A IG L ON THE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 11 WINTER/SPRING 2019 School: Dedication, creativity and a touch of magic: the role of the houseparent Mountain: Unpredictable. Transient. Magnificent. The allure of snow Ideas: How to succeed as a creative in the 21st century People: In 1971, a documentary filmmaker caught Aiglon’s unique spirit on film AIGLON ISSUE 11 WINTER/SPRING 2019

Contents Features Aiglonology 02 Letters 03 News 05 View from the mountain 06 Around the mountain 09 Here’s looking at you 10 Private passions 13 Staff room 14 Laid bare 09 16 Here’s looking at you Aiglon: The Movie C 39 Class notes Étymologie’s Raquela Cheesmond says In 1971, director Erik Friedl was asked M 44 Personal best her success is based on natural causes. to take on an unusual commission.

J 47 Behind the scenes

CM 48 Why I love…

MJ The Aiglon Magazine is published twice a year, in the

CJ winter and summer, and is sent free to Aiglonians. It is available to other readers on subscription. The opinions expressed in The Aiglon Magazine are those of the CMJ contributors and not necessarily those of Aiglon College. N Editor: Valerie Scullion Managing Editor: Karen Sandri YBM Editor: Mira Katbamna YBM Managing Editor: Steve McGrath YBM Designer: Kate Monument Produced for Aiglon College by YBM www.ybm.co.uk 20 26 www.aiglon.ch In loco parentis 21st Century creative Creating a home away from home is at Talent? Laptop? Spreadsheet? Today’s the heart of the houseparent role. creatives are true entrepreneurs.

Cover: A celebration of Aiglon’s 70th anniversary. Illustration: Olivia Whitworth

32 48 On snow First contact WWW.REBELLION-TIMEPIECES.COM Unpredictable. Transient. Magnificent. Sofija Bulatovic explains why she loves We explore the appeal of the white stuff. being a student ambassador.

ISSUE 11 AIGLON 1 Editor’s Letter Your Letters Winter/Spring 2019

PRAISE Aiglon Magazine’s 10th edition was the best yet. Well done to you and the team. I loved The Generation Game and Mountain Mentors sections particularly. Louie Snyder (Delaware, 1969) News TAKING A STAND IB and iGCSE triumphs! The Aiglon Magazine is a great read and very Aiglon has once again enjoyed exceptional success in well structured. I have noticed that there are public examinations in 2018. Sixty-nine of 72 students articles linked to current topics such as the completed the full IB Diploma Programme. Six threat to the environment. It shows Aiglon is students achieved a score of 40 or more out of a in touch with current affairs, which is possible 45, and one student achieved the rare perfect wonderful and refreshing. score of 45 (only 0.2% achieved this globally). As a WELCOME TO The evolution and status of women in the whole, the class achieved an average IB Diploma score workplace is often in the news at the moment of 33.5 points, significantly above the global average. ISSUE 11 – is this a topic you might write about at “We were thrilled to see so many students achieving some point? If so, I am sure many Aiglon fine exam results,” said Deputy Head (Curriculum) Mrs AM DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE alumni could contribute as remarkable Nicola Sparrow. “And, of course, it was a particularly that our school magazine has won a entrepreneurs in different fields – from proud moment to see one of our students reach the I CASE Gold Award. Competing against GOLD AWARD! financial services directors to successful magical score of 45!” 43 of the world’s leading independent lawyers and beyond. I have no doubt it would Results at iGCSE level were also strong, with 56% of schools, the judges said that the magazine I thought the Mountain Mentors feature make an interesting and inspiring read. all grades at A*/A or equivalent and 83% A*-B. Many “read like National Geographic” and came out very well – the photos you selected Muriel Cunningham, née Cantryn students excelled, with one earning 11 A* grades and that it “delivers the magazine you would were superb. There are a couple of (Clairmont, 2000) two achieving 9 A* and one A grade. misspellings of names in the 1964 football expect [from Aiglon]: a modern and team photo (Roland Karakashian and Charles Editor’s note classic design beautifully presented. Ainley) but we’ll give you a pass on that one! A great suggestion, and one we will be First prize in Chinese competition It is a coffee-table piece.” Coming first And congratulations on winning the considering for a future issue of the Cristina Danita (Le Cerf, Year 13) has won first place was fantastic, but what makes us really CASE Circle of Excellence Gold Award! magazine. We are always pleased to hear in a notoriously challenging Chinese language happy is receiving praise from you! The magazine has come a long way. your suggestions for issues we should cover, competition, beating students from secondary schools Thank you for taking the time to write Outstanding work. so please do keep them coming! across Switzerland. to us with encouragement, memories Erik Friedl The ‘Chinese Bridge’ international Chinese and suggestions. We love receiving your (Alpina, 1969) proficiency competition, held in Bern, is an letters, and value your feedback. A MESSAGE FROM BIBI! opportunity for non-Chinese students to demonstrate Next year, Aiglon will celebrate its I would like to congratulate you on another their language ability and share their understanding of 70th anniversary. More than 300 of you MOUNTAIN EYE very interesting edition of the Aiglon Chinese culture and experiences of the language. have already registered to return to the As a former unofficial school photographer Magazine with the new Guardian, Gregor Cristina received her prize from Geng Wenbing, the mountains, but places are limited so I used to wonder why Aiglon hired a Grassie, and his beloved bagpipes, on the Chinese ambassador, and was congratulated back at cover. The Italian runner Arlotta Tarino SCHOOL don’t delay your sign-up! Please see your professional photographer for the magazine school for exploring Aiglon’s internationalism while (featured in Here’s looking at you) is an following the guiding principles of diversity and invitation (enclosed) for more details. shots. The last issue fully justifies the decision. The photos all have life and amazing chap. In Mountain Mentors you challenge! Finally, I would like to thank all the character and really tell their own story mentioned many of us oldies – of course, alumni and former staff who, over the before you even start reading the words. starting with John Corlette, JC! I recognised MOUNTAIN Summer school success years, have beautifully documented life Congratulations to the team – and especially quite a few of the old boys in the at Aiglon. In this issue, our story on snow to the photographer – for a great magazine. photographs. Let us hope many alumni will Aiglon’s summer school continues to thrive, offering features images from the Parsons’ archive, turn up for the reunion next year! students from around the world the chance to Mr George Logie and others that we have scanned, often experience Aiglon life. This year, more than 200 (Maths teacher 2001-present) Mrs Brigitte Parsons (Bibi) PEOPLE students took part, between them representing 35 without knowing the original source. Let (Former staff 1962-1999) us know if you recognise the pictures or countries. We introduced two new courses, Leadership anyone in them. Join Mrs Parsons at our 70th Anniversary (for older students) and Maths and Science next summer! For more information, visit Investigator (for all ages), alongside our Enjoy this issue and I look forward to ever-popular SAT course, which prepares www.aiglonlife.ch/70th MIND reading your emails and letters. older students for entrance to US universities within a Valerie Scullion Join the conversation! warm and adventurous Director of Admissions www.aiglonlife.ch summer school environment. and Advancement email: [email protected] BODY But, perhaps best of all, this Send your comments to write to: Aiglon Magazine, Aiglon College, year we were pleased to be [email protected]. Avenue Centrale 61, 1885 Chesières, Switzerland joined by eight alumni Facebook: www.facebook.com/aiglon children!

Twitter: @aigloncollege SPIRIT Taylor Ruby by Illustration

2 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 3 View from the mountain AIGLONOLOGY In praise of imperfection

success, society began to demand and expect success. It needed to be measured and demonstrated in tangible ways. School exam grades and university placements became easy metrics to quantify and attribute success. Perfection was possible, if you strived hard enough for it. This metric-driven perfection has proved a very poor indicator of happiness and harmony. From those with perfect scores, more perfection – unfailingly and unconditionally – is required. And it has too often come at a very high emotional price. We live in an era of increasingly vocalised individual and societal malaise, particularly amongst younger generations. Inhibitions around the expression of mental or emotional fragility are evaporating in the western world, even if this remains an area of uncomfortable taboo in many cultural contexts. Public media are cultivating looks, lifestyles and aspirations that are feeding an PERCEPTIONS OF unspoken brand of perfectionism. Levels of SUCCESS AND FAILURE distress experienced by young people when “ they feel they don’t fit, or their grades fall SHAPE SELF-ESTEEM short of their own (or their family’s) expectations, can be acute. These anxieties are sharpened by a range of physical and emotional factors that define our identity as BECOME A LEADER well as our sense of self and worth. Perceptions of success and failure shape self-esteem. If we want to guard against the IN THE WORLD OF toxic effect generated by the fear of failure, we must promote unconditional self- acceptance. Learning and growth happen LUXURY when the self is safely anchored; at that point, if we fall short of an aspiration we can Humans have a strange relationship hold an honest inner monologue or external with targets, whether they be on a golf dialogue that gives us the confidence to Acquire the necessary skills with our Bachelor and Master programs course, in a boardroom or in a school. We improve and try again – or not. At its worst, Richard McDonald have contrived an almost limitless array of perfectionism can lead to a constant and in International Hospitality Management with a specialization in Luxury. HEAD MASTER them, both material and abstract. Some disabling sense of always falling short of a targets are physical, some intellectual, some target, and one that may have been N THE SUMMER OF 1985 I FOUND financial, some spiritual. Many are trivial, unrealistic in the first place. Study on our campuses in Switzerland and London. myself with a friend on a sun-bleached and bear little obvious relevance to survival I am still an occasional golfer, with little Imunicipal golf course in Los Angeles. of the species; others may seem more opportunity to practice. Yet every time I line We scuffed and scurried our way to the purposeful and altruistic. In so doing, we up my shot on a short hole I am still aiming third hole, where I carved my shot to within have massively multiplied the opportunities for a hole-in-one. That is called aspiration. For more information contact: O for improbable putting range. My playing to experience success – and failure. And every time the ball does not go in the N partner skimmed the top of the ball and There are few environments where hole, or finishes in a tree or a lake, I shrug Lise Martin, Admissions Counselor - Switzerland employer we watched it bobble along the ground, success and failure are more intimately and and think “Next hole, perhaps”. That is E. [email protected] reputation until it disappeared from sight. In the hole. ambivalently woven together than in called unconditional self-acceptance. We were both weak at the knees with schools. Until relatively recent times, it was If we strive for anything, and if we value T. +41 (0)21 989 26 50 in hospitality management incredulity, hilarity and a sense of guilty the norm to praise and reward success – a healthy balance in our lives, let us try to W. www.glion.edu injustice. My friend had, with no practice and either condemn, punish or, at best, develop and partner these two habits of life, 1(QS Ranking 2018) at all, secured a distinctly imperfect ace. forgive and ignore failure. From praising in even measure. ISSUE 11 AIGLON 5 Around the mountain AIGLONOLOGY

The Petit Muveran The Dent Favre In the shadow of At 2,917m, the Dent Favre Mountain mix-up? the Grand Muveran, sits between the Dent de the Petit Muveran stands Morcles and the Grand at 2,810m. Its summit Muveran. Despite its title For more than 150 years, map makers and local people borders Vaud and Valais – – ‘dent’, or tooth in English and it definitely looks like – the Dent Favre is, oddly, argued that the Petit Muveran – which looks just like a an incisor. not at all tooth-like. tooth – must have lost its name to the Dent Favre. Now, Aiglon Magazine can reveal the truth. Sort of.

