. Bed sheets, towels and clothing are laundered once per week at the school.

SCHOOL UNIFORM PACKAGE

The initial clothing charge covers the uniform package. These items must be purchased from the School Shop. Alternative or similar clothing items are not acceptable. New students all make an appointment at the Uniform Fair for a fitting with a designated personal shopper. The school uniform items are then labelled for you and delivered to your boarding house.

EXPEDITIONS EQUIPMENT PACKAGE

To ensure that all students are properly equipped for expeditions throughout the year, the listed equipment is mandatory. These items can be pre-ordered as the "expeditions package" during enrolment or brought from home. This package is not covered in the initial clothing charge.

SKI EQUIPMENT

The ski uniform is included in the school uniform package. Additional ski and protective equipment is also required for ski lessons. These items may be brought from home or, with assistance from our PE Department, may be hired and/or purchased from local shops. In December, students are accompanied to help collect these items and a full kit-check is conducted.

Bring good grip shoes In the winter the snow piles up on campus, make sure not to slip!

UNIFORM & DRESS CODE

Uniform and dress code expectations for all year groups are detailed in the Handbook. You should be familiar with these expectations before arrival.

Year 12-13 students follow a "business attire" dress code and not the N°2 "Class Dress" uniform. We encourage students to express their style, but in a modest and sensible way. The following is required during the school day:

— Business-style jacket

— Smart trousers / knee-length skirts (with tights, no bare legs)

— Collared shirt or blouse or tailored top

— Smart shoes, or boots in good condition (heels, max. 5cm)

LEISURE CLOTHING

At the end of the school day and at weekends, students can change out of their school uniform. Our free time packing list provides a guide of what to bring. Please be aware that boarding house storage space is limited!

NO 1 UNIFORM (ALL YEARS)

1 School blazer

1 Long-sleeved white shirt or blouse

1 Formal skirt or trousers

1 School tie or silk scarf

NO 2 UNIFORM (YEARS 5 - 11) 4 School trousers 2 School jumpers 6 School polo shirts 1 School shorts (Years 5 - 9) SPORT & EXPEDITION (ALL YEARS) 2 Tracksuit tops

hoodie

1 Pack of white sports socks 1 Red outer shell jacket

Inner jacket 1 Pair of Aiglon ski trousers 2 Fleece tops 1 Pair Thermal underwear

Outdoor walking trousers

Waterproof over trousers 1 Waterproof raincoat 2 Discovery sport kit (Years 5 - 9) (Manchester CIty Football Programme)

Sock wash bags SCHOOL UNIFORM PACKAGE

Laundry bags

(ALL YEARS)

Rucksack (frameless, hip belt, 50-55l)

Day sack (waist belt, 24-30l)

(NOT COMPULSORY)

All items in the School Uniform Package are covered by the initial clothing charge and must be obtained from the school. All items in the Expedition Package are also required, but families have the option to purchase this package from the school, or bring these items from home.

CLOTHING & PACKING LISTS

• Indicated items may be bought from the School Shop. Footwear is only available during the Uniform Fair.

WITH SCHOOL DRESS (ALL YEARS)

Formal black leather shoes

Black socks or tights •

Black belt (with trousers)

WITH CLASS DRESS (YEARS 5 - 11)

Plain white shoes (Year 9-13)

Plain black shoes (Year 3-8)

Belt (black or brown)

Sturdy "Timberland style" boots with grip •

WITH EXPEDITION (ALL YEARS)

Sunglasses (cat. 3 minimum)

Outdoor training shoes •

Indoor training shoes (non-marking) •

Swimming costume •

(1 piece for girls, shorts for boys)

Walking boots •

Hiking socks •

Ski socks •

SKI EQUIPMENT (ALL YEARS)

Downhill skis

Ski helmet

Ski boots

Ski poles

Ski goggles

Ski gloves or mittens •

Buff or face mask •

Back protector •

(required for freestyle and racing)

LEISURE CLOTHING

Do not bring unnecessary amounts clothing!

3 Pairs of trousers / 2 skirts or dresses

2 Shirts with collars

3 T-shirts (no big logos)

2 Pullovers or sweatshirts

1 Outdoor jacket (needed all year)

1 Tracksuit

2 Pair of shoes (see handbook for details)

Smart clothes for cultural trips (2-3 sets)

1 Party dress / suit for formal events

1 Umbrella

Sufficient pairs of black socks

Bath robe, slippers, pyjamas

Undergarments (sufficient for two weeks)

Toilet articles

Slippers for the classroom (Years 5 - 7)

MISCELLANEOUS (ALL YEARS)

1 Dictionary (English/ native tongue)

Basic pens, pencils, etc. •

Pencil case •

Small backpack or shoulder bag •

Calculator: Casio CG-50 (Year 10+ only) •

Calculator: simillar to a Casio fs-300 Plus •

Extra laundry labels for personal clothing

Alarm clock

Small room decorations

Adapters/converters for Swiss plugs •

1 Pillow •

1 Duvet •

2 Duvet covers •

2 Pillow cases •

Call your family

Laptop requirements

Senior school students (Years 9 - 13) must bring their own laptop. For junior school students (Years 5 - 8), all students use a Chromebook.

