As the festive season approaches and the year comes to an end, our boarding house is brimming with holiday cheer! The past few weeks have been filled with exciting activities, heartwarming moments, and achievements we’re so proud to celebrate.

From the joy of decorating our Christmas tree together to the laughter shared during our Winterball, we’ve created memories that will stay with us for years to come. Our students have worked hard academically and participated in wonderful events like the Escalade run and various creative projects—showcasing their talents, kindness, and teamwork.

Now, it’s time for everyone to relax, recharge, and enjoy the winter break. Whether you’re heading home to spend time with loved ones, exploring new destinations, or staying close to CDL, we wish you all a holiday filled with warmth, happiness, and peace.

Thank you for being part of our Villa Franconis family this year—we can’t wait to welcome you back in 2025 for another fantastic chapter.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! 🎄✨

Today, our students embraced a cherished Geneva tradition by breaking the Marmite! As part of the Escalade celebrations, this iconic chocolate cauldron is filled with marzipan vegetables and symbolizes the city’s victory in 1602 against an attempted siege.

The story goes that a Genevan woman foiled an enemy attack by pouring hot soup on soldiers scaling the city walls—hence the Marmite, representing a soup pot, has become a central part of the festivities.

Our students gathered to participate in the ritual “breaking of the Marmite,” smashing the chocolate pot while reciting the famous phrase: “Ainsi périrent les ennemis de la République!” (“Thus perished the enemies of the Republic!”). It was a fun and delicious way to connect with local history and culture.

What an exciting weekend it has been for our Villa Franconis students!

On Sunday, our runners took part in the iconic Escalade Run in Geneva. Weeks of training and preparation paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts. While we await the official results, we want to take a moment to applaud Zitian, Antonio, Kaishu, and Wenyan for their determination and incredible performances. Well done, runners—you’ve made us all proud!

Our weekend was also filled with creativity as we put the finishing touches on our gingerbread house for the annual competition. The students worked together to craft an impressive design, and we can’t wait to see how it fares. Take a look at our creation—it’s a masterpiece!

Finally, a special shoutout goes to Antonio and his friend Roxy, who spent Friday cooking in our house and distributing food to homeless people in Geneva. Their kindness and initiative are truly heartwarming and a reminder of the power of giving back. Bravo, Antonio!

It’s been a weekend to remember, full of achievements and acts of kindness. Stay tuned for more updates from Villa Franconis!

The Christmas spirit has officially arrived at our boarding house!
This evening, we came together to set up our very own little 🎄.
From carefully placing ornaments to making sure it looked just right, everyone pitched in to make it special.

The tree now sits proudly in the common area, bringing a cozy and festive atmosphere to our home.

Todaz, our boarding house embraced a cozy evening with “Dinner at Home.” Instead of heading out to dinning hall, we had delicious Greek food delivered straight to the house. The students gathered together, enjoying dishes like gyros and fresh Greek salads, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

It was the perfect way to wind down after a busy daz, sharing laughs, stories, and fantastic food. Moments like these remind us how special it is to have a “home away from home” experience together.

This evening, our boarding community gathered for a special Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating gratitude and togetherness. The room was filled with the warm aroma of a traditional feast, bringing everyone together to share a wonderful meal and reflect on the blessings of the year.

The evening featured a delicious spread, including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a variety of sides, all beautifully prepared by the kitchen team. The students enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

Thanksgiving is not just about the food; it’s about the connections we make and the sense of community we build.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make this dinner so special. It was a memorable evening for all, reminding us of the importance of gratitude and the joy of being part of the boarding community.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

Tonight, we gathered to honour the outstanding achievements of our boys at the annual Boarding Awards Ceremony. It was an inspiring evening, filled with pride as we celebrated our students’ hard work, dedication, and spirit.