Words: SANDRA HAURANT HEY ARE AS FAMILIAR A SIGHT Jean-Pierre Reitz, told the Swiss So why are so many mountaineers And indeed, local guide, Pierre Delaloye, Photography: JEAN-PIERRE NOVELLI to Aiglonians as the orange tents newspaper 24 Heures that he was sure and local people convinced by the story? believes that while the names of these (TECHNICIAN, IT DEPARTMENT) T used for expedition. But while the that at some point the names of the two It all comes down to the fact that the Petit particular peaks are correct, “there are appearance and names of the peaks that peaks must have been swapped. In short, Muveran looks like a tooth, whereas the certainly other mountains where this seems surround Aiglon might be some of the first the mountain we know as the Dent Favre Dent Favre looks like a small version of FIVE YEARS AGO, to have happened. There is a similar theory things new students learn, until recently, is actually the Petit Muveran – and the the Grand Muveran. A LOCAL GREEN that the Dent d’Hérens and the Dent those very names were in dispute. Petit Muveran should really be called Yet despite the level of support, no “ Blanche in the Valais have exchanged names PARTY POLITICIAN The peaks in question are the Dent the Dent Favre. ancient map has been found that can after a mapping error, the former being far EVEN ASKED THE Favre and the Petit Muveran – and the In fact, Mr Reitz is only the most prove the theory. Mr Epars was told whiter than the latter.” argument rests on the idea that the names recent in a long line – going back 150 years by Nuria Gorrite, the Vaudoise State STATE COUNCIL TO Which means that new Aiglonians were once inadvertently switched by – to declare that the mountains have been Council president: “According to the CONSIDER THE ISSUE who have just mastered the names of the a careless cartographer. The issue came misnamed. Indeed, in 2013, Olivier Epars, evidence available to the State Council, peaks can rest easy: for now, at least, the to prominence again last year, when former local Green Party politician, even asked the this cartographical inversion appears Dent Favre and Petit Muveran can stay conservationist in the canton of Vaud, State Council to consider the issue. to be a myth.” as they are.

6 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 7 www.euruni.edu Here’s looking at you AIGLONOLOGY

Raquela Cheesmond (Clairmont, 2009) I amConnected Innovative # Entrepreneurial

Words: SARAH WOODWARD AQUELA CHEESMOND health, environmental awareness has to be Photography: MONIQUE WESTON (Clairmont, 2009) says science and more fundamental than simply recycling. R business are in her blood. Her father “Health and lifestyle – and skincare – can first got her interested in microbiology, but benefit hugely from using healthier, more it was her studies at Aiglon, McGill effective natural ingredients to achieve Lavinia Arl University and under the world-renowned goals, and Étymologie is the culmination of Sustainable skincare — BA (Hons) Business Management Raquela’s work with cosmetic scientist Dr Luigi Rigano in Milan this learning,” she says. Dr Luigi Rigano to develop that set her on the path to success. Raquela develops the majority of natural UV filters for Working with Dr Rigano got her thinking Étymologie’s 100% natural and fairly plant-based sunscreens has led to the founding about better ways to create and market sourced formulas in the lab herself, and of her brand, Étymologie. cosmetics, and led Raquela to found the says ultimately she’s aiming to grow the sustainable skincare company, Étymologie, company’s Canadian roots into a more based in Canada. global customer base. And she credits her Business Education for a New Generation. The company is driven by the same values time at Aiglon for her discipline and Raquela grew up with at Aiglon. Going on determination. “I know many people from expedition every weekend made her curious Aiglon who have gone out there and started about nature – and how natural ingredients their own businesses. We keep in touch to Join our English-taught foundation, bachelor’s, master’s, could be used to perform simple tasks. “We see if we can collaborate, cross-promote or were taught that we are stewards of the just generally help each other out. The and MBA programs and become a game changer. environment,” she says. “That message is school’s approach encourages creativity as imprinted deep within me.” well as academic success. Now it’s great Indeed, even while still at school, to be able to share that creativity with Raquela worked hard to put her other entrepreneurs.” commitment to the natural world into practice. And although her interests This Christmas, Étymologie will donate initially pointed her towards biomedical 20% of every alumni purchase to Aiglon’s research, she says spending time at scholarship programme. Visit www. Aiglon showed her that, when it comes to etymologie.ca, using the code AIGLON. #StartHere Barcelona · Geneva · Montreux · Munich · Online ISSUE 11 AIGLON 9 Private passions AIGLONOLOGY

Fit for JANUARY – JULY 2019 purpose Deon George and Valeriia Chemerisova (Exeter, Year 12)

Words: SARAH WOODWARD Photography: JOE McGORTY

Opposite — .Epelique volupic idento officta turempo reperem endanim facimpe riberio nsecusciae molecum earupta doloressim que non rest dolest maion pa sam, opta di commoloribus veri vercient.nam repudam net idi The big event: Aiglon’s 70th Diary anniversary celebrations Illustration: OLIVIA WHITWORTH

28 June-2 July 2019 know a family who Aiglon is 70! would like to meet a Aiglon welcomes you to a school representative, series of events at the end please contact us. of June – please see the invitation enclosed for 4 May 2019 more details! Vancouver Save the date! January-May 2019 R DEON GEORGE IS ON A Soon she was going every day, Working out — academic success. I work hard and my Global Aiglon 24-26 May 2019 mission. The former pro basketball something Mr George quickly noticed. Valeriia Chemerisova time at the gym helps me relax and The Admissions team Domaine de Barbossi says working with M player wants everyone to catch the “I look out for the students coming on a Mr George in the gym unwind. I feel stronger and healthier will be hosting events Join us for a fabulous exercise bug, which he has had for as long regular basis and talk to them, help them has made her stronger than I did three years ago, mentally as in Dubai, Indonesia, programme of activities as he can remember. “I have this mantra: fix their personal goals. and healthier, mentally well as physically.” China Singapore, Turkey, and raise money for our as well as physically. ‘Don’t be a stranger, come to the gym’, and “Valeriia is dedicated to taking care of It’s an enthusiasm she is keen to share. Kenya, Japan and Hong Scholarship programme I try to spread the word as much as I can.” her fitness and improving her skills – that “My parents and friends come from Russia Kong. Join us! at this annual weekend As Manager of Aiglon’s Sports Centre, impresses me,” he says, “but we talk about and were not that into fitness, but now hosted by current parent his passion is to motivate more students a lot more than sport.” they see how much I love it, they are trying 27 April 2019 Mr Iskandar Safa and son San Francisco to exercise in their free time. But some, like Mr George is also keenly aware of the THE CENTRE IS it too.” Akram (Belvedere, 2017). Valeriia Chemerisova (Exeter, Year 12), need to gauge the students’ emotional Valeriia still goes to the Sports Centre Oyster bake in Bodega find their own way there. “In my first year I state. “If they’re coming to the centre “A CHANCE TO almost every day, and Mr George Bay? Or hiking the coast? 1 June 2019 didn’t realise my passion for sports, and every night, I want to know why. Is it TALK. IF THEY sometimes asks her to show visitors how to We welcome your Graduation fitness in general,” says Valeriia. just because they enjoy it – or are they ARE COMING use the equipment. “I get annoyed with thoughts for this alumni Don’t forget to book your “Then, when I moved to the senior stressed out? everyone coming to the gym at the start of event in the Spring. accommodation now! school, I discovered I could go to the Sports “I feel the energy of the students and EVERY NIGHT the summer term just to look good on the Centre when I liked. One evening, I just got try to help them direct it. And it’s good IS IT FOR FUN, beach and then forgetting about it for the 28 April 2019 For more information, on to the treadmill and started running. for them to get their head out of their OR ARE THEY rest of the year,” she says. “The gym is just Save the Date: LA feedback or to share your I loved the running but I also love the books occasionally.” as great in winter when it’s too cold outside Details of our event ideas, please contact STRESSED OUT? environment – it’s just a really nice place That’s certainly one of the attractions to run – though I do love running through will follow, but if you [email protected]. to hang out.” for Valeriia. “I really am striving for the beautiful scenery whenever I can!”

10 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 11 Staff room AIGLONOLOGY Student welfare Ms FitzGerald with some of her student ambassadors — from left to right, Alexander Neytchev (Alpina, Year 11), Francesca Jobson (Exeter, Year 13) and Sophie Ang (La Casa, Year 8). EXPERIENCE LIFE IT’S ABOUT HELPING STUDENTS“ FIND THE ON THE MOUNTAIN TOOLS TO REALISE THEIR OWN POTENTIAL Aiglon is pleased to offer a new and unique winter camp programme beginning in 2019 that enables students aged 7-13 to join Aiglon's Junior School for a week (or longer).

