Building a smooth start to a new school year

Starting a new school year is exciting, but this period also brings many changes for students and parents. Earlier bedtimes, busier timetables, different social environments and even different languages are just some of the realities that children encounter as they return to school. For students who are joining a new school, this transition can feel particularly challenging.

At Collège Champittet, we do everything possible to help our learners feel at ease from the very beginning so they can approach the new school year with confidence.

Welcoming our new families to Champittet

In mid-August, we hosted our annual Welcome Day for families joining Collège Champittet. We were delighted to welcome new students from 21 nationalities, reflecting the rich diversity and international spirit of our school.

This event gave families the opportunity to become acquainted with our campus and community through presentations by our Head of School, Deans, Parent Association representatives and alumni. From practical information, such as uniforms and transportation, to the wide range of opportunities available at our school, including extracurricular activities, private music lessons and the Collège Champittet Foundation. Welcome Day ensured that students and parents alike felt supported and ready for the year ahead.

Helping boarding students feel at home

For new boarding students, the uncertainty surrounding a new school year can be even more intense. At Collège Champittet, our three-day onboarding programme helps new boarders adapt to their new home away from home before classes begin. Students meet their house parents, settle into their dorm rooms, discover Lausanne and learn how to navigate the city using public transport.
Our pre-term orientation also gives boarders a chance to bond with their peers as they explore their new surroundings. This year, students enjoyed a boat trip on Lake Geneva with lunch in Montreux, an excursion to the beautiful French town of Annecy and a treasure hunt through Lausanne, providing the perfect prelude to a new school year.

A campus designed to inspire confidence

From our outdoor Forest School to modern science labs and music studios, our learning environment is designed to help students build confidence throughout the school year. Set within spacious, leafy grounds on the shores of Lake Geneva, Collège Champittet offers an inspiring setting where students can learn, grow and explore. Our Forest School programme fosters curiosity and reflection while encouraging children to develop a close connection with nature. 

We believe that students learn best when they feel happy and supported, which is why we strive to make every child feel that they belong. Our pastoral care, chaplaincy and close-knit community are here to support learners from day one – and at every step of their journey.

Help your child feel at ease in their new school

If your child is joining a new school this year, there are several things you can do as a parent to make them feel more comfortable with this significant change. 

Our guide for helping children settle into a new school covers what families should expect and what you can do to prepare your child for a smooth transition.