It’s been a busy and varied weekend in Franconis, with the boys making the most of their time in lots of different ways.

We started on Friday evening with a relaxed night in, settling down together to watch the new season of Stranger Things, a great way to unwind at the end of the week.

Saturday was action-packed. Loris headed out climbing before joining his basketball teammates for a scrimmage. You-How and Ziwei took part in community service, helping bring down the Christmas decorations in preparation for the tree at the entrance of the dining hall — a lovely way to support the wider school community.

On Sunday, Antonio went out for a 5km run with Lucy after a particularly busy week. Loris spent more time at Olympus shooting hoops, while You-How got his hands dirty with some gardening after brunch. Later in the afternoon, Ziwei and You-How worked together to fix and adjust their school bikes, learning some practical new skills along the way. Jeronimo returned in great spirits after a wonderful weekend visiting the University of Leeds.

In the evening, we came together as a house to discuss Wellbeing Pillar 1: Body Image, encouraging reflection and open conversation. As this is also Excellence Week at CDL, we finished the night by recognising each boy’s individual areas of excellence and achievements — a positive and affirming way to close the weekend.

This weekend was another great one here at Villa Franconi, filled with energy, effort, and a touch of holiday spirit!
One of the highlights was the CDL Climbing Competition, where some of our students proudly represented the house. A big well done to them — every point counts, and we’re thrilled to see their dedication and teamwork on the wall!

Back at the house, the students enjoyed a calm and productive rhythm. Between studying for upcoming assessments, cooking their own meals, and spending quality time together, Villa Franconi felt warm, lively, and very much like home.

On Sunday, several students joined the school trip to the Montreux Christmas Market, soaking in the festive atmosphere, bright lights, and holiday treats. 🎄✨

It was a lovely mix of effort, fun, and community — exactly the spirit we love at Villa Franconi. Looking forward to another great week ahead!

This weekend was full of variety and good energy in Villa Franconi! While some of our students enjoyed a school trip to Barcelona, exploring the city and soaking up the sunshine…

…others got involved in repairing and servicing bikes, getting them ready for rides to school and around the village. It was great to see their enthusiasm and practical skills in action!

The house turned into a mini Italian kitchen as everyone took part in making their own pizzas. From rolling the dough to choosing toppings, the students enjoyed a relaxed and delicious evening together. The smell of fresh pizza and laughter filled the house — a perfect way to wrap up the weekend!