The programme is designed both to a combination of humanistic, positive and give students a perspective of boarding cross-cultural psychology. “This approach looks at a person as someone who has all and academic life at Aiglon as well as the resources to solve their own problems,” she explains. “It’s about helping them find the opportunity to develop their skiing those tools to realise their individual potential. I also incorporate Cognitive ability with daily lessons on the slopes. Behavioural Therapy, which is about how you talk to yourself internally and whether you help or hinder yourself.” To learn more and to register, please visit: She supports initiatives from the student wellbeing group, which has www.aiglon.ch/wintercamps or email Words: MEGAN WELFORD or family issues. But the difference at 20 ambassadors across the school. Photography: JOE McGORTY Aiglon is that there is an incredible amount “They’re currently working on a four- [email protected] of support – between the students, from minute film, interviewing students on the houseparents and from the teachers.” what they love about Aiglon.” And she Ms FitzGerald works closely with might bring in external speakers, or even Mr Chris Chalcraft, Deputy Head masseurs, to contribute to general wellbeing. (Student Life), and Mrs Marie-Claude Her role, she says, is to “support and CREAKY STAIR COULD DRIVE Ally, the Health Centre Manager. They foster wellbeing at Aiglon across the board, a lesser person to distraction, ensure that every student is fully individually and culturally”. She is aided by Abut not Wellbeing Coordinator, supported. “I have worked in many caring Aiglon values, which she describes as Ms Ruth FitzGerald. Offered a move to environments but this level of wraparound “real”. “In many organisations, values are a modern office, Ms FitzGerald declined care is something Aiglon does very well.” something you put on a piece of paper, but because, she says, she likes the wooden Accessing support is straightforward. here the guiding principles really do stairs up to her two cosy office rooms in Students can make appointments for underpin everything in a positive way. La Calèche – the creaks let her know when one-to-one meetings or just drop in for “A student might come and say, ‘I want her next appointment has arrived. a quick chat about whatever is on their to talk about something I’ve done that I “Students come to me about a whole mind. Ms FitzGerald also goes into the know I shouldn’t have and I feel bad about spectrum of issues,” she says, “the same houses and runs workshops on subjects it.’ This ability to reflect on our own problems experienced by young people the such as developing emotional intelligence behaviour is supported by our guiding world over: self-esteem, self-confidence, or coping with exam stress, and contributes principles – it’s respecting others, and body image, pressure to succeed, friendship to PSHE classes, basing her approach on ourselves, enough to want to act well.”

ISSUE 11 AIGLON 13 Laid bare AIGLONOLOGY

Photography: (7) This programmable JOE McGORTY robot arm is powered by 8 (2) These VR Raspberry Pi and enables googles are used you to write instructions Maker in Environmental 2 to control its movement. Systems lessons, You probably wouldn’t want enabling students to be picking up eggs with Space to go to the top of it, though! Everest or the Moon! From robots to research, Aiglon’s students push creative boundaries with cutting-edge technology. 1

(4) The Lego Mindstorm is a programmable robot with sensors, wheels and motors – you can break it up and create all sorts of 7 vehicles with it. 3

4 9

Mr Darren Wise is Director, (12) The Raspberry Pi Sense ICT Integration for Learning. Hat has an accelerometer, temperature sensor, air 1 Sphero pressure sensor and 2 VR goggles humidity sensor. (20) You can programme these LEDs 3  3D printed object 13 18 4 Lego Mindstorm to flash or turn on 5 Google Home, made with Raspberry Pi with a button, or use 6 Fred the USB speaker 5 the proximity sensor 7  Programmable robot arm 10 20 to make a light flash 8 Pi-Top monitor when you come close 9 Raspbery Pi and breadboard to something. 15 10 PIR motion sensor 11 Explorer hat 11 14 12 Raspberry Pi sense hat 13 LED display 16 14 Pi camera 15  Switch 23 16 Proximity sensor 19 17 Motor 12 17 22 18 Breadboard, temperature probe wheel 6 19 Wheel 20 LED (red) 21 21 Arduino Developer Board Uno SMD Rev3 22 MicroBit 23 GrovePi+ sensor board

14 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 15 s the camera pans across an idyllic Swiss Reel to reel — COMPLETE NEW COLOUR FILM OF SCHOOL Aiglon’s 1971 AIGLON: mountainscape, birdsong suddenly gives promotional movie STOP 16MM, 15 TO 20 MINUTES STOP NOT JUST way to the roar of a six-cylinder engine. An was the brainchild EXPEDITION ONLY STOP’. oxblood-red Jaguar saloon shoots past and of Mr John Corlette, The new movie would be used to promote Aiglon brilliantly executed Athe scene cuts to its driver, a dapper figure in aviator around the world, replacing one that had been made by then budding sunglasses, expertly throwing the car around the hairpin filmmaker Erik Friedl in black and white by the alpine photographer Otto bends. It could pass for the start of a Seventies spy thriller, (Alpina, 1969). Karminski more than a decade before. It was agreed but then the narration, delivered by BBC radio presenter that the film would be as naturalistic as possible, simply Jack de Manio, begins: “John Corlette had a dream – chronicling the day-to-day life of the school. “JC made it an English college for boys and girls in the Swiss Alps, clear he didn’t want the pace of the film to be too rushed,” where the air is brisk and clean. And he built his dream.” says Erik. “Above all, he wanted the viewer to be able to The opening sequence of the Aiglon College film was one savour the pristine alpine surroundings.” of the few parts that rookie director Erik Friedl (Alpina, Aura Reinhardt (Clairmont and Exeter, 1972) was THE MOVIE 1969) had fully visualised when he returned to school in one of the core group of students enlisted to appear in the the summer of 1971 and presented his ideas to Mr John film. She says: “There was no staging, and no fakeness. It The year is 1971 and a new promotional Corlette (JC). “He loved it, so we were up and running,” was as simple and honest as can be, because that’s what movie is about to capture Aiglon’s unique he recalls. “It was a dramatic intro and it set up the film JC and Joyce Lowe were looking for. And people didn’t around his personality. But the visuals preceded any script. shy away or not want their picture taken. It was a small spirit on film – forever. I didn’t have a single word of narration until I’d completed school in those days and everybody knew that this was the rough-cut of the film. I had no established structure going on.” except for what was in my mind – it was gut instinct.” Mr Norman Perryman (staff, 1966-73), then Words: WILLIAM HAM BEVAN Erik was just two years out of Aiglon, and on vacation heading up the art department, soon got used to the from his journalism degree at Texas A&M University. appearance of Erik and his camera. He says: “Erik moved Not wishing to spend another summer working at a all over the campus and occasionally got me to pose with Connecticut YMCA camp, he had written to Miss Joyce my class. You see me [in the film] as this very serious- Lowe, Mr Corlette’s personal assistant, with the idea looking man, pointing things out to the students. At one of filming a mountain expedition. A telegram quickly point we’re outside doing paintings, and you can also see followed with her response: ‘INTERESTED IN MAKING them working on small murals on various buildings.”

16 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 17 FEATURE / AIGLON THE MOVIE

I was this wet-behind- the-ears 20-year-old, but I had to keep it together because I was supposed to be directing the whole thing

Valentine Walsh (Clairmont, 1971) was filmed Auteur in action Both Richard Newton (Delaware, 1971) and figures in British broadcasting, who had just ended his Aiglon on film — life-shaping influence of the teaching staff. It was indeed Today the film is The movie was as part of the school choir and also appears in what is as watchable as Peter Scholl (Delaware, 1972) have cause to remember 13-year stint at BBC Radio’s flagship current affairs designed to depict a summer to remember.” probably the most fondly recalled scene – a sequence it was in 1971, as the filming at Geneva Airport. A couple of years earlier, programme, Today. He agreed to narrate the film, and Aiglon as accurately A generous grant from former students has recently showing the older students letting their hair down at a Aura Reinhardt Richard had helped start a magazine called Iskra at his lilting, easygoing delivery proved ideal. as possible, but funded a full restoration of the original 16mm print, and points out: “Erik when it came to the raclette dinner. “Erik didn’t direct us at all,” she says. “He really knew how Aiglon. This had become an illicit money-spinner for the “On the first day of recording, he came to pick me up in skiing shots there the film is now available to view online. Richard says: “It’s just filmed us and we were as natural as we could be. That to capture the students, thanks to the income from local companies his chauffeured Rolls-Royce,” says Erik. “I was this wet- was a problem: a real pleasure to rediscover something nearly 50 years famous scene in the chalet, for example, was great fun, elegance and that were persuaded to advertise in the publication. behind-the-ears 20-year-old, but I had to keep it together it was spring in later, and to realise how much people and the world have majesty of the Villars. The result but that was just the way we were at the time. We did go mountains, and the “I thought I’d do the same thing with the movie, and because I was supposed to be directing the whole thing. was a hurried trip changed. Today, everything is documented, so change out to dinner quite a lot and we did drink a bit of wine.” spiritual feeling of went to Swissair to asked if they’d like to advertise in Afterwards, he showed me the true meaning of a pub to Chamonix, with is recorded as thousands of micro-changes. The film Only a couple of sequences required a little cinematic being in the Alps – it. They said they couldn’t do that, but would give us crawl, as we worked our way back to West London. He students trying reminds me of a different era, a much simpler time, and which is so much of out their spring artifice. Some footage of skiing was deemed essential in a the story at Aiglon”. travel vouchers if we’d feature the airline in the movie,” was a wonderful raconteur and a delight to work with.” skiing legs. I’m struck at how ‘at ease’ everyone is.” film about Aiglon College, but the spring snow had long he says. Erik also received an impromptu editing masterclass This chimes with Valentine Walsh’s recollections. “It since receded up the mountain. There was talk of bringing “So we went to Geneva Airport and Erik gave me from the famous director Norman Jewison. The father was a wonderful time. The pressures of exams were off Erik back in the winter, but Mrs Bibi Parsons, wife of a second camera so we could film at the same time. of three children who became Aiglon students, Norman and we just had that sense of freedom. I adored the school future Head Master Mr Philip Parsons, came up with Unknown to me, it had a safety lock, but, fortunately, we was then completing Fiddler on the Roof at Pinewood and it was the best time of my life in terms of growing up.” a better solution. got some good pictures.” Studios, and a meeting was arranged by Miss Lowe. “It’s very moving for me to look back to that “She saw an ad in a local paper, announcing that Peter was also assisting at the airport shoot and found Erik says: “He had his car pick me up and take me there atmosphere,” says Mr Perryman. “I’m 85 and one of the the following Sunday would be the last day the ski lifts that gaining security clearance and flight-side access several times to meet him. I was editing with a black- few remaining faculty members from that time – the of Argentière [in the Chamonix Valley] would be open,” was no problem. He says: “I remember I was allowed and-white working print and it was amazing to see this students of those days are in their 50s and 60s. It’s a very Erik recalls. “JC realised it would save him money by not to stand on the conveyor belt that took the luggage on the big screen. Norman’s advice proved invaluable; he touching experience.” having me come back in the winter, so France stood in behind the check-in desks, while it was moving. And suggested that I shouldn’t hesitate to toss away the rules But the 1971 Aiglon movie is not just an interesting for Switzerland and Mr Berry organised a war party of I remember walking out on to the airfield. Nowadays of editing once I knew them, and to surprise the audience curio for those who were there; it’s a remarkably 10 stalwart Aiglonians to try out their spring skiing legs.” that would be impossible.” whenever possible.” accomplished directorial debut that still stands out as Another of the most visually inspiring sections of the As for the Swissair vouchers, Richard soon found When the finished print was delivered to Mr Corlette, a piece of creative filmmaking. “It’s very much alive today film followed a weekend expedition to the top of the Dents a willing buyer in school bursar Mr Michael Lindt. the final bill approached $5,500 – somewhat more than as a piece of film,” says Aura, who went on to star in Erik’s du Midi – which, according to Aura, harboured a secret of “He immediately said, yes, I’ll buy them for 80 cents in the $1,500 estimate that had been mooted in response to next work – a Swissair film to promote touring holidays its own. “We had an absolute ball, hiking, climbing and the dollar and gave us cash – a very significant amount, the original telegram. This was not considered a problem. in Switzerland. running about on the snow,” she says. “But actually, Erik, compared with our five-franc weekly allowance. And this Erik had delivered the first commission in his successful “Erik had a tremendous eye, and he was very too busy with his camera, didn’t make it to the top.” in a school where you were punished for being caught career as a documentary filmmaker. sophisticated for a young person with little filming “I was exhausted, schlepping the equipment up the with extra money!” “I’m forever grateful to Mr Corlette and Miss Lowe experience but a lot of competence and innate skill. He mountain,” he confirms. “There’s a line at the very end When filming wrapped up, Erik flew to London to for giving me that opportunity,” he says. “It felt a little really knew how to capture the elegance and majesty of of the expedition sequence when Jack de Manio intones, work on post-production. A script was supplied by Barry like returning to Aiglon to do a postgraduate degree, but the mountains, and the spiritual feeling of being in the ‘At last – the top’, and there are two fellows standing on a Long, one of the in-house copywriters at Aiglon’s public my only task was to capture on film those elements that Alps – which is so much of the story at Aiglon.” summit. But what you see is not the top at all. We had to relations company, Neilson McCarthy. Among its board made Aiglon the unique institution it remains today: JC’s cut the film creatively because I never made it!” members was Jack de Manio – one of the most colourful guiding philosophy, the idyllic alpine setting and the To see the film, visit www.aiglon.ch/aiglonthemovie

