Principal’s Page

I am writing to share my experiences and thoughts after our recent visit to Switzerland as part of our exchange program with my children. It was truly a remarkable and enriching journey for all of us.

The exchange program was not just a travel opportunity, but a transformative educational experience. Our students had the chance to immerse themselves in a different culture, develop a deep understanding of global perspectives, and form lasting friendships with their Swiss counterparts. The exchange allowed them to expand their horizons and learn valuable life skills, such as adaptability, empathy, and open-mindedness.

Switzerland’s natural beauty is beyond words, and our children had the privilege of exploring its picturesque landscapes, from the majestic Swiss Alps to the serene lakes and charming villages. They not only witnessed the breathtaking scenery but also learned about the country’s commitment to environmental conservation, a lesson that will undoubtedly stay with them for a lifetime.

In addition to the cultural and environmental aspects of the program, our students also had the chance to experience the Swiss educational system, which is known for its excellence. This exposure to a different approach to learning will undoubtedly benefit their personal growth and academic development.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Swiss school Kantonsshule and their staff for their warm welcome and the outstanding organization of the program. Their dedication to fostering international understanding and cooperation is truly commendable.

I am also immensely proud of our students for their exemplary behavior, respect for their host families, and their willingness to embrace this unique opportunity. The feedback I received from our Swiss counterparts has been overwhelmingly positive, and they were impressed by the maturity, curiosity, and enthusiasm our students demonstrated throughout their stay.

As we return from Switzerland, I hope that our children will continue to reflect on their experiences and use them as a source of inspiration and motivation for their future endeavors. These life-changing experiences will shape them into well-rounded, globally aware individuals.

I want to express my deep appreciation to the parents who supported their children in this exchange program and trusted us with this educational journey. Your involvement and encouragement are integral to the success of such programs.

Thank you once again for your support, and I look forward to more enriching opportunities for our students in the future.

Warm regards,

Fr Dr Mathew Thengumpally

Principal

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Aaliya with Cosima’s family

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I had one of the most exciting and fun experiences being in Lucerne, Switzerland. It was actually much more than just a cultural visit. I had the happiest moments so far in my life with my friends and teachers there. Infect happiness starts with a family and I had the most loving, supportive and caring host family -Papa and Mamma, two sisters and one brother. I got to know myself better during the stay-action. I made many Swiss Friends and became so close with each and every one of them.

Lucerne city is a magnificent piece of art, whereas Zürich is much more developed.

From what I know, Luzern City is actually known for its lighting during Christmas and other special occasions. All I could say is that it was one of THE best phases in my life.

It is undoubtedly the best visit I’ve made and the most wonderful experience to cherish.

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Nived with Simon’s Family

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Nived

The visit to Switzerland was a beautiful and much-awaited experience for me. The moment I stepped into Lucerne I was enchanted by the almost magical beauty and aura of the city and the fact that I was experiencing Lucerne in all
its glory with my own two eyes was almost unbelievable to me. As I came out of the train station, I got a picturesque view of the city as well as the beautiful trees, swans, buildings and lake. The cold weather was a perfect backdrop for the peaceful and calm scenery of Lucerne. I really liked how the people took the initiative themselves to protect the beauty of the city and keep it clean and tidy. Another positive attribute I noticed was the punctuality of the people as well as the entire system of working. My partner, Simon Conzett as well as his family, were warm, welcoming and kind; their love and care made me feel like I was one among their family. Going out late at night to play basketball with Simon, our night walks, and our visit to the chocolate factory, Glacier Garden etc are all memories I will cherish my whole life. Along with this, I got an amazing
opportunity to visit several gorgeous locations with my group. We were able to visit the UNO office in Geneva, the Red Cross Museum, iHome Lab etc as well as do a short trip up to Mount Titlis and experience its snow-covered peaks and majestic beauty. All these experiences have given me precious memories which I will hold near and dear to my heart. To sum up, my trip to Switzerland was a new as well as beautiful experience and a wonderful opportunity to learn about a new culture. If ever presented with the opportunity, I will definitely visit Lucerne again and experience it more.

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Akshita

It was my first time visiting a foreign country. The moment I got down at the Zurich airport, I was sure that it was going to be the most wonderful ten days of my life. The climate, people, silence and the love that I received from my host family were truly special. The new things that I learned from the Swiss people were something that no one else could teach me. Every time I think about my trip, it still gives me goosebumps. The memories of the ten days are more than enough to live a lifetime.