Students must have a laptop. Any model is accepted, but most students and all teachers use an Apple Macbook Air. Your device must have at least 4GB RAM. An iPad alone is not sufficient, although many students use them for digital note taking.

SOFTWARE AT AIGLON

Aiglon provides students with anti-virus software; operating systems must be kept updated. Aiglon is a Google Reference School and students are provided access to needed tools.

RECOMMENDATIONS

We strongly recommend an extended warranty with international coverage. In the event of a hardware issue, this allows service in Switzerland. Please also consider accident insurance that provides coverage in case of damage, loss or theft of laptop.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Students agree to this policy in the enrolment contract and are expected to follow it at all times. Please review this in the Handbook before arrival.

PHONE POLICIES

Aiglon's mobile phone policies are detailed in the Handbook. While we value the important role of technology in our lives, we are also conscious that balance is important for everyone.

Aiglon has developed a mobile phone usage policy: "Meet, Feet, Eat." This outlines when students cannot use their phone. Students in most years surrender their phone to house staff before bed.

Please note: A Casio CG-50 calculator is also required for students in Year 10 and above. (See the packing list).

Boarding life

Boarding is at the heart of student life. Creating a balanced and supportive community is our priority in determining your house and key to your Aiglon identity.

Both your houseparent and assistant houseparent live full-time in your boarding house. They are supported by a house assistant and tutor team.

The house team should be a parent's first point of call for questions about social life, needed permissions and practicalities. A student’s academic tutor, however, is the first point of contact for academic issues.

FACILITIES

Each house is different, but all offer a kitchen, with some food provisions provided in house and the option to keep groceries. There is also a common room, dining room and other communal spaces such as a games room to relax and be with friends.

ROOMMATES

You will have between 1-3 roommates. Students in Years 12-13 normally have one roommate. Single rooms are reserved for House Captains, Prefects and Guardians. Your roommate(s) are normally in your year group, but may be one year above or below.

MEET YOUR HOUSE

You are assigned a boarding house the summer before arrival. We ensure that each house community reflects the diversity of our student body. When confirming your placement we have considered the nationalities and personalities of all students as well as the specific needs of the house. We also respect family legacy, sometimes with many generations of Aiglonians all calling the same house home.

House assignments are for the duration of your time at Aiglon and are not negotiable. But don't worry, house identity runs strong and deep at Aiglon —we know that you will love your new home.

HELPFUL MOVING FACTS!

Each room is fitted with wardrobe space, a sink, study desk and lamp.

— Houses provide storage area for suitcases, expedition gear and other bulky objects.

Beds measure 90x190cm. Bed sheets and towels are provided. Further bed linens are included on your packing/purchase lists.

Plan to change rooms at least once per year!

Bring room decorations You’ll want to make your room feel like your own, so bring small items that remind you of home! People often have cosy blankets or string lights and pictures on their walls.

THE AIGLON SCHOOL DAY

0805 - 0825 Mon: Tutor time, Tues: 09h00 Assembly, Wed-Fri: Meditation/Faith groups (Thu)

0830 - 0920 Period 1 (No Period 1 during the autumn and summer terms)

0925 - 1015 Period 2

1015 - 1045 Break

1045 - 1135 Period 3

1140 - 1230 Period 4

1235 - 1415 Years 5 - 11, Lunch (1235 - 1325) Years 12 - 13, Period 5a (1235 - 1325)

Years 5 - 11, Period 5b (1325 - 1415) Years 11 - 13, Lunch (1325 - 1415)

1420 - 1510 Period 6

1515 - 1605 Period 7

1530 - 1730 Activities Session

1600 - 1900 Dinner and house meetings

1900 - 2030 Prep session with tutor meetings

WEEKDAY EVENINGS

Autumn/summer and winter timings differ. Winter timings are in brackets.

2030 - 2130 (2100) Senior school free time (Houses and Sports Centre open until 2125)

Return to houses

2130 (2100) Years 9 - 11

2200 (2130) Years 12 - 13

Lights out

2130 (2100) Years 5 - 8

2200 (2130) Years 9 - 10

2215 (2145) Year 11

2230 (2200) Years 12 - 13

What's on the menu?

Download our kitchen's app to see what's to eat during weekday lunches and dinner. There are always options for everyone with a variety of diets.

Daily life

Routine is important and understanding what your average day will look like is helpful as you get used to life on the mountain.

Our daily routine changes with the seasons; knowing whether you are skiing in the afternoon or in class, is all down to your personal timetable and Aiglon schedule. Attendance checks take place throughout the day.

EVENINGS & WEEKENDS

During free time you have access to the Sports Centre, Music and Art Departments, can visit your friends' houses or go into town to eat. Weekend programmes include excursions, expeditions, cultural, social or sport trips. Houses each share a meal together on Sunday evening.

EXEATS

An exeat is a weekend away with parents or other adult (with parental permission). Approval is granted at the houseparent's discretion. Details about exeats and other important parts of school life are in our Handbook.