18 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 19 Words: BECKY ALLEN Photography: JOE MCGORTY

La Baita — Edward Willett (Year 5), Saul FitzGerald La Baita Hollywood (Year 8), Daniil Mr Hamilton Abramovich (Year 8), Stuart Hamilton (Head of “The house is full of action, Junior School, La Baita In loco parentis energy and lots of fun; Houseparent), Shoki Kawada (Year 7) and Adrian students share their skills Gorrono Piedra (Year 8). in a range of games. And Creating a home away from home takes dedication, nothing is better to finish the night than coming creativity... and just a touch of magic. together to watch a movie with milk and cookies.”

20 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 21 FEATURE / HOUSEPARENTS

Mr Nigel Gaston and Mrs Katherine Duckling and Natálie Čmejlová, Le Cerf Victoria Steiner, Le Cerf

Throughout her first year at Aiglon, Natálie Čmejlová Le Cerf Victoria Steiner (Le Cerf, Year 10) and Mrs Katherine (Le Cerf, 2013) worked hard to avoid Mr Nigel Gaston. Mrs Duckling Duckling both moved into Le Cerf in 2017, but being He was Director of Music – and she was avoiding piano “We laugh a lot. We didn’t newbies hasn’t phased either of them. “When I get back lessons. But when Mr Gaston and his wife Jacqueline win the house shout to school I’m always excited about what it’s going to be became Le Cerf houseparents, she couldn’t escape their competition last year, like,” says Victoria. “Who am I going to share a room with notice. “I wasn’t exactly the model student, I got laps all but all the judges said we and how am I going to decorate the walls?” the time. But he was super patient with me, and the fact looked like we were having As new houseparents, the change for Mrs Duckling and I calmed down is thanks to him,” she says. the most fun on stage!” husband Tom has been immense. They moved halfway For eight years, the Gastons turned Le Cerf from a around the world from a school in the tropical heat of former hotel into a happy home from home. “It had Brunei – and they’ve taken to Aiglon like ducks to water. a lovely, quirky, traditional feel. We kept the original “For the first week we were terrified, thinking how fixtures and fittings, and built up little families within insurmountable it all seemed. We’re a young couple, the house – smaller groups of girls of different ages. One used to having time alone, so we worried about having word sums up the ethos of the house: family.” 40 teenagers around all the time,” she admits. “Now we Cooking and eating together were key ingredients in know the girls really well, and we have so much fun. We’re Le Cerf family life, punctuated by special occasions: lucky in having such fantastic girls, so it’s like having an summer balls, graduation dinners and trips to major enormous family.” This year, the Ducklings started a new music events. “I managed to get tickets for the whole tradition, based on the Hindu celebration Holi. “They’ve house to see Whitney Houston in concert,” Mr Gaston created this event called the World of Colour where we all says. “We saw Madonna, too, and Lana Del Ray.” throw powder paint and water balloons at each other,” Natálie’s fondest memory is more prosaic – a trip to says Victoria. McDonald’s (normally off-limits) on her last night at the Le Cerf has seven values – and laughing is one of the house before leaving for university. “Mr Gaston drove most important. “Being a teenage girl is challenging, me and a friend down to buy tons of junk food and the so teaching them resilience and giving them the ability upper sixth ate it together over a glass of wine. There were to laugh at themselves is really important,” says Mrs candles and conversation – I cried during most of my last Duckling. “We laugh a lot – and they laugh at us a lot too. days at Aiglon because I didn’t want to let it go.” I embarrass myself all the time and they see it doesn’t Seeing students like Natálie – who is now in the matter.” penultimate year of medical school – blossom makes the Laughter helps too when things in sport or on stage long hours and hard work worthwhile, says Mr Gaston. don’t go according to plan. “We have quite an academic “You eat, drink and sleep it. You’re intricately involved in group, but we don’t win too much at sport. We don’t mind the life and trials of these young students.” if they win or lose – as long as everyone has a good time,” “I’ve played trombone and conducted in the Royal says Mrs Duckling. “When we took part in the House Albert Hall, but nothing tops being a houseparent. It’s a Shout last year we didn’t win, but all the judges said we challenge but a privilege too, having the opportunity to looked like we were having the most fun on stage!” make a difference to young people’s lives. That’s the joy As passionate educators, the Ducklings stress the – challenging them, guiding them, laughing with them, importance of running the house by consent, showing becoming life-long friends. It’s the best job.” the girls how to behave rather than just telling them. “It’s really important that the houseparents model the behaviour you want,” says Mrs Duckling. “It’s important they see us working hard, going above and beyond but having a good time together. They all say they like to see that – that we’re happy and working together towards a common goal.”

Le Cerf — Le Cerf alumni — Clockwise, from left: Faye Alseif, Victoria Steiner Jennifer Kühn, Natálie Čmejlová, Anina Youroukova, (Year 10), Cristina Danita (Year Polina Stepanova, Valentina Ferraz-Cohen, Maria 13), Mrs Katherine Duckling, Ortiz-Rapalo and Vera Smirnova. and Linda Wu (Year 12).

22 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 23 FEATURE / HOUSEPARENTS

