During my first semester at LAS, I was living in Savoy. One night, my Dorm Head and later ToK teacher, Mr. Hitchcock came in and asked me how I was faring up until then. I answered; very honestly, that I dreamt of the day I burnt down the Savoy building. He chuckled and said, “You say that now, but you just wait.” Well, in retrospect, I now, finally, see the wisdom and inevitability in his words. Today we sit here in Graduation robes, ready to say our final goodbyes to LAS, I’ll be honest, I did dream about this day, but now that its here, I’m not so sure anymore.

In my time here at LAS, there have been a number of moments that mapped my life. For that I will miss LAS from the bottom of my heart. We never really expect these moments to occur, but they do and they give us the one thing that lasts with us forever, memories. It could be that moment of a new experience when you had fondue for the first time at The Fromagerie. It could be that moment of utter frustration when you’re banging your head on a table with your friend, comprehending the mystery that is logarithmic equations. It could be the moment you make the unlikeliest of friends while sitting backstage during a theatre performance. Or it could just be the day when you sat outside and stared at the mountains, thinking of absolutely nothing.

These moments have brought meaning and substance to our time here at LAS. They helped forge friendships and create experiences and allowed us to face our utmost fears. For me it was when I stood at the bottom of Berneuse at the beginning of the year and said, “There is no way I can do that…” And my friend Ebi looked at me and responded, “Oh yes you will!” She dragged me, literally at some points, all the way up. That was my moment of victory.

But today is different from all the other days because today we will all experience a number of moments: accomplishment for finally finishing high school, freedom from check-ins, excitement for what comes next and a hint of sadness, as a lot of the people we’ve known and lived with for years are now breaking away from us and heading into different parts of the world. As we step away from LAS and for most of us Switzerland, we all head in various directions to make new moments with new people. But no matter whichever piece of the world we end up in, the moments that we created here at LAS will give us memories that will last us a lifetime.

This day is our day and we’ve all worked long and hard to be here, we all deserve to be here.

Congratulations Class of 2010 for making it to the finish line, for being done with High School.

This is our moment, so let’s seize it!

Thank you.

Soham Panchamiya

This weekend’s performance of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was dedicated to the memory of Sidonie Fery and Mehdi Berrada. The quirky rock-musical brought the LAS community together for three packed performances. Students (who had been rehearsing since January) delivered an energetic and talent-packed performance during a difficult time. The show provided healing laughter and entertainment for all.

We had a wonderful ski season with generally good snow conditions. Fortunately we made it through the season without any serious accidents: students were safe and still enjoyed the winter term! Other recent fun events were the Dorm Olympics where students of the residence halls competed against each other in various sports events. Our traditional Cow Bell games were very successful and this year even some adventurous faculty members participated in the games. The Art & Music Department’s Evening with the Stars, musical performances with a wonderful dinner was also a memorable event. The last event of the term was the Cool Piano at the Belle Époque Campus, which included one piece with the tap-dancing twins, Igor and Dennys Bastov! For more information, visit our blog at http://www.las.ch/news/student-life-news/.

The end of the school year is rapidly approaching with less than 8 weeks of school left and, yet, there are many exciting events still planned! Prom will take place at the beautiful Aigle Castle on Friday, April 16. International Week is planned the following week, which will culminate with International Day, an event open to the public. The Theater Department will be putting on the Little Shop of Horrors at the end of April. Late May, after the IB exams and LAS finals, students will go off on Spring Cultural Trips. Underclassmen, students in grades 8 to 11, then depart on June 1 and 2, while graduates will stay for the Class ’10 Commencement on Friday, June 4.

Following here is additional information from our Academic, Admissions, Accounting and Development Offices.

Academics: SAT, IELTS & TOEFL ibt Preparation Course in August

All students planning to apply to U.S. universities must take the SAT (Standardized Aptitude Test). LAS offers an optional special 10-day course before the school year begins to students entering 11^th and 12^th grade.  The purpose of the course is to prepare students for the SAT. They will learn to take the test; in other words, students will learn test methodology, vocabulary, required mathematics, and writing skills to maximize their scores. The importance of the SAT tests for students seeking admissions to universities in the United States cannot be overstated – the higher the SAT scores the greater the choice of universities the student has. Studyworks, an organization based out of the United States, provides trained professionals to teach this course at LAS. For more information on Studyworks, visit http://www.studyworks.com/.

