Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

At LAS, student, staff, and visitor safety is our priority. We focus on daily prevention by assessing and mitigating potential risks.

LAS CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Safeguarding at LAS involves preventing, identifying, and responding to student harm and abuse. We are committed to protecting children through education, support, and promoting protective behaviors. All LAS staff and volunteers are required to report suspected abuse to the Child Protection Officer, Counselor, or Safety and Security Coordinator, with serious cases escalated to the Head of School. Procedures align with Swiss law and may involve relevant authorities. Suspected abuse by staff or volunteers is investigated, with background checks required for all new hires. We uphold the Convention on the Rights of the Child to ensure a safe environment.

 

SECURITY

The LAS campus has a single entry system and CCTV, with security patrols on weekends and key dates. All students, staff, and visitors must carry key cards, fobs, or passes, and staff/students should have their LAS digital ID on their phones. Dormitories are secured with electric locks accessed by key cards, granting entry to dorms, rooms, and classrooms. Lost or damaged cards must be reported to the Dean of Students Office. Students are responsible for their cards; sharing is prohibited. Replacement costs CHF 50.

 

LAS EMERGENCY RESPONSE

LAS’s emergency plan includes "Evacuate, Stay in Place, Lockdown" protocols, with regular drills for preparedness. In an emergency, the situation is assessed, and the appropriate response is initiated. Fire exits, assembly points, and guidelines are posted throughout the school.

 

PERSONAL SAFETY

Students are responsible for their safety by staying aware and following school rules. Unsafe behavior will result in serious disciplinary action.

 

BALCONY, WINDOW, AND ROOF SAFETY

Students are prohibited from climbing on non-designated areas, including windows. Misuse will result in serious disciplinary action.

 

ROAD SAFETY

Students and staff should follow safety precautions when crossing roads. In areas without crossings or pavements, they must walk within the yellow roadside lines and exercise caution when crossing.

 

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, etc.

Students are encouraged to use bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters for exercise and sustainable travel, but these must be stored in designated areas. Helmets are mandatory for these activities—failure to comply will result in confiscation of your equipment.

 

MOTORIZED VEHICLES

Students are not permitted to operate motorized vehicles—including cars, e-scooters, boats, or similar—unless as part of a faculty-supervised activity (e.g., go-karting). E-bikes are permitted under the conditions outlined in section 6.81. 

E-Bikes
LAS allows e-bikes (max 25 km/h) for students 14 and older. Students aged 14-16 need an M permit, which the school can help obtain. E-bike users must follow all bicycle rules. For details, contact the Dean of Students Office.

Drone Usage
Switzerland's strict drone regulations, along with additional restrictions in Leysin due to the nearby heliport, limit drone usage at LAS. Bringing drones is discouraged.

Transportation (accepting lifts, school buses, and taxis)
Students may only ride with approved individuals with permission from the Dean of Students Office. On school buses, seat belts must be worn, and students must remain seated. Taxis are only allowed:

  • Monday–Thursday: After school until 19:30 check-in
  • Friday: After school until grade-level check-in
  • Saturday: 09:00 until grade-level check-in
  • Sunday: 09:00 until 19:30 check-in

Approved G11 and G12 students may use taxis for off-campus lunch.

 

APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS WHEN NOT IN SCHOOL

Students must inform the school of their whereabouts and check in/out with the Dean of Students Office or AOC when leaving/returning to campus.

Students cannot rent hotel rooms, private houses, or travel outside Leysin without authorization. Leysin boundaries are from Lower Sporting to Prafandaz, and the Hotel Chamois and the abandoned hotel above BEC are off-limits.

Regarding local restaurants:

  • Private rooms in restaurants are off-limits.
  • Grades 11 & 12 may eat lunch off-campus; all other students must stay on campus.

 

FIRE SAFETY

Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Students and faculty must follow evacuation procedures, leaving the building immediately when the alarm sounds. Residents will be informed of evacuation routes during orientation and must wait for the “all clear” signal before re-entering.

Dormitory Room Safety Rules
Hallways must be clear, and bikes/skis stored in designated areas. No toasters, coffee makers, or open heat sources in dorm rooms. LED lights are allowed if secured. Hangings should not block access. No candles, incense, or tampering with fire systems. Charge phones on hard surfaces only. Smoking is forbidden. Fire safety violations may lead to fines or expulsion.

 

THEFT, SECURITY, PROTECTION, AND INSURANCE

Theft is not tolerated at LAS and may result in suspension. Students should store valuables in their provided safe, lock dorm doors, and monitor items during laundry. Electronics, phones, wallets, and money must not be left unlocked. Never borrow items without permission.

Students who are not Swiss residents have personal liability and contents insurance through the school. For more information, please contact insurance@las.ch.  The insurance includes:

  • Contents Insurance: covers theft by break-in; requires a police report.
  • Personal Liability Insurance: covers third-party claims for property damage or injury.

 

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

If local authorities are involved, or LAS is required by Swiss law to notify them, LAS will notify parents as soon as possible.