Yesterday evening all our Old Portena girls along with some other boarders, visited Château de Coppet to learn about its history, and we also watched an illuminating lights show at night. It was the perfect outing to enjoy together before we break for the holidays!

Last night, Isabella took part in a winter concert in aid of one of our school charities, WATU. It was a musical evening featuring the CDL community choir and high school and middle school musicians.

Well done Isabella!

We all got into the Christmas spirit today, and we exchanged our Secret Santa gifts. Thank you girls for putting a lot of thought into your gifts, everyone was spoilt!

In the heart of celebration and laughter, Miyuki’s birthday became an enchanting tale of joy, with the sweet crescendo being a magnificent cake that stole the spotlight.

Layers of velvety goodness, adorned with vibrant colors and delicate edible flowers, awaited eager forks.

ç  

Every December, the city of Geneva celebrates L’Escalade, which commemorates the defeat of an attempt to conquer the Protestant city by the troops of the Catholic Savoyards.

This historic event is celebrated in various ways, one of which is the smashing of the marmite de l’Escalade, a chocolate cauldron filled with marzipan sweets. The oldest and the youngest join hands and smash their hands over the cauldron, revealing the sweets inside.

Miyuki and Isabella, the youngest and oldest in the House, about to smash the marmite

Today we went to the cinema to watch Wish. Such a fun movie!

Tonight, we gather under the glittering stars for the Winter Ball, a spectacular event that marks the culmination of a semester filled with hard work, growth, and unforgettable moments.

The venue, cloaked in an aura of elegance, is set to host us in its welcoming embrace. Beyond the exquisite food and the enchanting ambiance, tonight is about coming together as a community. It’s a chance to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, the triumphs we’ve achieved, and the friendships that have blossomed. The Winter Ball is a melting pot of shared experiences, a space where we can revel in the collective spirit that defines us.

As we dust off our finest attire and prepare to dance the night away, let’s savor the moments that make this event so special. The Winter Ball isn’t merely a conclusion to the semester; it’s a celebration of the journey we’ve undertaken together. It’s a reminder that, despite the academic rigors, we have created a vibrant and supportive community that stands strong in the face of challenges.

This evening after our weekly house meeting, we continued to work on the Old Portena Yearbook, with the girls sticking their favourite pictures on it, and writing an end-of-year semester reflection. We’re excited to continue this for the next semester!

Last night we celebrated our boarders in our annual Award Ceremony, where medals were given to those who displayed an outstanding contribution to Boarding Life, Activities and Academics.

Lisa and Anne got an award for Boarding Life, Karen and Isabella for Activities, and Karen for Academics. Huge congratulations girls!