The IELTS exam and the TOEFL ibt measure non-native speakers’ use and understanding of academic English. A score in one of these exams is necessary for entry into a university or college where instruction is in English. A higher score will give a student a greater choice of universities or colleges. Seniors enrolled in the English-as-a-Second Language program at LAS require an IELTS or TOEFL score to graduate. This intensive 75-hour course helps students gain experience of the IELTS and the TOEFL ibt exams. Extensive practice leads to higher test results. ESL teachers with experience at high school and university level will teach this course. It focuses on the skills required to perform well on both these standardized exams: reading and listening comprehension, speaking, academic vocabulary and essay writing. Students will learn test-taking skills and sit for several complete IELTS exams and one TOEFL ibt. Prerequisite for enrollment in this course is an intermediate level of English-language mastery and 11^th or 12^th grade standing.

Registration is necessary for both of the above courses and sign-up forms are available to download from our website at http://www.las.ch/parents/orientation.html or upon request from the Admissions Office.

Accounting & Admissions

The LAS Accounting Office is currently in the process of sending by email the 2010/11 school year invoices for students planning on returning to LAS in the fall. If for any reason your child(ren) will not be returning to LAS next year please inform our Admissions Office in writing before May 1, 2010. If cancellation occurs after this date, the security deposit is forfeited except under extenuating circumstances.

Re-enrollment forms and other information relevant to the 2010/11 school year will be mailed in June 2010. All forms should be returned to LAS no later than August 1, 2010. If for some reason the package does not arrive, please note that you can download them from the LAS website http://www.las.ch/admissions/applying.html.

For 11^th and 12^th graders wishing to participate in this year’s SAT Prep Course, arrival day is scheduled for August 13, 2010.  Arrival day for returning students is Wednesday, August 25, 2010.

Development

I would like to extend sincere thanks to those families who have contributed so far to the Annual Fund.  Thanks to the generous contributions already, we are able to proceed with a major refurbishment of the Belle Époque Campus Student Center, The Cave, one of the special projects for this year.  Your contributions to help with the various projects are very much appreciated and make a real difference to what we can offer our students.  For those who would like to contribute, please refer to the website, http://www.las.ch/alumni/support-the-foundation.html or contact Mr. Ian Mclean at imclean@las.ch.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. Planning for next school year is well underway, which will be particularly exciting with the 50^th anniversary of LAS coming up next school year! While enrollments for the academic year 2010/11 look very promising, please continue to refer LAS academic year and Summer in Switzerland program (SIS – http://www.las.ch/summer/) to family and friends.

As always, please contact us with your concerns and questions. I look forward to meeting many of you in June.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Marc-Frédéric Ott

Head of School

‘Rock School’ is celebrating its fifth year as a staple in the extra-curricular program at LAS. It is open to all students interested in expressing themselves musically, either through playing an instrument or singing. The next ‘Rock School’ performance will take place on Saturday, April 24th in the Black Box Theatre and an unprecedented turnout is expected.

While the core of the activity revolves around weekly rehearsals, the goal of these rehearsals is to prepare students to perform live in front of their peers at three different shows: an acoustic show in the Fall and two “Rock” shows later in the year.

Rock School continues to thrive more with each year and has become an institution of sorts, one which truly enhances the culture and community of the school. While giving students a creative outlet and helping them to build confidence and self-esteem through live performance, it also promotes team-building skills by allowing students to work together and help each other both in rehearsals and on stage. In addition to helping create a sense of tradition and community at LAS, Rock School also celebrates cultural diversity by encouraging students to sing and perform songs in their native language and from their native culture.

See pictures from previous ‘Rock School’ shows below.

Highlights from the sixth annual ‘Evening with the Stars.’

The sixth annual Evening with the Stars took place on Friday, March 12th. The performance featured students from the Savoy and Belle Époque Choir, Band and Guitar classes and included vocal and instrumental solos as well as dancing. The event took place in the Belle Époque’s Grand Salle.

Music from Les Miserables, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Little Shop or Horrors, the Pink Panther and Wallace and Gromit was featured along with songs by Journey, Queen and the Beatles.

A special three-course dinner was served to students, faculty and friends who all enjoyed a night filled with talented LAS student performances.

The Cowbell Games culminated with the last day for students on the mountain for ski-term. The “Race for the Sun” event included ski and snowboard races, skiercross and boardercross races and a jump contest at Leysin’s renowned half-pipe park. The competitions took place on the Bernuse and on Sunnyside. Events were followed by a special Swiss dinner with authentic cheeses, weiner schnitzel and Coupe Denmark in the Savoy Dining Hall. The annual Cowbell Awards Ceremony followed the dinner in the LAS Goathouse.

The annual ‘Cowbell Games‘ continued Wednesday, March 17th in the LAS Goathouse. Events included a 3-legged running race, a blind crab relay race, 2-person caterpillar race on blankets, scooterboard race and a Rivella chugging contest.