St Louis — Ludwig Asberg Montgomery (Year 12), St Louis Egor Bochkarev (Year 12), Mr Goff Jason Chen (Year 13), Mr Martin Goff and Holly. “We had gone to the Refuge de Solalex by Skidoo. When we got home, one of the boys realised that he’d dropped his phone. So at 11pm, in the pitch dark, I went Mr and Mrs Sue and Martin Goff back with my headtorch. and Senik Gevorkyan, St Louis We found it!” Having buttons cut off your clothes isn’t what most people remember from school, but St Louis is different – and so are houseparents Sue and Martin Goff. Mr and Mrs Bill and Sallie O’Connor “We have this thing called ‘Family on Sunday’,” explains and Isaac Middelmann, Belvedere Senik Gevorkyan (St Louis, Year 12). “After dinner we get together to learn a new skill: tying a tie, changing a car When Isaac Middelmann (Belvedere, 2006) arrived at tyre, avoiding internet scams. Every week is something Aiglon after a serious illness, he’d missed a year of school new; you never know what’s coming.” and spent almost 12 months in bed. Mrs Goff’s favourite was replacing a shirt button. “They “I’d always loved school, so I was in a dark place, watched me with a mixed amount of interest – until cynical and feeling let down,” he remembers. “Mr and I introduced a pair of scissors, cut a button off every boy’s Mrs O’Connor welcomed me and accepted me as I was. shirt and said: ‘Sew it back on again.’ And, bless them, They gave me time, space, and lots of support – but they they did. The boys love Sunday evenings!” she says. pushed me too.” St Louis is Aiglon’s smallest house, and since it opened And that meant that when Isaac was down, his in 2016 the Goffs have made it a cosy, homely place. With houseparents were there to pick him up. “Mr O’Connor children and grandchildren of their own – and 60 years’ would say: ‘Let’s do something, let’s play squash, even if combined teaching experience – Mrs Goff opted to be a it’s just for 10 minutes.’ That really helped, because it was full-time houseparent. “It gives me the opportunity to be done in a loving, generous way, so I allowed myself to be in the house all the time and look after the boys during pushed into activities I wouldn’t otherwise have done,” the day.” says Isaac. It gives her time to bake, too. “Mrs Goff has made Mr and Mrs O’Connor, now-retired houseparents of us cookies every day for the two years I’ve been here at Belvedere, are ardent advocates of the power of sport St Louis. I love it,” says Senik. “She has lots of great to support, encourage and challenge young people. recipes – my favourite is the banana bread she makes. As a 14-year-old in a tough East London school in the UK, It’s the best.” Mr O’Connor says a month-long outward-bound course What St Louis might lack in size, it makes up for in the in the Lake District changed his life. warmth of its welcome. When boys get back after lessons, Mrs O’Connor has a degree in Sports Science and they head straight for the kitchen, fix themselves a drink English. “We brought the boys up through sport; it was and snack, and flop down on the sofa. “It’s just like they a very conscious decision,” she says. “With that comes would do at home, which is exactly what we want,” says discipline, team work, health, and self-esteem.” Mrs Goff. “A lot of boys from other houses love to pop in For Isaac, Belvedere, with its motto ‘To serve, to strive at break time – they know I bake every day.” and not to yield’, was the best. “What was unique, and The highlight of the Goffs’ year comes at graduation. why I was so happy to be there, was our reputation on – The moment when students – particularly those who’ve and off – the sport’s field. Mr O’Connor was really proud needed extra emotional or academic support – walk when we had the highest average mark reading and won across the stage remains special. “You just think, wow, the school sports’ cup.” they’re my boys and don’t they look gorgeous. Having been But Isaac’s fondest memories are of Belvedere’s instrumental in making that happen makes you feel proud end-of-term dinners, and the speeches Mr and Mrs and humble. And it still makes me cry,” says Mrs Goff. O’Connor gave. “They were personal reflections on each “When we think back to our school days we all of the leaving students, beautifully delivered and without remember certain teachers, even more so when you notes,” says Isaac. live together 24/7. So I hope they’ll remember us for “Having adults praise us in such genuine ways was a the love and kindness we’ve shown them, all the great wonderful thing – and when we get together as classmates opportunities we’ve given them – and even the buttons I it’s something we still talk about.” cut off their shirts!”

24 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 25 Words: LUCY JOLIN Prop styling: CHARLOTTE LOVE Photography: THOMAS BAKER They say life has never been easier for creatives – all you need is your laptop and an up-to-date social media profile. But as leading Aiglonian musicians, filmmakers and directors attest, the 21st century is a tough gig.

hen Octave Lissner (Delaware, 2009) So how do you make it as a creative in the 21st century? left Aiglon, he was determined to make First, a caveat: it’s rarely simple. While there is more a career of his passion: music. He bought opportunity than ever, there is also more competition, a computer and a programme called as independent filmmaker, animator and artist Farzin WLogic, which enabled him to arrange and record songs Farzaneh (Delaware, 1979) points out. “Twenty years in his bedroom. It was 2013: people were just starting to ago, it was tough to get all the resources you needed – listen to music online, so he thought it would be worth film equipment was heavy and expensive, you needed uploading a new song, Silver Rain, to Soundcloud and a crew and it all cost a lot of money – but because it was so YouTube. “Vittorio, who is now my producer, heard it and difficult to pull it all together, there was less competition,” loved it,” he says. “And that’s how I got my first record he says. “These days, because of the technology, it’s much deal to make my album, Wildflower.” simpler to make a film – but that means many more Getting into the creative industries has never seemed people are doing it.” so attractive. There are multiple avenues for creatives to And although success might appear instant, delve explore and exploit, and the numbers are mind-boggling: further into the story of Octave’s big break – his single, 65 million Netflix members in more than 50 countries Corners, is heading towards four million Spotify streams, watch more than 100 million hours of movies and TV and his second album is due out soon – and it turns out shows every day. Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You has had that his breakthrough was the result of a lifetime’s hard almost two billion streams on Spotify. Felix Kjellberg, work. He studied music from an early age, switching from better known by his YouTube moniker PewDiePie, violin to classical guitar when he was 12. Throughout his is the most-followed YouTuber of all time, currently time at Aiglon, he played in bands, constantly exploring at 71 million subscribers, earning him an estimated new kinds of music. And he committed to following his $12m per year. musical career instead of completing a degree. “I had a lot

26 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 27 FEATURE / CREATIVES

I lived on pasta and made very little money for longer than I care to

Octave Lissner recall. I know very well (Delaware, 2009) what it is like to have less than $200 in the bank

of anxiety,” he remembers. “I thought: ‘Am I messing up my life here?’ But there was something that always called Farzin Farzaneh me to it and made me stick by it.” In fact, starting young is a common theme among (Delaware, 1979) creatives. Farzin’s mother was a painter and sculptor, and he found great joy in drawing as a child growing up in Iran. His father worked in the photography industry and brought home cameras for the young Farzin to play and experiment with. This passion continued throughout his schooldays. And two others caught the bug early. Producer and writer Daniel Voll (parent of Ondine and Harper) says he was “always writing plays and short stories. That was a big part of my life as a kid and in high school it was something Daniel Voll I continued to do.” And Andrew Keresztes (Belvedere, Parent of Ondine 1982), a film and TV composer who’s worked for everyone (Clairmont, Year 12) and from Fox to Disney, became “obsessed” with the guitar at Harper (Alpina, 2018) the age of 14. But it’s not just about the technology, as award-winning director and screenwriter Edoardo Ponti (Delaware, 1990) points out. “Directors sometimes tell the story that they picked up a camera when they were six days old and started shooting films, and they lived, breathed, had breakfast, lunch and dinner with a camera in their hand – but I wasn’t that person at all. For me, inspiration never came from a camera but from people. It was always about understanding where they come from, how they are and what their journey is.” Edoardo Ponti Edoardo believes that gaining life experience is an (Delaware, 1990) essential part of a creative’s journey. “On my film course, everybody was so focused on having a camera in their hands – making films as opposed to what films are about, which is people and stories,” he remembers. Edoardo switched to English, History and Psychology to feed his desire for stories, before returning to film school as a graduate “armed with story-making tools”. Daniel agrees. Starting as a journalist, he says, gave him a skillset that put him “in the real world, knowing real stories”. One of those stories inspired his break into TV as the writer of Threat Matrix, which ran for 70 episodes. Andrew Keresztes He was also involved as showrunner on Guantanamo, a (Belvedere, 1982) series about the lives of detainees at Guantánamo Bay.

28 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 29 FEATURE / CREATIVES

“It helps to be someone who has been in the world and passionate, love it and be dedicated to it, otherwise you crossed a lot of borders and boundaries. Because what won’t be able to last through the lean years. And there will we’re looking for right now is diversity. We want a be some lean years. I lived on pasta and made very little diversity of talent that has an awareness of politics, story money for longer than I care to recall. I know very well and verve.” what it is like to have less than $200 in my bank account.” Passion and experience have always been important in After Edoardo’s first film, the dramaBetween Strangers the creative industries, but the major change over the last about the tribulations of three Toronto women, he didn’t decade is that, today, creatives can get their own work in make another for five years. “If my first movie had been an front of the public without the backing of major studios, unadulterated triumph, then I could have done anything I TV networks or record labels. Being able to record songs wanted after that,” he points out. “But though it was well at home for no money was a huge benefit for Octave, he received, it wasn’t the big success that I was hoping it was says – while the internet also changed the music industry going to be. radically, it’s brought plenty of advantages. “It was only when I switched to something more But you still have to work at it, Daniel points out. “If commercial [the comedy Coming & Going], that you’re a writer, you will ultimately become a salesman at things got better for me. In the end, it’s so much about the same time. There is no employment office that says: confidence. The tightrope artist has the confidence of ‘Writers apply here’. walking on the tightrope because he or she knows they “Don’t wait for someone to affirm you. Do the work have a net underneath them. Even if they don’t have the yourself, collaboratively, with your friends. Get it out net underneath them, they have the confidence to know there. Use the entrepreneurial skills and connections that how to fall. And I think, as artists, we need to have that a place like Aiglon can give you. And leverage everyone confidence.” you have in your life to get your work seen.” And perhaps that’s why, whether you talk to a musician, Using those connections is crucial, agrees Andrew. He a director, a writer, an artist or an animator, one message was working as a composer for commercials in Boston comes through more than any other. “You need to want when a friend sent his showreel to bassist and composer to do it,” says Farzin. “Liking it is not enough. The fact Stanley Clarke, who had just finished the film score for that it is cool and other people are doing it is not enough. Boyz n the Hood. Clarke liked the reel and told Andrew It should come from the heart. Stay true to yourself. Don’t he should come out to LA. pretend to be something else or emulate other people. “He hooked me up to the president of music for I’ve tried that just to see what happens, and for me it’s Warner, Doug Frank. I asked him how you get to work never worked.” on a big film when you need experience on a big film to “Only aim to be a creative if you have no Plan B,” says do it. He said: ‘That’s when you have to work on a sleeper’ Edoardo. “If you’re not passionate about it to such an – something that wasn’t destined to be big but somehow extent that there is no room for Plan B, that if you don’t broke through. And then everyone will say: ‘Yes, him, do this you will perish – do something else. This is the he worked on that little movie that became big’. That creative life: it’s an entrepreneurial life. You generate introduced me to the way things work in LA.” your own work, you create your own opportunities. Andrew didn’t get any work as a result of the meeting, You don’t have a nine-to-five job, you don’t have a he points out, but that disappointment, too, is an essential recurring salary. And you are always in this limbo – part of being in the creative industries. “You have to be between despair and ecstasy.”

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Words: MEGAN WELFORD

Unpredictable. Transient. Magnificent. Snow remains one of nature’s most intriguing manifestations... and a lifelong passion for Aiglonians.

