The new academic year at Collège Champittet commences with a significant milestone: the inauguration of a state-of-the-art building dedicated exclusively to early childhood education. Dubbed 'the Village,' this new facility is designed to cater to the unique developmental needs of students aged 3 to 6, providing a tailored and nurturing learning environment. This project represents the first major real estate development on the campus in 16 years, serving as a powerful statement of the institution's confidence and long-term investment in its future and that of its youngest learners, even as plans for further permanent construction are anticipated.
The school year begins on an optimistic note, welcoming a robust student body of more than 750 pupils. This figure includes nearly 130 boarders, underscoring the school's global appeal and its commitment to fostering an international community. Furthermore, the integration of approximately 150 new students highlights the school's continued growth and the trust placed in it by families. Beyond the regular academic calendar, the summer period was also vibrant, with around 600 young people participating in a variety of enriching summer camps that offered activities ranging from sailing and tennis to leadership development.
Guiding the school community through this period of growth is a theme of profound importance: compassion. Derived from the Latin 'cum patior,' meaning 'to suffer with,' the theme is not about enduring hardship but rather about cultivating a deep sense of empathy and a proactive commitment to supporting those in need. This value is positioned as a fundamental pillar of the school's ethos, translating from a mere feeling into tangible daily actions. An early embodiment of this principle was the partnership with neighbor TetraPak for a blood donation drive held on August 26th, setting a powerful precedent for community engagement and support.
Supporting this mission-driven approach is a stable and experienced senior leadership team. The Dean's Office sees a strategic reallocation of responsibilities, with Ms. Rachel Southorn taking on the leadership of Years 9-10 and FLE (French as a Foreign Language), while Ms. Maria Zufferey will now dedicate her efforts entirely to enhancing school life and strengthening child protection protocols. The Head of Collège Champittet embarks on an 11th year in their role, expressing renewed enthusiasm for serving what is described as a brilliant community of students, colleagues, and parents, and gratitude for the continued trust placed in the institution.