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Jedidiah with Joan’s Family

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Ananthapadmanabhan with Laila’s Family

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Anna with Anna’s Family

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Ardra With Lara’s Family

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Adwitha

With its snow-covered mountains and sweet-smelling chocolates, my visit to Switzerland was a dream come true. Landing in Zurich, our way to Lucerne filled our eyes with its picturesque natural beauty. Our hosts gave us a warm welcome at Lucerne from where we went with our respective host families. Jetlag did not affect us as we were too excited about the one week in the land of Alpine mountains and sapphire blue lakes. In the following days, apart from our cultural exchange project discussion and presentation, we had an opportunity to learn more about the country. We had a city tour of both Zurich and Lucerne. Our trip to Mt. Titlis was memorable not only because of its breathtaking view but also because it was the first time we played with snow. The UNO and Red Cross Museum visit gave us a lot of information along the way. Then we had our cultural performance for which we students practiced for weeks where we were able to showcase our cultural beauty to them. We also went to a radio station where we were divided into groups of 5 and asked to make a sequence on our own which was so far a very novel experience as it bonded us together better than we could imagine. We had an opportunity to visit the iHome lab which is a futuristic home and had the privilege to meet the refugees of the Hello Welcome Refugee Camp at school.

The most noticeable thing about the school tour was the fact that they were using advanced technology in teaching and learning. A few books, a pen and a laptop in the schoolbag, that’s all you need. The school located near a lake has a serene atmosphere which adds to the stress-free environment. I couldn’t ask for a better host family as they were kind enough to take me in as a part of their family and made me feel at home. They took me hiking to the Pre Alps and we visited a chocolate factory where we could decorate our chocolates. Even though it was sad to depart from them, the thought of seeing them soon in India lightened up everyone’s mind. It would be unfair to conclude without talking about the calm and peaceful environment and the courteous behaviour of the Swiss people. Overall, I had a very unique and unforgettable experience which I would cherish lifelong. Thanks to my school authorities for selecting me in the team and also thanks to my friends who were with me in the venture for making the trip more enjoyable.

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Aleena

SWITZERLAND or should I say the most beautiful place I have ever been to in my entire life??
We reached Zurich Airport and took a train to Lucerne where we met our Swiss partners, and that moment, we knew that we met a group of people who were going to be our friends for a lifetime
The monuments, old towns, and architecture that we saw consistently left me in awe. The people of Lucerne are as captivating as the city itself, radiating a beauty that goes beyond the picturesque landscapes, embodying warmth and charm. The members of my host family did everything to make me feel at home and I will always remember all the heartfelt conversations we had at the dining table while we had the delicious pasta they cooked for me.
Switzerland was refreshingly cold, and every place we went to was a memory to cherish forever. From the excitement we had on seeing snow for the first time to the teary-eyed goodbyes we bidded.
Everything was special

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Nashlie

This project was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me that helped me learn a lot. Luzerne was breathtaking, full of culture and exquisite beauty. My host family was beyond welcoming and made me feel like a part of their family from day one. I had the opportunity to see a country with different values and traditions, learn from them, and share our culture with them. I will hold every memory from those 10 days close to my heart.

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Nashlie with Milena’s Family

 

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Anushka with Elena’s Family

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Govind with Leandro’s Family

 

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Govind

Switzerland was beautiful; from sharing a lakeside view to seeing the world from the top of a mountain, every moment of it was beautiful. It was a refreshing experience to see life in its most naked form with people unafraid to express their being; striving to live a life with no regrets. During the time I spent in Switzerland, I went to many great places like the Lion Monument in Lucerne, the breathtaking ranges of Mount Titlis, The Red Cross Museum and The United Nations Office in Geneva; but the soul of those experiences will always be the relationships that I made and the laughter that we shared, the warmest one being the home that I stayed in. With the vibrant conversations about our different cultures, the traditional cuisines that they made me try, the songs and stories that we shared, and the beautiful places they took me to, they made me feel like I was a part of their family. Switzerland will always be a memory that I will come back to with its valuable life lessons, stunning sceneries and the precious bonds that I hold on to.

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Naman with Mattanja’s Family

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Prayag with Aurel’s Family

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Adwitha with Celia’s Family

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Akshitha with Lana’a Family

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