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Sliding is unnatural. It takes us out of our usual life and into something else

hrow it, trek through it, hurtle down a Previous page — “Eighty per cent of Aiglon is snow,” says Saeed Zaree From left — A shot frostbite in my ear on Les Diablerets, and the pain! But Skinning up the from Philip and Bibi mountain on it, watch it or taste it. For some, Tour de Bavon (Belvedere, 1987), who is currently building a luxury Parsons’ archive; also of coming through a snowy forest clearing and seeing snow is the very essence of an outdoor life, on a ski touring apartment building called Alpina – what else? – between a 1972 descent of a group of deer, very close. We were tired so we were very the perfect environment for a life lived to the expedition in two ski slopes in Iran. “I was 10 when I first went to Aiglon, the Sanetsch Pass; quiet, and they just stood still and stared at us – our jaws January 2008. another from the full; thrilling, life-affirming and romantic – and in my second term I experienced the snow. In Tehran, Parsons’ archive. dropped. They were magical moments.” Teven a business for some. For others it’s just a cold, wet it snows a bit but nothing like Switzerland. The first time Saeed, too, remembers the sheer pleasure of powder nuisance. But whatever you feel about it and whatever you I put on skis my feet hurt and I fell down all the time, but skiing on expedition. “The off-piste where no-one has do with it, there’s no doubt snow is a fundamental part of after a week I loved it – that feeling of being so free, with been before, where the snow is not compacted but fresh, the Aiglon experience. no boundaries, just gliding and enjoying yourself. We so it sprays up into your face as you ski down, is amazing. “When I’m in the snow, on top of the mountain looking weren’t allowed to jump, so we’d run to get there before That feeling of weightlessness and freedom,” he says. at the best view, where everything is white and the air is classes to do a few spreadeagles and helicopters before Snow is a weather condition, but it’s also subject to clean, it’s a feeling of purity,” says Kai Ye, whose son, the teachers arrived!” changes in culture. “When I was growing up in Valais [the Ling, is in Year 12. “Skiing is my number one passion. But it’s not just the skiing that is so appealing about Swiss canton] there wasn’t much to do,” says Philippe You ski down the mountain, and is doesn’t matter how big snow, says Saeed. “The white clean-ness, the cold, Magistretti, father of Alessandra, Year 13, and CEO a boss you are, or how much property you own – you have wearing a pullover and lots of clothes, being warm inside of the Crans Montana ski company. “Snow meant a great to focus your mind on just one thing. And that is relaxing, and sitting watching the snow falling. During the winter day. You could sledge down the street – there were hardly it’s purifying. Rain gets you wet, it’s not comfortable, it’s all you think about. We couldn’t wait to get our ski any cars. A ski day used to have a routine: queue up at but when it’s snowing you can go outside and enjoy the boots on: as soon as class was over we would run for 8.30, ski until 12.30, have a hot dog and, if you’d been snowflakes, like feathers floating in the air.” the télécabines. good, a Coca-Cola, ski again until 4pm, and then come Growing up in Shanghai, there was snow “but not “If it had been snowing in the morning we’d run out home and do your homework.” much”, Kai says. His first real experience of the white at lunch and have snow fights between Belvedere and However, these days snow has competition. stuff was in the mountains of Michigan when he was 22, Exeter. You’d be shoving snow down the shirt of some guy “Teenagers have PlayStations now,” says Philippe. “For and he didn’t really enjoy it. “I remember being really and giving him face washes, or you were the guy getting a while, people thought young people were abandoning scared and exhausted after an hour of skiing. I went a few a face wash but you were enjoying it too!” skiing. Now they’re coming back, but it’s also about times after that but never really improved. Saeed’s friend and occasional business partner, snowboarding, competitions, slalom and cross-country “Then, five years ago, a while before my son started Yiannis Tavoularis (Delaware, 1987), has favourite trails. People want to sit in a nice restaurant and admire at Aiglon, I came to Villars on holiday and had a great snow memories from expeditions. “When you’re 14 the view. In Austria, the slopes are a non-stop party, with ski instructor who gave me some key elements, such as you complain about everything,” says Yiannis, who a vodka ice-bus. It’s a ‘be up there’ experience. There used putting pressure on your boots so you get more control. spends part of the year in Villars keeping up his ski- to just be huts – now there are nightclubs.” I went straight from there to a ski shop in Villars and teaching credentials. “But afterwards you realise what an But alongside the sheer pleasure of it all, around the bought my first pair of skis.” incredible opportunity it was. I have a memory of having world the ski industry is just starting to boom. As Beijing

34 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 35 FEATURE / SNOW

During the winter it was all you’d think about. As soon as class was over, we’d run Beautiful MOMENTS for the télécabines Chic and casual, cosy and authentic, the Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa is a breath of fresh air in the Swiss Alps.

– to wear the veil, for example – but up on the pistes they CHALET ROYALP HÔTEL & SPA Domaine de Rochegrise • CH –1884 Villars-sur-Ollon • Switzerland feel more free.” T +41 24 495 90 90 • [email protected] • www.RoyAlp.ch After Philippe left Valais he went to London but, he says, he always missed the mountains. “The first day of January in London is like any other day of the year, but in the mountains 1 January and 1 August are different worlds. Here, you feel very close to the seasons.” Philippe came home to revive a ski resort that is not C e l e b r a t i n g A i g l o n ’ s 7 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y only close to, but depends on, those seasons’ increasingly fickle weather. “Over the past 15 years or so snow has become more unpredictable,” he says. “The quality, the altitude it falls at, the quantity, everything.” Science has come up with an answer – artificial snow. “From a rational, product point of view artificial snow is fantastic,” says Philippe. “It allows us to ‘groom’ [prepare] the ski slopes independently of snowfall. It’s basically just water released at high pressure so it prepares to host the Winter Olympics in 2022, the Above — An action expands – frost balls thrown in the air, compared with shot courtesy of Chinese government is pushing winter sports, says Kai, Philip and Bibi snowflakes, which are a geometrical arrangement. and the rapidly expanding middle class is responding. Parsons’ archive. Mixed with real snow it’s a perfect consistency: hard Jefferson Academics specialises in: “There are now 300 million middle-class people in enough that you can grip it without sliding, durable Bespoke tutoring in Villars and worldwide China,” he explains. “When people get used to a higher enough to ski on it many times, soft enough that if you SAT - ACT - GCSE - IB quality of life, they travel – and they go skiing.” fall you don’t hurt yourself.” At Kai’s newly built indoor ski centre, Snow 51, in But, he says, there is a problem. “If there is no snow Flexible, 24/7 availability Shanghai, people can learn to ski in a simulator or on the people don’t feel like skiing! What makes people want Customized tutoring for student-athletes dry ski slope, then try out their new skills in resorts in to go up the mountain is the white trees, the romantic Summer programs China, Japan and Europe. “Skiing is not part of our nature Christmas feel, the way there’s no end to the white carpet.” or our culture,” says Kai, “but it’s going to explode.” How we feel about snow is not rational. Neither is Language instruction In Iran, there is a similar phenomenon. “Before the our love for whizzing down a mountain. “This feeling of Learning diffi culties revolution [of 1979],” says Saeed, “we had a ski industry sliding is not a natural one,” says Philippe. “We’re built because the Shah of Iran had been to school at Le Rosey to run and walk but this is something different, and as +1.855.635.6660 | [email protected] in Nyon and was a snow lover. But after the revolution humans we like this feeling. It takes us out of our usual www.jeffersonacademics.com it went dormant. About 15 years ago the pistes began to life and into something else.” open up again because of a change in the attitude of the USA ∙ China ∙ Russia ∙ France ∙ Germany ∙ Switzerland ∙ UK ∙ Japan ∙ Brazil ∙ Argentina ∙ Mexico Iranian middle class, who are travelling and discovering Do you know who took any of the shots featured here, or sports. Iranian youngsters are under pressure in the cities people in them? Please contact [email protected] Qatar ∙ UAE ∙ South Africa ∙ Saudi Arabia ∙ Hong Kong ∙ Korea ∙ Kazakhstan ∙ Azerbaijan ∙ Canada

36 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 37 la renarde 39 Class notes Chalet apartment rentals by alumna 44 Personal best Line Stump Magnin (Clairmont, 1976) 47 Behind the scenes 48 Why I love…

Share your news and get in touch with the Aiglon community at Class notes [email protected] guest Review Awards MAMMOTH 9.7 SHOUT OUT! 9.7 out of 10 FROM BOOKING.COM Jeff Easum sends a shout- out to any Aiglonites + 4 1 7 9 6 0 9 6 9 1 9 • L A R E N A R D E V I L L A R S . C H spending their winter holidays in Mammoth, USA. We will be there from 27 Dec - 3 Jan. It would be great to do a few runs together! My number is +858-519-2644 and my email is [email protected].

I will. Starting with CELEBRATE a Bachelor’s degree at AIGLON’S 70TH Webster University Geneva. As this year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first girls arrival at Aiglon College, of which Broaden your horizons and learn to I am one, I would like to invite all think for yourself on our inspiring, of you to “soar like an Aiglon multi-cultural residential campus. Eagle back to the mountains in AFTER 20 YEARS, Villars” for the Aiglon 70th As an American-accredited university, THEY ARE BACK! anniversary celebration weekend, Webster offers you first-class, A wonderful time was had by running from Friday 28 June to personalized education and access to the Class of ‘98 as they Tuesday 2 July 2019. our truly international campus network. returned to Villars for their “We’re planning an enlightening 20-year reunion in September! morning meditation, followed by a An incredible 30 ‘old’ students boat trip on Lac Léman, a tour of made the journey back to their Château de Chillon, a visit to Who will decide my future? Your global learning beloved Aiglon to reconnect Gruyére, an expedition at Solalex, experience begins here. with each other. a meal at Bretaye and a gala webster.ch A sunny Saturday barbecue Saturday evening with cocktails, was thoroughly enjoyed by dinner and dancing,” says Marcia all, while old stories were Izant (Clairmont, 1971), Aiglon recounted and fond memories alumni 70th Anniversary Chair. shared. A special visit from Come and share your stories with Mr and Mrs Clarke, Mr and fellow alumni. Mrs Rhodes, Mr and Mrs Hann If you would like to donate to and Ms Mansfield made it all the auction, please contact the more special. [email protected] Flavia Hentsch (Exeter, 1998) Marcia Izant (Clairmont, 1971) designbyblossom.ch

ISSUEISSUE 1111 AIGLONAIGLON 3939 A worldwide community A worldwide community Tributes