• Jeronimo received the Boarding Activity Award for his enthusiasm and consistent participation in various activities. His energy and commitment to engaging with our boarding community have been a joy to watch.
• Antonio was awarded the Boarding Life Award, a reflection of his warmth, positivity, and the strong sense of camaraderie he fosters among his peers. In addition, he earned a Boarding Academic Award for his exceptional performance in the IB1 program, demonstrating both academic excellence and a well-rounded approach to his studies.
• Kaishu was also recognized with a Boarding Academic Award for achieving top grades in Grade 12, showcasing his diligence and dedication to his academic journey.

We are incredibly proud of each of these young men and the contributions they make to our house. Their achievements, both in the classroom and beyond, are a testament to their hard work, positive attitude, and the strong sense of community they help build. Congratulations to all.

This past weekend was a calm and relaxing one here in the boarding house, with students making the most of the time to recharge and focus on their studies.

Some of our boarders ventured into Geneva on Saturday to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market, while others joined Sunday’s exciting trip to the Callier Chocolate Factory. It was a sweet treat to cap off the weekend!

Others ended the weekend on an active note, hitting the gym… 

…and going for a refreshing run as part of their preparation for the upcoming Escalade race.

This weekend, some of the boys took part in a heartfelt tradition: the annual Boarding Gift Box Appeal. Together, they wrapped gifts that will soon be sent to families in need, bringing joy and hope to children facing difficult circumstances.

The Boarding Gift Box Appeal is a wonderful opportunity for our boys to engage in the true spirit of giving. It’s not just about wrapping presents—it’s about understanding the impact of their generosity and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This tradition is one of the highlights of the year in our boarding community, and it’s always rewarding to know that these acts of kindness will bring smiles to children who might not otherwise experience the magic of the season.

Take a look at the TikTok, showcasing the students in action during this heartwarming activity!

CDL Boarding Gift Box Appeal #thatboardingvibe #giftboxappeal #christm… | gift opening | TikTok

This weekend at Villa Franconis was a perfect balance of productivity and relaxation for our students.

Many were busy studying and making excellent progress on their assignments, while others took advantage of the beautiful weather, going for sunny walks or invigorating runs.

Some made the most of the gym facilities to keep active, while others enjoyed some quality time cooking together and experimenting with new recipes.

A few students had the chance to head out to Geneva for a nice dinner, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, a group spent the weekend in Lucerne, where they explored the charming city, enjoyed the sights, and made wonderful memories.

A well-rounded weekend indeed—filled with focus, fitness, and fun!

This weekend, we’re kicking off an exciting new tradition with the first-ever House Challenge—a Boarding Word Search! Starting this weekend, each House will team up to search for hidden words. It’s the perfect way to test those team skills and add a little friendly competition to our weekend!

Every two weeks, the House Rep Committee will drop a new challenge to keep things exciting and get everyone involved. It’s all about teamwork, problem-solving, and having fun.

Let the games begin, and may the best House win this round! 🏆🔍

This weekend, our boarding house was filled with energy, laughter, and a great mix of activities! The boys enjoyed everything from visits to Geneva with friends to cooking meals together here in the House. It was wonderful to see them take ownership of the kitchen, whipping up delicious dishes to share.

The weekend was packed with activities that allowed each student to pursue their interests. Some joined a climbing session on Saturday morning, where they challenged themselves and had a lot of fun. Others participated in their regular golf and chess sessions, bringing their unique skills to each activity. We also had time for some fun creativity, making TikToks together, sharing laughs and capturing memories.

On Saturday evening, we hosted a karaoke night with some students from Louis Degallier 56, and the singing, laughter, and camaraderie made it a night to remember!

Today, some of the boys enjoyed a relaxing walk around Versoix, taking in the fresh air and scenic views. Others took the opportunity to go for a walk with Mr. Mike’s dog, which added an extra bit of joy to their day.

Overall, it was a fantastic weekend filled with meaningful activities, laughter, and time to unwind. Here’s to another great week ahead in our boarding community!

Diego Climbing

Antonio Climbing

Diego, Antonio and Ella enjoying making TikTok’s

Diego, Jeronimo, Ava, Antonio and Ella are all enjoying karaoke night.

