La Côte International School Celebrates its Grand Opening
It was with immense joy that we welcomed students, staff, parents and invited guests to our official Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, 3 October.
Wendy Ellis, La Côte International School’s Principal opened the event, welcomed the audience and spoke of the history of the school, which was conceived in 2008 with 42 in 4 mobile classrooms in Mont-sur-Rolle. The school quickly doubled in size and ultimately moved to the Vich location the following year. In January 2011, LCIS was purchased by Nord Anglia Education, the world’s leading premium schools organization. Nord Anglia Education recognized the potential of such a school in this region and has invested over 40 million francs to give our students and staff the environment they deserve.
‘From the very beginning, every child has been cared for and nurtured as an individual, with the value of respect at our core and our staff inspiring our students to learn in challenging and engaging ways’ said Ms Ellis. ‘Our state of the art facility, in its stunning location, inspires our students to achieve their highest level academically. We want them to understand the nature and practice of leadership and teamwork so that they can make a meaningful contribution to any community. We want them to discover the creativity within themselves to give others and themselves joy, we want them to develop good self-knowledge and emotional intelligence so that they are comfortable in their own skins and can enjoy good friendships and loving relationships. We want them to appreciate how their actions and decisions can make a difference.’
Luc-Etienne Rossier, Syndic of Aubonne, spoke after Ms Ellis and focused on how pleased he was that the school was part of the Aubonne community and how he looked forward to continuing collaboration with the school particularly in the provision and sharing of sports facilities.
The school choir followed Mr Rossier with a stunning and emotional performance of ‘Sing’ written by British singer-songwriter Gary Barlow and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Lenny Ravich, educator, humourist and bestselling author of “A funny thing happened on the way to enlightenment”, gave a thought provoking and humorous speech on humor, mindfulness, emotional intelligence and compassion in life and in the classroom. Through humorous and touching stories, he touched the hearts and minds of the children and adults in the audience.
The audience was then treated to the World Premier of the ‘Apple Orchard Waltz’ composed by Richard Dubugnon, a renowned composer and musician from the La Côte region. He was accompanied by members of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra.
Ben Brown and Olivia Roccavilla, students of the school, acted as masters of ceremonies for the event, introducing the speakers and the performers.
Following these more formal elements of the event, the students then moved to the inner terrace for a balloon release, watched by all of the guests from the lower courtyard.
With the ceremonies completed, guests and parents were able to tour the school and see the extensive facilities. They were also able to avail of the local wine and juice that was provided, accompanied by canapés.
Entertainment was provided by the Vufflens Jazz Band and there were numerous activities for the children.
It was a wonderful celebration for all to enjoy.