As Collège Champittet embarks on its 12th school year under the same head, the institution welcomes more than 700 students and 220 colleagues back to campus. The theme for the 2026–2027 academic year is 'languages & cultures', a deliberate choice that reflects a key strength of the Champittet community. This focus underscores the school's commitment to fostering international mindedness and cross-cultural competence among its diverse student body. The head of school describes the start of the year as a joy, emphasizing the importance of reunion and shared purpose. However, the opening address also acknowledges significant challenges. Among them are the persistent heatwaves, which have prompted discussions about installing air conditioning in schools and the conditions required to do so. This practical concern highlights how environmental factors increasingly impact educational environments. Alongside climate-related issues, the head identifies a 'war for attention' that pits educators against social media. This battle is described as a subject sure to see further developments, signaling that the school is actively monitoring and responding to the digital landscape's influence on young people. The dual challenges of physical comfort and cognitive focus frame the year ahead, yet the tone remains forward-looking, rooted in the values of a liberal, education-first approach. The head's reflections set a thoughtful stage for the community's work, balancing celebration of linguistic and cultural richness with a clear-eyed view of contemporary obstacles.
The head of 瑞士尚贝缇国际学校 articulates a firm stance on social media, describing a personal evolution from staunch liberalism to advocating for a ban on what is termed a 'drug for the minds of our young people.' This shift stems from witnessing harmful effects and recognizing the overwhelming challenge for parents and teachers. The argument is that battling the armies of software developers, psychologists, and marketers employed by social media giants is nearly impossible, as they continually find ways to keep children's eyes glued to screens. The proposed solution aligns with an 'education-first' approach: learning to say 'no' and exercising self-control over screen time. This position is presented not as a retreat from liberal values but as a necessary adaptation to a predatory digital ecosystem. To further illuminate these threats, the school is delighted to welcome Giuliano Da Empoli on 27 October for a Great Conference. As a best-selling author, Mr. Da Empoli is highly skilled at explaining, in accessible terms, the threats posed to democracies by tech giants and autocrats. Tickets are available online, and the event promises to deepen the community's understanding of the intersection between technology, attention, and civic life. The head concludes by wishing everyone a good start to the new term, reinforcing a sense of collective endeavor. This combination of a bold policy stance and a high-profile speaker demonstrates the school's proactive approach to educating not just students but also families about the forces shaping modern childhood.
