Last month, we were delighted to welcome back, and welcome, both returning and new students for the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. For several weeks until the end of Term 1, we enjoyed almost unbroken hot and sunny weather with very little rain. In fact, although no records were broken in Switzerland, some countries in Europe recorded their highest ever temperatures, surpassing 40°C at times. Fortunately, no such temperatures were recorded in Leysin of course, and students were able to enjoy plenty of time outdoors in hot but comfortable conditions.
At the same time as continuing some revised Covid measures following the general situation in Switzerland, some traditional elements of Term 1 took place: afternoon indoor and outdoor activities, family trips, the welcome banquet, Saturday excursions, and we were also pleased to welcome a group of junior high school students as part of the Kumon Summer School programme. They were here in person for the first time since 2019, when actually some current 12th graders came as junior high school students, months before the pandemic surfaced.
At the beginning of August, students enjoyed a three-day weekend, with Monday, August 1st a day off for all, both in recognition of the national day of our host country and as a way for our students to participate in a large and challenging annual event – the race from Aigle to the top of the mountain and back down to Leysin. Students trained hard, with some changes to the practice runs to avoid the hottest times of day, and you will be able to read about this event in the next edition of the blog. The day culminates with fireworks, which are always eagerly anticipated by students, but this year the fireworks had to be cancelled because the countryside was so dry due to the heat and lack of rain.
Therefore, in spite of some challenges and changes, this has been, thankfully, our most normal start to the year since 2019, and we keep our fingers crossed that we can continue like this in the months ahead. Thank you again for your continued support and cooperation.