Today, most of our Concha boys had the best Sunday plan: ski! 🎿

They woke up very early to head to La Tzoumaz, a ski station near Verbier. Once arrived, they prepared all their equipment to start skiing or snowboarding for some hours. Some of them were brave enough to try new activities, such as sledding, which they found particularly fun. Although last weekend they went to the same place, they are still amazed by the views they have while they practice one of their favourite sports, and the best thing is that they get to practice it together! 🤩

After a full day of skiing, they came back on campus, had dinner, tidied up their rooms and prepared everything for tomorrow. One thing they do not like that much is that they have to go back to school tomorrow, but next weekend is only in 5 days!

Fanbo and Juze or models for a fashion brand? 🙌🏻

Breathtaking views! 🏔️

Martin had such a good time! 💪🏻

After a week full of summatives, assignments to submit, study halls and readings to finish, the weekend finally arrived and the kids had tons of plans on their to-do lists.

From the early morning to dinner time, there was something to do inside or outside the house. Some decided to join activities before going to their long-awaited free time in Geneva, including cooking, boxing, climbing or basketball. Others preferred to stay in, study a bit and enjoy their free time afterwards. Both alternatives are totally valid! At night, we thought it could be a good idea to watch a film with the kids, so we made some popcorn and enjoyed a Batman-starred evening!

All in all, it was a fun day the kids took advantage of to rest and do those things they have not enough time to do on weekdays.

Go, go, Edo! 🧗‍♂️

Look at this duo! 🤩

A break after an exhausting climbing session…

Martin absolutely enjoys climbing lessons on Saturdays!

Don’t think it twice, Zhengtai, you got this!

Hopefully you are not scared, Fanbo 😬

Juze + horse riding = ❤️

Fanyang was over the moon!

Who’s gonna win? 🏀

This fight got tense!

Emir was very focused!

Jump, jump, jump ⬆️

Today, the kids had the opportunity to go to Versoix’s Ice Rink with boys and girls from different boarding houses. ❄️

Some of them already knew how to do ice skating, however, there were others who hadn’t done it before or hadn’t practiced it that much. The truth is, some of them were not really sure about trying it out at first, as they were afraid they could fall and consequently, others were going to laugh. Nevertheless, the good thing is that everyone supported one another, and those who were more skilled did not hesitate to help those who needed a hand. In addition, la patinoire de Versoix counts on a small bar, where the kids could get some iced tea and hot chocolate after the one-hour-and-a-half ice skating session. ⛸️

All in all, a very bonding and enriching experience our Concha boys will remember with joy. Are they going to do the same next weekend? Stay tuned for more Concha updates! ✌🏻

Ready to rock the ice rink! ⛸️

Firdavs made some moves on the rink 🤩

Look at this crew! 😝

Jiarui tried it for the first time. Though hard at first, he loved it!

Daniel and Shaokun from Léman having a good time

We need a physical copy of this picture, it’s sooooo cool! 📸

Gianni was gradually gaining more confidence

Once he learnt the basic moves, Zhengtai was unstoppable! 🙌🏻

Fanyang was actually telling me off in this picture because I subconsciously called him Fanbo 😭 (by the way, look who’s in the back)

Adam and Alex helped Jiarui!

We cannot deny these two get along really well 🥳

Time to leave the ice rink and head back to the house 🏡

On our way back 🌳

As usual, our Concha boys made the most of their time off during the weekend and took part in at least one activity out of the several options the school offers every weekend. 🏀

While some of them preferred to have a chill Saturday at the house after their activities, others wanted to go shopping in Geneva. They always find something to do in this cosmopolitan city: buy snacks and clothes, have a nice meal at their favourite restaurant, walk by the Jet d’Eau or simply have fun with their friends while sightseeing. In fact, it was Martin’s first time in Geneva and he confessed he loved it and cannot wait to go back again! 🇨🇭

Martin really enjoyed his first tennis class! 🎾

Let’s go, Fanbo! 🏀

All the way from China…here we have the famous basketball superstar: Tim! ✨

Ken arrived in Barbie’s Dreamland! 🤪

Looks like Martin has made really good friends from other houses! 🌍 Liza and Kapa (Terray) and Rochelle (Villa du Lac)

