As we wrap up a busy and rewarding term, we’d like to wish all our students and families a wonderful and well-deserved holiday break!

The boys in Franconis have worked hard, supported one another, and made the most of every moment this term. Now it’s time to rest, relax, and enjoy the break—whether you’re heading home, traveling, or simply taking time to recharge.

From all of us here in the House—Happy Holidays!
We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon, refreshed and ready for the final part of the school year! 🌍☀️

To wrap up Pillar 4 of our Wellbeing Program – Healthy Bodies and Minds, we ended on a high-energy note with an exciting Boarders vs. Day Students basketball game!

It was the perfect way to bring everything we’ve focused on—movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and balance—into action. The game was full of energy, great team spirit, and plenty of laughs. Both teams played with heart, showing not just skill, but the kind of camaraderie and sportsmanship that truly reflect the spirit of our community.

While the final score didn’t really matter, the shared experience and friendly rivalry made it a memorable way to close this wellbeing pillar. A huge well done to everyone who took part, and thanks to all who came to cheer them on!

Let’s carry the lessons of Pillar 4 forward—staying active, looking after our minds and bodies, and supporting each other every step of the way. 💪🌟

As we head into our final week before Spring Break, the boys in Franconis made the most of a sunny and activity-filled weekend! With beautiful weather and great energy all around, it was a perfect mix of fun, service, and exploration.

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.