A Relaxing Yet Adventurous Weekend at Villa Franconis

After an action-packed week filled with excitement—from our Talent Show and CDL Day to joyful birthday celebrations —this weekend was all about rest and recharge for our students.

They took the opportunity to catch up on sleep, enjoy loooong walks (14 km) in the fresh Swiss air,

and share relaxed dinners with friends.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, some students took part in climbing, challenging themselves both physically and mentally while having a great time!It was the perfect mix of relaxation and activity, allowing everyone to reset before the new week ahead. Looking forward to what’s next! 😊

Laser Tag House Activity: Fun, Strategy, and Teamwork!

This weekend, our students took part in an action-packed Laser Tag House Activity, and it was an absolute blast! Armed with laser guns and plenty of enthusiasm, they strategized, ran, dodged, and worked together to outplay their opponents.Beyond the excitement of the game, this activity was a fantastic way for students to bond, develop teamwork skills, and enjoy a healthy dose of friendly competition. The energy was high, the laughter was contagious, and everyone left with big smiles (and maybe a few stories about their best shots!).

🌟 Welcome Back! 🌟

After a well-deserved break, we are thrilled to welcome our students back to campus! Whether you spent your time skiing, traveling, or simply relaxing, we hope you are feeling refreshed and ready for the new term ahead.

The upcoming weeks will be filled with exciting activities, learning opportunities, and memorable moments. For those returning from Ski Week or the Iceland trip, we can’t wait to hear your stories and see the incredible photos!

Please see below some impressions of Jeronimo’s trip with CDL to Iceland—an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences! ❄️🌋✨

Let’s make the most of this next chapter together—welcome back! 💙✨

An Evening of Good Food & Great Company

Last Saturday evening, a group of students gathered in the kitchen, turning a simple night into something special. With ingredients in hand and laughter filling the air, they spent hours preparing a homemade feast together.

The kitchen buzzed with teamwork, creativity, and the delicious aromas of their hard work.

As the meal came together, more friends joined in, eager to share the experience. When the dishes were finally ready, they all sat down to enjoy a fantastic-looking and even better-tasting dinner.

Spreading Kindness, One Cupcake at a Time 🎂✨

This weekend, Antonio dedicated his time and effort to a meaningful CAS project that combined creativity, compassion, and community service. As part of his ongoing initiative, he spent the afternoon baking delicious cupcakes—not just for fun, but with a special purpose in mind.

Once the cupcakes were ready, Antonio and his friend headed to Geneva to distribute them to homeless individuals, bringing a little warmth and sweetness to those in need. It was another heartwarming experience, and Antonio’s dedication to giving back truly reflects the spirit of service and empathy that we value in our boarding community.

We are incredibly proud of Antonio for using his skills and time to make a difference! 👏💙

#CASProject #CommunityService #BoardingLife #MakingADifference

A Relaxed Start to the New Term: Cooking and Studying in the House

As we ease into the first weekend after the holidays, the atmosphere in the house has been calm and focused. After the excitement of the holiday season, everyone seems to have settled in, embracing a balanced mix of relaxation and preparation for the busy weeks ahead.

This weekend, students enjoyed some downtime and time to recharge. Many took the opportunity to dive into their studies, focusing on upcoming assignments and preparing for their exams. It’s been impressive to see the dedication and focus as everyone gets ready for a productive term ahead.

There was also plenty of time for creativity in the kitchen! Some of the students gathered to cook together, experimenting with new recipes and sharing a delicious meal. It was a fun and warm way to connect with friends while enjoying the simple joy of good food.

All in all, it’s been a lovely, relaxed start to the new term—full of studying, cooking, and great company. We’re looking forward to the weeks ahead and the many exciting things to come!

Stay tuned for more updates from the house, and wishing everyone a fantastic start to the term!

 

A Joyful Farewell to 2024: Wishing Everyone Happy Winter Holidays!

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! 🎄✨

 

 

Breaking the Marmite: A Sweet Escalade Tradition

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.

A Weekend of Achievements at Villa Franconis 💪

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!

🎄 Our Little Christmas Tree 🎄

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.