Dave Swartz Philip Harford Anthony Rhodes Richard Stewart Walsh (Class of 1965) (Class of 1965) (Class of 1968) (Belvedere, 1974) It is with great sorrow that I have to Philip sadly died in June from Parkinson’s Some of you will still remember Anthony Richard Stewart Walsh was born on tell our Aiglon family of the passing disease. He had a very happy time at Christopher Hoyle-Rhodes – aka ‘Lord 27 August 1956, on an American army base in of my brother, Dave. He was at Aiglon Aiglon, and became an accomplished skier. Shaftesbury’ – stepping up to the mic Germany, to Patricia and Richard. He and his between 1962 and 1964 and was one of After leaving Aiglon, he became a soldier in on Belvedere stage and belting out early sister, ‘Tina’ Valentine Walsh, both attended SCHOLAR CONNECTS STRANGER the crew of brothers with the Nelsons, the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, teaching skiing Kinks and Stones tunes, accompanied Aiglon while their parents worked and lived TO ALUMNI LEGACY Headleys, Holryods, Shealors, Dunns and representing Great Britain. After the by the ever-popular Sixth Race. And it in Geneva. Richard’s passion was art, and as Moved by this story, Nick did some and Priebatches (I hope I haven’t missed Army, he farmed in Gloucestershire and wasn’t too uncommon a sight, circa ’65, soon as he could rebel against the status quo, research. He discovered that Aiglon any others!). Dave died on 6 October established a successful thoroughbred stud to find Rhodes and Nick Jago mounting he enrolled in the radical Goddard College, was in Villars – the village in which he surrounded by Gerry, his wife, daughters with his wife. He had an old ocean racer their own British Invasion of Villars on where his immense talent found a platform, had learned to ski. He also discovered Suzy and Stephanie, and my brothers, Pete in which he often crossed the Channel, their free afternoon, sporting the latest and he began his lifelong creative journey. that Patrick’s scholarship had been and John. We will all miss him terribly, with as many friends on board as he could in Mod fashion and looking like they’d It is very hard to find the words to define as initially funded by AEA Investors (the though we will never forget the love in that muster; foxhunting was also a passion. just stepped off an album cover. Anthony wild a spirit and undefinable a character as alumnus who lost his life on Mount room. We thank the Aiglon family for all He leaves his wife Willa, son William and went on to work in the family business for Richard. His type was that which defied and Kenya, Seba Calleri-Zavanelli, was an the many kind thoughts we have received. daughter Harriet. some 30 years. He passed away on thrived outside social norms. Richard could employee). Nick also realised that his Remember him as he and Hugh Oliver 28 June and is survived by daughter invite within us, the least expected of us, a cousin, Alex Hoffman, who worked at (Clairmont, 1967) raced around Clairmont Marissa (in photo) and grandchildren suggested way of understanding the world. AEA, was Seba’s friend and colleague. in the Messerschmitt they recovered from Myla and Monty. No doubt Anthony is He took it upon himself to provide those Nick wrote to Alex: “I thought you a junk yard in Aigle!! Also for his skid warming up the band right about now around him with the skills and understanding Last summer, Nick Hoffman spent a and your colleagues at AEA would like week as a volunteer economics to know that I can think of no student marks in the Movie Grand Prix!! (Roland Karakashian on rhythm guitar necessary to use their hands and minds. He teacher at the Starehe Boys’ Centre I have ever met who is more deserving Tribute by Bill Swartz (Alpina, 1966) and Richard Wethey on bass) for a enabled and encouraged. He fit in no box or and School in Nairobi. of the educational opportunities rousing version of Get Off of My Cloud. within no boundary, no label. A wordsmith, Nick enjoyed meeting a particularly provided by a school like Aiglon – Tribute by Erik Friedl (Alpina, 1969) a carver of language, a craftsman of wit with talented former pupil of Starehe opportunities that would be entirely ‘a way with words’, he left us all speechless named Patrick, who explained that he impossible without the generous or laughing. His lectures, the hours spent had left Starehe a year ago and was financial support of Seba’s family and invested in careful planning, a meticulous now enrolled at Aiglon College in friends. Incredibly smart, hard- mind dedicated to wild betterment... He was Switzerland, completing the IB working, generous and humble – he a cowboy, with a dance in his step and a glint Diploma Programme on a scholarship will go very far.” Marguerite Knoop in his eye. One of Richard’s most treasured arranged by family and friends of a This story of coincidences was (Exeter, 1979) projects was nurturing a family during what former Aiglon pupil, who had tragically related by Alex Hoffman to the I was very sad to learn of the passing he called his ‘homesteading years’. With died descending Mount Kenya in Zavanelli family on what happened to of Marguerite Knoop. She had a brain a progressive view of parenting, Richard September 2004. be the eve of Seba’s birthday. Seba’s sister, Carlotta, writes, “It is very hemorrhage in January of this year and was felt home education was as valuable as his moving to read that, 14 years on, in a coma until her passing in June. In spite art, and dedicated immense energy to his Seba’s legacy is giving opportunities Trevor Wilson of a number of surgeries, she finally lost the family. Today he will be sorely missed by his to children who may not have had (Staff 1975 - 1981 ) battle. Marguerite was at Aiglon while I was wife, Dorothy, the love of his life, and his them otherwise.” We were sad to hear the news that there and was a wonderful person. I enjoyed Jeremy Beale three children Findlay, Paisley and Olivia. Trevor Wilson passed away last October. reconnecting with her on Facebook about (Delaware, 1975) Richard was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in Donations to The Trevor and his wife Gillian were eight years ago and, as a result of one of our We are sad to report that Jeremy Beale December 2017 and died in May 2018, but his Seba CZ Scholarship houseparents of Clairmont from 1975 conversations, the Aiglon College Angels died in a cycling accident in November, family will tell you that he died young at heart Fund will be to 1981, and Trevor taught economics. Facebook page was started. A great loss. “a brilliant guy who was dedicated to and in spirit, dancing and singing till his end. received with Their son, Lewis, was in Belvedere, where Tribute by Marc Borrelli progressive causes”. For a full tribute visit Tribute by Paisley Valentine Walsh, gratitude. Visit www. expeditions were his main delight! (Class of 1980) www.aiglonlife.ch/tribute-jeremy-beale Richard’s daughter. aiglon.ch/SEBA Illustrations by Ruby Taylor Ruby by Illustrations

40 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 41 A worldwide community A worldwide community

July 1967 — JC showcasing one of his A NEW HOME IN NEW FRIENDS Bentleys to students. Left SOLANA BEACH AND OLD, From Bentley, with love to right: Iain Barraclough, Michael Feeney (light We have just washed ashore in IN TOKYO jacket) and Mr Anthony Solana Beach after 10 years in We had a wonderful Sunday When Aiglonians discovered that Mr Corlette’s Phillips on the right. Mexico City. Mexico is a very evening in Tokyo with 36 beautiful and conflicted country, alumni, current students storied 1960 Bentley had come on to the market, and we lived through both the and family members the memories lit up Facebook! good and the bad. I am very glad gathered to reconnect with to be back in my home country, old friends and meet new as is Andre (12)! The girls are less The Real Car Co. Ltd especially members of the Aiglon www.realcar.co.uk considering convinced but they are coming community in Japan. If you Aiglon only had around. The beach helps a lot! It’s are based in Japan, please been a very busy 18 months, with contact us: we would love to 135 students to a job change, the sale of our invite you to our future choose from. family’s home in NYC (after my events. Contact Aiglon The French and father’s passing in 2016) and our Japan at ([email protected]) Italians each move here. The company I work had an entire Sae Tanaka (Le Cerf, 2015) for is a financial advisory startup country! Guys for renewable energy developers. on that team – Reid Schoenfeld (Clairmont, There are only seven of us and it’s 1966), Steve Moody (Alpina, 1967), Richard pretty challenging but fun, and I FROM TRADES Treadway (Les Evèques, 1967), Chris (Powell) work from home so that’s nice. TO TECH Harlow (1968) – and myself still ski together My brother David (’76) has After three years of working for every year in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Derek recently finished a solo 9,000km a commodity trade house in Morton (Clairmont, 1968), who was also on motorcycle trip from Lagos, Geneva, I have decided to move the team, has come several times, as well as Nigeria to Bujumbura, on to a new a challenge. My Todd Barbey (1967), John Headley (1963), Burundi, just in time to start intent is to become literate in Greg Nelson (1964), Dave Shaw (Clairmont, a new job in Kigali, Rwanda, various ‘tech’ fields over the 1969) and Denny Lane (Delaware, 1957). also in renewable energy! coming year: I have my eye on If anyone who graduated various tracks (software Eric Friedl Chas MacLean Cochand (Alpina, 1969) in the ’70s is in my Car collectors may be interested to Will Holyroyd (Clairmont, 1964) engineering, data science, Mr Mac convinced JC to pick up some When I arrived I was told ‘The Boss’ had neighbourhood, it’d be fun blockchain) but am likely to know that Mr Corlette’s storied 1960 weight-lifting equipment for him in the UK. bought a new Bentley, but on the drive out to catch up! My number is improvise as I delve deeper into Bentley has come on to the market, Placed in the trunk, the weights hardly made from England he noted a shimmy in the right 858-519-2644 and my email that world. I’ll be starting with a sold by the Real Car Company. is [email protected]. a difference to the ride of the car and formed front wheel at speeds over 80mph! The story three-month intensive course in A slice of Aiglon lore is alive and in was Rolls flew an engineer out, and he drove Jeff Easum (Delaware, 1974) Tokyo, Japan! the basis of equipment for subsequent very good shape indeed. Thanks to Weight Lifting Clubs in the basement room it back for a rebuild… Omar Kalouti (Alpina, 2010) former art teacher, Martin Roberts, of Clairmont! for letting us know. Nick Devas Noel Thompson It is worth mentioning that this was not JC’s 2008 TIME MACHINE BAFTA GOES TO LA I remember those weights and the club. The first Bentley. When I arrived at Aiglon in 1961, The Class of 2008 held a reunion on Photo of filmmaker Erik Friedl British Olympic team trained at Aiglon (high he had a Bentley R Type (at least I think the Aiglon campus in June and it (sporting an Aiglon cap) and altitude) for the Mexico Olympics! that’s what it was), like this one – more sedate was a real success. We had a producer Paul Heller at the Noel Thompson (Alpina, 1970) than his later one! fantastic time, it was an amazing BAFTALA Summer Garden JC sold the Bentley in ’66. I do remember this Bill Swartz (Alpina, 1966)