Jeronimo before going out to capture some beautiful photos locally here in Versoix.

One of Jeronimo’s photos from today.

Saturday’s pasta dinner was cooked by Antonio.

Antonio is out on a walk with Mr Mike’s beautiful dog this afternoon.

Halloween night in Franconis was filled with spooky fun and plenty of laughs! The highlight of the evening was our pumpkin carving contest, where the students put their creativity to the test, crafting everything from creepy faces to funny designs. The pumpkins lit up with a ghostly glow, setting the perfect Halloween vibe.

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween from Franconis – may it be filled with frights, fun, and just a little bit of magic! 🎃👻🍬

Some of the pumpkins from the pumpkin carving competition.

The Franconis pumpkin that the boys created.

Antonio and Kaishu working on the pumpkin.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable October holiday! Whether you’re spending time with family, travelling, or just taking a well-deserved break, we hope you recharge and come back refreshed.

As a reminder, don’t forget to download the CDL app if you haven’t already. It’s the best way to stay up to date on all school notices and important updates.

https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/college-du-leman/parent-essentials/cdl-news-app

Have a wonderful holiday!

This evening at Collège du Léman, we had the pleasure of experiencing traditional Japanese cuisine, and it was an unforgettable evening for everyone. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as we explored the rich flavours of Japanese culture through a variety of delicious dishes.

The cooking team prepared an array of classic meals, including Miso soup, Sushi, Yakitori, Gyozas, Vegetable tempura, and Ramen. Each dish gave us a true taste of Japan, making it a culinary experience that will be remembered fondly by all.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to embrace the warmth and comfort of autumn at home. This season invites us to slow down, savor cozy moments, and make the most of our time indoors. Here are some delightful ways to bask in the autumn vibes and enjoy everything this enchanting season has to offer.

Movie Nights: Chill- out Together

What better way to spend a chilly evening than by curling up on the couch with your favorite movies? Create a mini home theater experience—dim the lights, grab your softest blankets, and prepare a bowl of popcorn drizzled with melted butter. Choose a theme for your movie night—whether it’s classic fall films, spooky Halloween flicks, or heartwarming family favorites, there’s something magical about sharing stories on the screen as the wind rustles outside.

Study Sessions: Support Each Other

Autumn often brings a wave of academic challenges, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to foster a supportive study environment at home. Gather around the dining table with your textbooks, notes, and a hot cup of tea or coffee. Create a study schedule that allows for collaborative learning; quiz each other, share insights, and tackle difficult subjects together. Not only will you prepare for those upcoming exams, but you’ll also strengthen your bond through shared challenges and achievements.

Baking: Sweeten the Season

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through the house. Autumn is the ideal time to experiment with seasonal flavors—think pumpkin spice, pecan pie or in our case: cinnamon rolls. Invite friends into the kitchen for a fun baking session. 

Outdoor Adventures: Soak Up the Sun

On those crisp days when the sun breaks through the clouds, take advantage of the beautiful autumn scenery. The vibrant colors of the leaves create a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor activities. Whether you prefer hiking, walking, or running, being outside in nature is invigorating. Bundle up in your favorite sweater, lace up your boots, and explore local trails or parks. The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the fresh, cool air will rejuvenate your spirit, making you feel more connected to the season.

This evening, Antonio and I laced up our running shoes and hit the pavement, another step in his training journey towards one of his personal goals: completing the Escalade race in Geneva this December. The Escalade, a well-known local event, is a challenging run that attracts participants from all over, and Antonio has set his sights on it with determination.

His commitment to this goal is inspiring. Balancing his academic responsibilities, social life, and other activities, Antonio still finds the time and energy to focus on his training. Each run is a step closer to his goal, and tonight’s session was no exception. It’s amazing to see him push himself, not only to meet expectations in the classroom but also to conquer personal milestones like this one.

With dedication and perseverance, I have no doubt Antonio will cross the finish line in December, proud of all he’s achieved along the way. Keep running strong, Antonio!

