As we enter Week 3 of our Wellbeing Pillar: Healthy Bodies and Minds, our focus shifts to something just as important as nutrition and physical activity—Mindfulness.

Following our conversations around healthy eating and the power of movement, this week is all about slowing down, being present, and understanding how mindfulness can positively impact our mental and emotional well-being.

Key Takeaways for This Week:

🧠 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Benefits – How being present can reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional balance.
🌿 Simple Mindfulness Techniques – Learning easy ways to bring mindfulness into everyday life, from breathing exercises to mindful walking.

Let’s take this week as an opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with ourselves. Even a few mindful moments a day can make a big difference. 💭🌼

This week in our Wellbeing Program, we focused on the importance of movement and how staying active benefits every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or a game with friends, moving our bodies isn’t just about fitness—it’s about feeling better, thinking clearer, and improving overall well-being.

Why Movement Matters:

💪 Physical Health – Regular activity strengthens muscles, improves heart health, and boosts energy.
🧠 Mental Well-being – Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and improving mood.
🎯 Focus & Productivity – Movement sharpens concentration, helping with studying and daily tasks.
😴 Better Sleep – An active lifestyle helps regulate sleep patterns, leading to deeper rest.

This week, we encouraged everyone to get moving in ways that feel good—whether that’s hitting the gym, going for a walk, playing sports, or simply stretching after a long day. A little movement each day can make a big difference!

Let’s keep the momentum going and make movement a daily habit. How will you move this week? 🚴‍♂️🏀🎾

This week, we officially launched Pillar 4 of our Wellbeing Program: Healthy Bodies and Minds! The focus for our first week was Nutrition, and during our House Meeting, we took the time to watch an insightful video on the importance of fueling our bodies the right way.

Following the video, we had a great discussion, with students sharing their thoughts and asking questions about healthy eating habits. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the small choices we make every day that impact our overall well-being.

Key Takeaways from This Week:

🍽 Understanding Calories & Portion Sizes – Learning how to balance meals and fuel the body properly.
💧 Making Healthy Food Choices & Staying Hydrated – Recognizing the impact of nutrition on energy, focus, and overall health.

After a well-deserved holiday break, the boys have settled back into life at Franconis, making the most of their first weekend together. It’s been a time for reconnecting with friends, enjoying the fresh air, and getting back into routines.

On Saturday, some of the boys took advantage of the sunny weather with a bike ride, ending the day with a stunning sunset. A few early risers hit the gym before brunch on Sunday morning, setting a strong start for the week ahead. In the evening, the house was filled with activity—some focused on their final IA writing, others got creative with Gunpla model building, and a few spent time cooking up delicious meals.

A fantastic weekend all around, and a great way to ease back into boarding life! Looking forward to what the next weeks bring. 🚴‍♂️📚👨‍🍳

This evening, the kitchen in Franconis was alive with delicious aromas and lots of activity! Antonio whipped up his signature Italian dish bringing a touch of home to the table. Meanwhile, Diego got creative with a marinated chicken recipe, experimenting with flavors and techniques. Not to be outdone, Kaishu invited friends over and prepared not one, but two dishes: a chicken specialty and a prawn creation.

It’s always great to see the boys cooking, sharing meals, and enjoying each other’s company. Nights like these remind us that the kitchen is more than just a place for food—it’s a hub for laughter, learning, and connection. 🥘👨‍🍳

Antonio and Aurora enjoying their pasta.

Diego getting ready to enjoy his creative chicken dish

Xiniyi, Kaishu, Adela and You-How are enjoying the choice of dishes

As we wrapped up Wellbeing Pillar 3: Building Positive Friendships, we explored something simple yet profoundly important: The way we treat ourselves shapes the way we treat others.

Throughout the past few weeks, we’ve explored essential elements of building positive friendships—beginning with developing a strong relationship with ourselves. We’ve discussed self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-care, and boundaries, all of which are vital components in nurturing healthy and authentic connections. The core message we’ve taken away is this: positive relationships start with how we see and treat ourselves. When we practice self-compassion, set boundaries, and prioritize our own well-being, we open the door for meaningful connections with others. When we treat ourselves with respect and kindness, we create a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same.

This weekend at Franconis was all about balance—taking time to rest, enjoy activities, and spend quality moments together. The boys made the most of their downtime, whether it was relaxing with board games, getting active with climbing, or exploring Geneva with friends while enjoying meals out. Some also took peaceful walks around Versoix, appreciating the fresh air and a break from the usual routine.

Saturday night was a special one, as we followed up on our House Review with our very first movie night! The boys got hands-on in the kitchen, making pizzas before settling in to watch the classic film Gone in 60 Seconds. It was a great way to unwind, enjoy good food, and share some laughs together.

A well-spent weekend, setting us up for another productive and enjoyable week ahead!

This week, we continued our journey through Wellbeing Pillar 3: Building Positive Friendships with an important discussion on Self-Care & Boundaries.

Why Self-Care and Boundaries Matter

In order to maintain healthy and fulfilling relationships, we must first take care of ourselves. Self-care isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about recognizing our needs, setting limits, and prioritizing our well-being. Boundaries play a crucial role in this, helping us establish respect in our relationships while ensuring we don’t overextend ourselves emotionally, mentally, or physically.

Key Takeaways from This Week’s Discussion

• Self-care is not selfish – Taking time for yourself allows you to show up as your best self in your friendships.
• Boundaries define how we want to be treated – They help us protect our time, energy, and emotional well-being.
• Saying ‘no’ is okay – Setting limits doesn’t mean pushing people away; it means fostering healthier connections.

To wrap up the session, we put our knowledge to the test with an interactive Kahoot! quiz. It was a fun and engaging way to reinforce what we had discussed while adding some friendly competition.

As we continue exploring Building Positive Friendships, let’s remember that taking care of ourselves is the first step toward creating meaningful and lasting relationships.

A huge congratulations to all the boys from Franconis for being nominated at the Honours Recognition Assembly! Their hard work, dedication, and positive spirit continue to make our House proud.