MONEY

You have everything you need at school, but for extras, a weekly allowance is an option. We recommend the following:

Year 9: CHF 30

Year 10: CHF 40

Year 11: CHF 50

Year 12-13: CHF 100

Students younger than 15 must have a parent present to open a local bank account. For the junior school, students receive CHF 20 per week. This pocket money is charged as part of the school fees.

School life

Even though so much is happening at Aiglon, you will spend most of your working days in class. Our academic programmes are excellent, and we are here to help prepare you for whatever lies ahead.

SUBJECT CHOICES

Our Studies Office will work with you to choose your subjects. You have the chance to meet together to plan your courses.

UNIVERSITY ADVISING

From Year 10, our dedicated team will send you important information about beginning the university application process.

EXTRA LESSONS

Many students take private academic, sport or music lessons! From tennis, to trumpet to extra languages –more details are available in the Financial Information document.

REPORTS & MARK READINGS

Academic reports and mark readings/ grades are released each term through our online portal. Parents are also invited to schedule teacher meetings each term.

ACTIVITIES

Be thinking about which of our activities you want to try –you will sign up for them during our fair at the beginning of term!

YOUR TUTOR

Your tutor is like a guide through Aiglon's academics. Assigned to your boarding house, tutors work with you and a few other students to help make sure you stay on track. They are on duty in the evenings and weekends and are available to help with your homework/prep or offer extra support in case you need help.

For parents, a student's tutor should be your primary contact for all academic questions or concerns. Tutors will write to you during the first few weeks of the new school year to introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have.

Welcome to Villars

At 1,200m with beautiful views over the Rhone Valley, our village is both an excellent ski station and holiday resort with plenty to offer students and families alike.

Students will get to know our village quite well: the ski installations, local shops and variety of restaurants are an easy walk from campus. The calm pace of life on the mountain is appreciated by both our students and their families.

VILLARS PERMISSION

On weekday afternoons students are able to sign-out and walk to the centre of town to visit local supermarkets or shops. On weekend evenings, students are permitted to to visit local restaurants to eat with their friends. Specific arrangements apply to junior school students.

PLANNING A VISIT?

RECOMMENDED TAXI PARTNERS

Taxi Zorro: +41 24 495 84 84

Car Pro: +41 79 629 74 77

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Rail: CFF.ch

Bus stop: Chesières -- Aiglon College

HOTELS

Consider booking your stay in advance as the start of school and term breaks are often busy times in the village.

Chalet RoyAlp Hotel & Spa

Villars Alpine Resort

Hotel Alpe Fleurie

Hotel Viu

Les Mazots du Clos

Aiglon is 120km from Geneva and 250km from Zurich. Geneva (GVA) airport is closest, but both cities are served by frequent international flights.

Who can I talk to?

We recognise that you still may have questions, but don't worry, we are here to help. And we look forward to seeing you on campus very soon!

The Admissions Office is here to help you as you plan your arrival, but sometimes it is helpful to contact the specific department you need.

I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT. . .

Enrolment and visas: admissions@aiglon.ch

Travel and transport: travel@aiglon.ch

Academics: studies@aiglon.ch

Finances or fees: finance@aiglon.ch

University Advising: universityadvising@aiglon.ch

Health or medication: health@aiglon.ch

WHAT OTHER RESOURCES DO YOU HAVE?

The Aiglon Handbook

Please familiarise yourself with this document before arrival.

Financial Information

A summary of all of Aiglon's fees and important financial information.

Dates & Downloads

Use this web page to find all the term dates, events and other documents.

Aiglon Life

A dedicated networking platform for our parent and alumni communities.

Admissions Portal Checklist

Do not forget to complete all the outstanding items to complete your enrolment!

Our Ambassadors

This team goes through an extensive selection process to represent Aiglon to new families.

Get involved: Sign up for different activities in order to discover something you love, you never know what you can do until you try! This is also a great way to make friends.

Finding your way around: Campus may take some time to get used to, especially finding your classes. One of your house mates will be happy to help show you around during your first week!

Enjoy the fresh air: Being outside can be a big stress reliever so enjoy the chance to go on walks around campus with friends. This is a great way to take in the positive energy found amongst our community.

Get a bouquetin: This award is for completing five or more expeditions in a term. Expeditions are special –where your best Aiglon memories are made!

Meet our Student Ambassadors. Our ambassadors have been offering you helpful advice throughout this booklet, but we thought you might like to meet this team. Or maybe, if you have already visited our camps, you had the chance to already? They look forward to meeting you again soon.

Eat healthily: Eat well in the school restaurant and make the most of the food in your house (the kitchen is always stocked!) Eating in town with friends on weekends is always fun.

Rest: Even though there is so much to do, make sure you get a good amount of sleep each night so you can focus in class.

Bring layers: It can get cold up here at times, make sure you have lots of layers with you like hoodies, sweatpants, etc. The school shop sells warm clothes for skiing and expeditions.

Get to know your teachers: Every Aiglon teacher is able and willing to help you achieve success. Be friendly and develop a mutual respect - this will enhance your Aiglon experience and your academic abilities.