And of course, Mr Victor (me!) and Ms Rym from Terray, accompanied the kids to this marvelous city! 🤩

Aujourd’hui, our Concha boys got a delicious French dinner delivered at the house 🍽️

As you might have realised, one Thursday a month the kids get to have dinner together with us in the house. Thanks to this initiative, they have the opportunity to try dishes from different countries in the world, which reinforces their perception of multiculturalism and allows them to explore new flavours and traditions. ✨

This month, it was time to try an appetizing French dinner. The main course consisted of a cheeeeeeesy croque monsieur with some chips on the side. Then, it was time for dessert. A yummy éclair au chocolat was waiting for us! The kids loved it (yes, some of them even had two 😝). After dinner, they enjoyed the rest of their social hour, which helped them recharge their batteries for the upcoming study hall. 💪🏻

It was too cheesy to say cheese 🧀📸

Ready to eat! (But let’s wait for Emir to get his chips first) 🍴

A picture with Mr Sam, our new House Tutor! 🤩

This éclair au chocolat was insane! Wish you could have tried it 🍫

After a well-deserved break, our Concha boys started to arrive from different parts of the world, where they got to spend their Christmas holidays with family and friends. 😎

Some of them went back home, others travelled around Europe and others went to stunning beaches. But all of them came back to the same place: the Concha Boarding House, where they got to know each other back in August and connect despite coming from very different backgrounds. ✨

As soon as they stepped foot in the house they started telling us memorable stories about their holidays, what they did, what they bought and what they got for Christmas. In addition, they did not hesitate to talk to those who had already arrived, play jokes, go around Versoix together to run some errands or simply cook together in the house kitchen (we have to say that some of them felt really jet-lagged 😂).

After recharging their batteries, they are ready to face they new semester, which kicks off tomorrow. They will face new challenges, learn new things, go on trips to different places… and they will do it together! 💪🏻

Sam and Martin, our new Concha superstar, playing chess together ♟️

These two are back at it 🤩

First Sunday dinner of the year 🍽️

Gotcha! 🥸

Say cheese, lads! 🧀

The Brazilian duo is ready to face the new semester 🇧🇷

Time for a quick house meeting! 🫡

HoHoHo! 🎅🏻

Today it was a magical day at the Concha Boarding House. We could feel the Christmasy vibe and celebrate this tradition together as a beautiful international family. Last week, it was the Winter Ball and this week is Secret Santa! You can tell we love Christmas here, right?

Few weeks ago, we got the kids together in the living room and assigned a name to each one of them, including both staff and other kids. In this way, they got the person they had to buy a present to. In addition, we also set a budget and helped them if they needed a hand (yes, we ended up knowing some of their Secret Santas…).

Today, we reunited with them in the living room and started picking up presents from the Christmas tree. It is a way for them to celebrate Christmas with us, get a nice present and also, carry unforgettable memories from this year at the Boarding House.

Let’s have a look at some of the presents our Concha boys got! ⬇️🎁

Look at this beeeeeeautiful tree! 🎄🥹

The Concha Gang is ready to open some cool presents! 🎁

Sam is obsessed with Pokémon cards… so he got some! 🃏

Zhengtai was in awe with his new badminton racket! 🏸

Kike got some chocolates and this cute dog! 🐾

Jiarui will play basketball even more with his new ball! 🏀

Basketball players are very lucky…look at Fanbo! ⛹️‍♂️

Firdavs got a lovely Lego set! 😱

I’m sure Edu will wear his new t-shirt tomorrow, no doubts! 🎽

Matthew is going to have a blast with this cool car! 🏎️

Adrian got a sports bag…and he celebrated it! 🎊

Alex will fly high with this helicopter 🚁

More Pokémon cards for Gianni! 💪🏻

Another basket ball for Tim 🏀

We already know what Fanyang is going to wear when he reunites with his family during the break… 😁

Damn, Daniel! It’s all about cars today 🏎️

Of course, another car to conclude the post. This time, Vincent’s! 🤩

⚠️ Warning: this post contains LOTS of pictures ⚠️

After waiting for weeks, the day finally arrived: the Winter Ball is here! 🥳

Yesterday was particularly busy. Although most of the kids had everything ready, some of them went to Geneva to buy last-minute clothes, get a meal with their friends to celebrate the end of the term before the ball itself or even to look for the perfect Secret Santa present (yes, we are doing Secret Santa but that is something we will deal with in upcoming posts…sorry I spoiled it 🤫).