After a week full of academic work and school activities, Villa Franconis was hosted a Chinese haute cuisine cooking session:

We also made Pizza:

Everyone created their own version of a perfect dinner, and we shared and enjoyed them all together. The evening was filled with laughter, joy and great food.

On Sunday, the day started with brunch at school which was either followed by a round of golf or meeting up with friends for lunch.

Additionally, some of our students had the exciting opportunity to visit *Europa-Park* in Germany, one of the largest theme parks in Europe. They enjoyed thrilling rides, fun attractions, and a well-deserved break from their academic schedules. It was a day filled with adventure and unforgettable memories.

This past weekend, our boarding students embarked on an unforgettable journey to the stunning alpine town of Verbier. Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Verbier provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with adventure, fun, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories.

From the moment we arrived everyone was excited. Our students quickly immersed themselves in a variety of activities that catered to every interest and skill level. Whether it was hiking scenic trails, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and it was wonderful to see students stepping out of their comfort zones, embracing new challenges, and cheering each other on.

In addition to the organized activities, there was plenty of time for relaxation and bonding. Free time allowed the students to explore the town, connect with friends, and take in the breathtaking views.

One of the highlights of the trip was the sense of camaraderie and teamwork that developed among the students. Whether they were working together to navigate a hiking trail or encouraging each other during a challenging activity, it was clear that this weekend was about more than just having fun—it was about building connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

As we returned to the boarding house, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and joy. The students came back not only with stories to tell but also with new friendships and a deeper sense of community. It was a weekend that reminded us all of the value of stepping outside, trying new things, and supporting one another along the way.

Now, as we settle back into our routines and prepare for the week ahead, we carry with us the spirit of adventure and the memories of a truly special weekend in Verbier. We look forward to more opportunities like this, where our students can learn, grow, and create unforgettable experiences together.

Today, we had the pleasure of celebrating Jeronimo’s 18th birthday! The house came together to prepare and cook a special dinner, and of course, we ended the evening with cake to mark the occasion. A great night of food, laughter, and celebration!

This weekend, the boys in Franconis had an adventurous and active time, enjoying a mix of climbing, evening walks, bike rides, and even a refreshing walk in the rain. It was a beautiful weekend here in Versoix, and they truly made the most of it by staying active and spending quality time with friends. Whether it was scaling new heights or simply enjoying the outdoors, the boys embraced every moment of the weekend.

Antonio climbing on Saturday

Bike ride with Jeronimo

Enjoying a walk in the rain on our way to dinner, the fresh scent in the air was a welcome change after a hot weekend here in Versoix.

This evening, Wenyan, Kaishu, Jeronimo and I decided to go for a walk around the Vita Parcours in the woods not far from the house. For those unfamiliar, the Vita Parcours is an outdoor fitness trail concept that originated here in Switzerland. These trails are designed to combine exercise with nature, offering a unique way to stay active while enjoying the great outdoors.

It was a beautiful evening—the sun was setting, casting a warm glow on the Jura mountains, and the temperatures were much cooler than earlier in the day. We decided to take advantage of the lovely weather to get out of the house and stretch our legs before bed. It was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the peacefulness of the woods.

Wenyan, Kaishu and Jeronimo hanging from one of the exercise stations.

After a long and beautiful summer, we kicked off the new school year with a relaxing and fun-filled first weekend back at our boarding house. It was the perfect way to ease into the academic year and reconnect with friends, both old and new.

On Saturday evening, we transformed our common room into a cozy cinema. We dimmed the lights and enjoyed a movie night complete with popcorn and a variety of snacks. The atmosphere was full of excitement as we all gathered together to watch a favorite film, making it a memorable night for everyone.

Sunday brought a special treat. One of our talented students volunteered to cook dinner for the entire house. The kitchen buzzed with activity as they prepared a delicious homemade meal. That evening, we all sat down together to enjoy the fruits of their labor—a wonderful way to end the weekend.

This first weekend back reminded us of the strong community spirit we have here at CDL. We’re looking forward to many more weekends filled with good food, great movies, and more thrilling chess games!