turnout and everyone was in a great Party at the British Residence car but think he then bought a Jaguar and I remember it well! He took a group of us to Steve Groves (1963) mood! It was like going back in time on 19 August 2018 in also drove a Jaguar as well as a BMW. Maybe Aigle when the first snow kept us from biking. I went to dinner on Sports Day in that car. for the weekend. It’s great to see Los Angeles, California his Bentley didn’t perform well in snow? Great ride! JC took me out as I was the only one left everyone progress in their lives and Erik Friedl (Alpina, 1969) who was not invited. maturing but still being the same Nick Devas (Clairmont, 1966) Patrick Roberts (Staff, 1965-87) deep down! It made us all realize Oh yes, I remember it well! Sunday evenings, Beautiful car! But unfortunately I never had Do you have memories of Mr Corlette’s that we haven’t changed that much slinging the boxes of hymn books into the the pleasure of riding in it! cars? We would love to hear from and that no matter how long goes boot and then riding up to church in the you! Send your memories to by without getting together, it is back. But that car never appeared in Chef Patrick McDonnell (Alpina, 1968) [email protected] always as if we had seen each other Chesierès with that registration, only a Remember going to Crans-Montana for yesterday. We decided we would like VD plate. Yes, he also had a lovely white the ADISR Ski Championships in it with to organise more reunions, so we Jaguar XK140 (I remember once pushing Richard Treadway in 1967. Smooth!!!! On that will hopefully plan another one soon. The Real Car Company has informed the it out of a snow-drift outside Alpina!) as well particular trip, Aiglon actually won the overall College that the car has now been sold The Aiglon bond is always there, as an MG 1300. I think he only had one ADISR Ski Racing Championship. We not and will be heading to Singapore. They say: and when we get together it always set of plates, so they had to be swapped only beat a dozen of the top Swiss schools “The car was registered when new in the feels like we’re home. UK but shortly afterwards was displayed at between cars (in Switzerland the registration (including Le Rosey), but we also beat the the 1960 Geneva Motor Show. It seems that Gabriela Caso de los Cobos Tapia plates belong to the owner not to the car). National French and Italian B teams. Those it was sold from there to a Mr Berner from (Exeter, 2008) Only later did he defect to German cars and teams would filter into the Olympic A teams Lausanne, and then to Mr Corlette in 1963.” buy a BMW! the following year. It was a huge achievement,

42 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 43 Personal best

atch a top swimming event and it seems intensely competitive: a high-octane, high-intensity environment My goal is to get into the national team, develop Eat my Wwhere hundredths of a second can make all the difference. But the view from the my skills and meet some really good swimmers pool is quite different, says competitive bubbles swimmer Masako Leegomonchai (Le Cerf, Year 12). For her, swimming isn’t about Masako Leegomonchai will competing with others – only herself. “I look at my own times, not everybody go to any length to enjoy her else’s,” she says. “I don’t compare myself first love – swimming. with others. In team sports, you have to think about your relationships with other people and your team. But with swimming, the only thing you need to think about is what you are doing.” Words: LUCY JOLIN Masako loved sport as a young child, Photography: JOE McGORTY eagerly joining in with everything from golf to gymnastics. She started competitive swimming because all her friends did it. But when they lost interest, she carried on. “That’s when I discovered my passion: I didn’t want to quit, even though everyone else had.” At Aiglon, Masako has four two-hour evening training sessions a week with the Le Marsouins club at the Piscine de Perrosalle in Ollon. She fits in homework before and after her training – but she says that her houseparents always save her something tasty for dinner when she gets back. Initially, Masako was worried that the move from Thailand to Switzerland would compromise her training schedule. But, she says, training smarter, not harder, has actually been good for her swimming. “I found out that training a lot didn’t mean that I was going to get better,” she says. “It’s about quality, and here the quality Pool time — train for a month beforehand. The previous Masako has four two-hour of training is better. I get to do more things, training sessions a week. year, she had come third overall, winning a not only swimming, so my training is more place on the team, but had to forgo it as it balanced. I now go to the gym to develop clashed with school commitments. my muscles and avoid injuries.” Now, she’s starting to work towards She discovered this the hard way last that dream again. “Now that I’m studying year when she tore a muscle in her knee, at Aiglon, the schedule corresponds to leading to a dislocation. “I was just walking swimming competitions. So next year, if along when it happened,” she remembers. I get in the national team, then I will go to “It was because I didn’t develop my the Southeast Asian Games.” muscles enough – I only swam, so there As ever, Masako’s not concerned about were some muscles that were really weak. the competition. “I just want to get into the I never used them because they’re not national team and develop my skills, and used in swimming. I had to rest for half meet some really good swimmers so we a year. That was very tough.” can talk about their goals. But Masako’s injury also led to one “That’s one of the things I love most of the best moments of her swimming about swimming – meeting up with career so far: making it to the finals of the different people I’ve seen at competitions competition to decide Thailand’s national before. You meet so many new people, swimming team, despite only being able to in so many new places.”

44 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 45 Behind the scenes Like sports? Love music? So do we. That's why we sponsor Over the counter — The Christine Ortet keeps a jar of sweeties on her over 650 events and counter, but students – and staff – have associations every year. to remember their school manners if they shop want some!

Words: MEGAN WELFORD Photography: JOE McGORTY

They come in to see us feeling they are outsiders; they leave as one of our family: an Aiglonian.” And that, says manager Mme Christine Ortet, is the magical – almost mythical – www.bcv.ch/sponsoring because trust matters power of the School Shop. In fact, for those who start in September, the first School Shop experience takes place in the ‘craziness’ of the Sports Hall. It takes more than 300 hours to kit out all 100 new students, Mme Ortet says – two hours per student for uniform and at least an hour for the rest. Ten seamstresses are on hand to make any necessary alterations, and to attach the name labels required on every single item – 12,000 in all. “They used to sew them by hand and it would take De nos three weeks,” says Mme Ortet. “Now, they use a heat-seal machine and, by the Sunday The atmosphere in the night, everything is altered and labelled, shop follows the rhythm passions, ready to be delivered to the houses.” After the excitement of the first of the school year weekend, the shop returns to its usual nous en avons fait home next to the lounge, and Mme Ortet is left alone in her domain. “Before, I was in the basement and could go for weeks The atmosphere in the shop follows the without seeing anyone,” she says. “Now rhythm of the school year, she says. “In notre métier. I’m in the heart of campus and next to September, when students are buying new the lounge, so I can have coffee with things for the year, it’s exciting. At exam my colleagues!” time when they’re buying calculators and In fact, these days she is rarely alone for pens and pencils, it’s tense. In August, long, because students often come to help. when I’m stocktaking and sorting bar code “As part of the CAS (Creativity, Activity, labels, I’m on my own. I have Heart Radio to send home. But now it’s Chromebooks, Service) option I’ll usually have a couple of from the UK on full blast, hearing how the laptops, FaceTime and Skype, and the shop students helping me: they always have a lot traffic is around Gloucester in England’s sells earphones and USB sticks.” to learn, but they’re fun and great to talk to. south-west.” Some things don’t change, though: They help me choose new pens or woolly The shop has changed with the years – politeness is always required. “I keep a jar hats, or to do a display with water bottles when Mme Ortet joined in 2006, she says of sweeties on the counter,” says Mme in different colours. I’m a bit OCD about the there was no computer and all transactions Ortet. “But you need to say, ‘Good morning,’ organisation, though, and I like things to be were written by hand. “There used to be a ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’, otherwise you’ll La Barboleuse - CH - 1882 Gryon - +41 24 498 18 51 - www.boulangeriecharlet.ch lined up straight.” stack of postcards that students would buy not get one – that goes for the staff too!”

46 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 47 Why I love

Words: SOFIJA BULATOVIC Photography: JOE McGORTY

me if I want to give a campus tour for a prospective family – and I absolutely always say yes. Yet there is also the responsibility: the feeling and the experience that the new family has with the ambassador will help determine if they choose Aiglon. From the moment I meet the family to the moment the tour finishes, I give my all to make sure that I am engaging, that I answer all their questions and that I have a positive attitude. I especially enjoy seeing the smiles on visitors’ faces when they see our fabulous facilities, such as the art room, Sports Centre and the expedition department. I love speaking about our Why I love being a exciting expeditions programme and how much fun they will have when they’re on expedition. student ambassador Another one of my favourite parts of the tour is showing my house. Le Cerf has Sofija Bulatovic truthfully become a home for me, and the other girls have become my family. I want (Le Cerf, Year 11) other students who are considering Aiglon to know that their boarding house won’t am passionate about telling other just be a place where they sleep: it will be prospective students that they have a true home where they will not only make come to the right place and that this many friends but also many memories is the school for them. Why? Because One of my favourite throughout the school years. when I first came to Aiglon last year, I I cannot express how fond I am of Icould not believe that such a place existed: parts of the tour is meeting new families and telling them what somewhere you could study your favourite showing Le Cerf, which an amazing place Aiglon is – it is one of subjects, go skiing with your friends and my most cherished passions. And I love then return to your warm and loving house has become a home recognising the new students who end up – all in one day! coming to Aiglon after one of my tours. Today, I am a student ambassador: for me, and the other This motivates me to work even harder and the first contact between a prospective girls my family further improve myself. So, if you’re coming student (and their parents). I am delighted for a campus tour, be sure to ask for me as every time the Admissions Office asks your guide!

48 AIGLON ISSUE 11 ISSUE 11 AIGLON 49 Big Bang Meca-10 Ceramic Blue. Boîtier en céramique bleu. Mouvement manufacture manuel, doté de 10 jours de BOUTIQUES réserve de marche et à l'architecture inspirée GENEVE • LUZERN • ZURICH • ZERMATT hublot.com du mécano. Bracelet en caoutchouc.

Hublot_AiglMag_Meca10Blue_210x280.indd 1 09.11.18 14:15