The games were followed by a boys & girls basketball round robin tournament.

Thursday will bring the winter semester to a close with a final day on the mountain. The “Race for the Sun” events will take place at the Leysin Ski Resort. Students will enjoy a half-day of classes followed by a ski & snowboard race, boardercross and skicross challenge, a big air contest, and an aplage challenge.

The Cowbell Awards Assembly will take place in the Goathouse at 7pm.

Events will be followed by an authentic Swiss Dinner at Savoy Dining Hall.

Tuesday, March 16th, kicked off the annual Cowbell Games, a week-long series of events and friendly competition between classes at LAS. Known as a fun, spirited and often goofy week, the Cowbell Games have become a staple here at LAS in wrapping up the winter term.

The Opening Ceremony at Lower Sporting featured flagbearers and a parade around the gym. The competition heated up with an obstacle course, sprint relays, and tug of war  between ‘Freshmores’ (8th -10th grades), ‘Juniors’ and ‘Seniors,’ each with their own colors and flags.

Students will wear their class colors to school on Wednesday. The Cowbell Games will continue during school assembly, followed by a basketball tournament.

I am writing to you at the end of another busy week at LAS. Last Wednesday we had our second surprise ski day of the year, excusing students after the first class for some recreation and rejuvenation in the Alps. We are truly blessed with our surroundings and our easy access to winter sports of all kinds.

I would like to take a moment to address upcoming travel plans, new test preparation opportunities, clarification of our alcohol policy, and information on the Admissions & Development Offices.

Travel

First, we have made improvements in the travel options available to students for the upcoming two-week spring break.

For students who are 16 or older, parents may now give permission (in writing, via email, to travel@las.ch) to depart Leysin for Geneva on Friday, March 26, with a coach bus leaving at 16:30. Those students taking early morning flights on Saturday, March 27, may then stay overnight in Geneva prior to flying, instead of leaving from Leysin as early as 3:00 in the morning. However, once in Geneva, students will no longer be under the care of the school.

LAS will provide shuttles Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28, according to the timetable below. Parents are encouraged to build flights around this set bus schedule. All students UNDER 16 years old or who do not have written parent permission must take one of these shuttles.

Student will be arriving in Leysin after the two-week break on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. Buses will be provided according to the table below.

Please confirm all flight arrival times with the travel office (travel@las.ch). We will assign students appropriate pick-up times for their return to Leysin.

Test Preparation

Second, we are pleased to offer a new on-line course to assist students in their preparation for college entrance exams. Many colleges and universities use the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT) Program to screen applicants. Therefore, scoring as highly as possible on either of these tests is important for your child. A new web-based program is available at no cost and can be used by students at any time. The program:

• adapts to each individual student’s level
• provides instant feedback
• complements other SAT and ACT prep courses, like those offered at LAS during the summer or in the week before the fall term begins.

All juniors will be introduced to this program in their mandatory college preparation classes this spring. Any interested student in grade 9 and 10 should contact the College Counseling Office to get setup online.

Reminder on alcohol policy

Third, I am writing to ask for your continued support with our alcohol policy. Except for seniors whose parents have given explicit permission, no LAS student has permission to consume alcohol. In fact, in the town of Leysin, the only establishment where seniors with parental drinking permission are allowed to drink alcohol is the Top Pub, located just down the street from the Esplanade dormitory. When parents and friends visit Leysin, we ask you not to let your daughter or son consume alcohol in restaurants or bars. We appreciate your support in enforcing our drinking policy.

Admissions and Development Offices

As you may know, the Admissions and Development Offices moved to our Belle Époque building in January.  They are excited in their new home and encourage parents to stop by for a visit next time on campus.  This is a busy time of year for Admissions as they continue to receive many applications from students eager to join our school in August.  Parents of returning students should be aware that they will soon be receiving a reenrollment invoice and forms to register their son or daughter for next year.  Please be sure to do this promptly. The admissions office has also worked in making the LAS web site more dynamic by adding blogs. We encourage you to visit our site at www.las.ch. You will find a lot of exciting information on school life!

My parents, Steven and Doris Ott, Chairman of the Board and Administrative Director, and Ian McLean, our Director of Development, have just returned from a successful trip to the Middle East where they met most of our current families. They were able to share plans for the future development of LAS and were pleased with the positive reaction from the families.

Last week, we have mailed details of the LAS 2010 Annual Fund to all current families.  Your support for the various projects – at whatever level – will make a difference and be greatly appreciated as we continue to improve the facilities and opportunities for our current and future students.