Those who did not go to Geneva stayed in the house, getting enough rest or simply getting ready before everyone came back. All of them were wearing elegant black / navy suits, combined with matching (bow)ties and polished leather shoes or snow-white trainers. We have to admit everyone was punctual and we could make it on time to the bus.

After leaving school, we arrived at the Hilton Geneva Hotel, where the kids took pictures together, had an appetizer and incredible meal with House Parents and other children from different Boarding Houses and enjoyed a party with music they personally chose. Emir and Eduardo got the opportunity to be DJs for half of the night and people loved it! Some other students were congratulating them both on the amazing job they’d done.

Once it was all over, we spent some time chilling in the house living room and, as everyone felt a bit hungry, Mr Tarun prepared some noodles. All in all, a night to remember! 🤩

The Concha Gang ready for the night! 🤩

Arrived at the Hilton Hotel! 🇨🇭

You better not mess with these three! 😵‍💫

As I was saying, the Boarding experience is not only about connecting with the kids in our house, but also with the kids in other houses! 👏🏻

The Middle Schoolers were sitting on table 18 with Mr Tarun and Mr Víctor ⭐️

I also wanted to be in the picture! 🤪

Look at the Concha High School crew! 😱

Beautiful table decorations 🍽️🎄

What are these four up to? 🤔

Say cheeese! 🧀

Let’s state facts: we smashed the photo booth! (not literally) 📸

Say “pishloq” 🇺🇿🧀

Mr Víctor and Mr Stéphane wanted to prove they are cool too! 😎

I see some potential models here! 😮

These two get along really well! 🤓

Wish the third picture was bigger, it looks fun! 😂

Adrian and Gianni having fun with Laura Jane from Villa du Lac! 😁

Adrian and João had a blast at the party 🎊

Who are these fancy gentlemen?! 🧐

DJ Eduardo and DJ Emir will make you put your hands in the air! 🪩

Late night talks 🗣️

Noodles, made by Mr. Tarun, to go to bed with a full stomach! 😋

We all know the Christmasy feeling arrived at the Concha Boarding House last week, setting up the Christmas tree and all the decorations around the house. This week, the students channeled their creativity into building gingerbread houses for a Boarding competition.

The kids were buzzing with excitement as gingerbread walls were carefully assembled. They also decorated the house adding that “Concha touch” that could make it characteristic and different from the rest. They were very involved, which is truly inspiring.

While we don’t know the winner just yet, the judges are hard at work making their decision. Every gingerbread masterpiece deserves recognition, and the suspense is building as we wait to find out who will take home the title of Gingerbread Champion

Firdavs didn’t know where to start from! 😮‍💨

Kike was really into it 😎

Nathan adding his personal touches to the house 👏🏻

Eduardo and Javi working as a team!

Look at this beauty! 🥹

Concha’s Gingerbread House and some of the other house’s. Which one is your favourite? (We know your answer already 🤩)

Yesterday, our kids had the opportunity to visit the Christmas Market in Montreux. Some of them were already there the week before and wanted to go again to show their friends around.

Firdavs, who knows the city and the market itself really well, was the perfect tourist guide for the others. He showed them the best stands and restaurants in town to have an unforgettable Christmasy meal together.

The kids really enjoyed walking around the Market, exploring and discovering crafts, Swiss and other international flavours and witnessing the lights show! Although it was a bit crowded due to its growing popularity, the kids found it really enriching and it is a good way for them to get to know more about they country they are currently studying in! 🇨🇭

Look at this duo! 💪🏻

Zhengtai has amazing photography skills! 😱📸

The Christmas Market was busy! 🎄

Bon Appétit! 🍴