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.

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 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.

This evening, we were thrilled to launch Wellbeing Pillar 3: Building Positive Relationships —an essential part of fostering strong, supportive, and meaningful connections. To kick off this journey, our first topic focused on Building a Positive Relationship with Myself.

Before we can build positive friendships, we must first develop a healthy relationship with ourselves. Self-awareness and self-acceptance are the foundation for how we engage with others. Understanding our strengths, values, and emotions allows us to form relationships that are authentic and fulfilling.

Our relationships with others often reflect how we see and treat ourselves. By cultivating self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing who we truly are, we create the space for positive, genuine friendships to flourish.

This was just the beginning of our journey through Pillar 3, and we look forward to exploring more ways to build and maintain meaningful friendships in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned!

This past weekend, the G11 and G12 students embarked on their much-anticipated ski weekend in Crans Montana. It was an action-packed trip that truly had something for everyone, ensuring the boys made the most of their time in the stunning alpine surroundings. It’s an event that many students look forward to all year, and this year did not disappoint!

The boys from our boarding house embraced the snowy landscape with enthusiasm, engaging in a variety of activities tailored to their interests. Saturday kicked off with a range of activities to suit all interests and energy levels. While some boys took to the slopes for skiing and snowboarding, others opted for a more relaxed start with a friendly game of badminton at the sports centre. In the afternoon, the boys enjoyed some well-deserved free time, soaking in the mountain air and taking in the breathtaking views of Crans Montana.

The adventure continued on Sunday, with another morning on the slopes for the skiing enthusiasts. Meanwhile, others embraced the thrill of sledging with the laughter echoing down the slope.

This annual ski weekend is always a highlight on the school calendar, offering students the chance to bond, unwind, and recharge in a beautiful setting. For many, it’s a highlight of their time here, and this year’s trip was no exception.

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! 🎄✨