The Development Office is also working on preparing the 50^th anniversary of the school, which will commence in October – a Gala Dinner at LAS on 7^th October and a number of dinners around the world. We will be sending out invitations to parents, alumni, and local dignitaries in the spring.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. We are having a very successful school year and, to date, a safe ski season. We will make a strong academic push right up to spring break and look forward to returning after vacation reenergized for the final stretch of academic year 2009/10.

As always, please contact us with concerns and questions.

Kindest regards,

Dr. Marc-Frédéric Ott

Head of School

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, LAS is pleased to announce that the school will offer a number of full and half scholarships for the 2010/2011 academic year. (Partial scholarships are also awarded).

Preference for full scholarships will be for students entering 11th grade who will enroll in the full IB program (International Baccalaureate). Preference to half scholarships will be for students entering 8th or 9th grade with the potential to make long-term, positive contributions to the LAS community.

All candidates must be in the top 10% of their class to be considered. For more information please write to the Admissions Office (admissions@las.ch) and download our 50th Anniversary Application Form.

A Federal Field Trip

Visit to the Swiss Federal Parliament in Bern

By Isabella Sierra and Mariana Velez

When the Comparative Government class visited the Swiss Federal Parliament on February 11, 2010, we learned about the Swiss Government firsthand. We had knowledge of Switzerland because of the notes we had taken in class, but our trip to Bern extended our understanding, allowing us to analyze what the guide was telling us about the Swiss Government.

The guide took us to the entrance hall, to inform us about federalism, which is the division of power between national, cantonal and communal government in Switzerland, explaining how each canton has a lot of federalism. Then she moved on to speak of the Federal Charter of 1291, which was embodied by the three huge stone statues that represented three original cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. On the four corners of the stairwell were four bronze statues that showed the four different languages of Switzerland, German, French, Italian and Romansch. A stained glass dome topped the entrance hall and represented the twenty-two full cantons that existed in 1902, with Jura, the twenty-third canton, on the side. This entrance also included the phrase “unus pro Omnibus , mnes pro Uno” which means “one for all and all for one,” and shows that in spite of cantonal federalism, Switzerland is a unified nation.

In addition, the guide took us into the council of States, which includes 46 representatives, two per canton and they serve a four-year term. Because there are only two per canton, these representatives have more power than their counterparts in the National Council. Each representative votes by hand. In front sit the six chairs divided into three to each side for up to six Federal Councilors, although it is very rare that more than three Federal Councilors are present at one time as they usually only attend a debate when ti pertains to their ministry.

After visiting the Council of State chamber we visited the National Council, which has 200 seats. The number of representatives are chosen based on the population of each canton, and therefore Zurich has the most representatives in this chamber. The votes can be seen on a screen which this provides a clear count of who supports and who opposes to a motion. The 46 chairs in the back of the National Council chamber are for the Council of State when the two chambers meet for the election of the Federal councilors and Federal judges, and in the case of war. At the back of the president’s chair there is a fresco, which represents the landscape around the meadow of Rutil, where the Federal Charter was signed.

The Federal Parliament is an expression of Switzerland’s representative democracy, which is where people vote to choose the representatives to make their laws. However, in addition to representative democracy, Switzerland has direct democracy, which means that the citizens can vote directly on the laws. For example, the success of the Minaret Ban initiative, sprite of the fact that almost all members of the Swiss government opposed it, shows that sometimes Bern’s power is overruled by a direct vote of the citizens of Switzerland.

LAS will be hosting its annual ‘International Day’ at the Goathouse Gymnasium on Sunday, April 25th from 1 – 3 p.m. It is a great opportunity to see the many nationalities and cultures represented at our school. Both students and faculty are invited to showcase their national dress, flags and colors.

Why do we celebrate International Day?

Some 60 nationalities and over two-dozen linguistic/cultural groups are represented among the student body at LAS. In line with the school philosophy, we believe that International Week is a chance to celebrate our diversity and a way to promote mutual respect and international understanding. Be proud of who you are and where you come from, and realize how fortunate we are to learn from each other and to share our educational experiences together.

International Day 2009

LAS’s fifth annual Leysin International Model United Nations Conference (LIMUN) took place on Friday, March 5th and continued throughout the weekend. Over 100 students were involved in the unique experience, taking on roles such as Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, General Assemblies (each student assigned to a specific country) and some students even posed as the press.

Topics discussed included emergency relief in disaster zones (i.e. Haiti), combatting piracy and resettlement of migrants in areas of conflict. This year, the conference was held at the Belle Époque in the beautiful Grande Salle, the Trustee’s Room and various classrooms. Students and faculty were invited to witness the conference organized by Belle Époque teachers, Evan Schmidt and Nathalie Vignard.

LIMUN 2010