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.

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!

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.

Todaz, our boarding house embraced a cozy evening with “Dinner at Home.” Instead of heading out to dinning hall, we had delicious Greek food delivered straight to the house. The students gathered together, enjoying dishes like gyros and fresh Greek salads, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

It was the perfect way to wind down after a busy daz, sharing laughs, stories, and fantastic food. Moments like these remind us how special it is to have a “home away from home” experience together.

This evening, our boarding community gathered for a special Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating gratitude and togetherness. The room was filled with the warm aroma of a traditional feast, bringing everyone together to share a wonderful meal and reflect on the blessings of the year.

The evening featured a delicious spread, including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a variety of sides, all beautifully prepared by the kitchen team. The students enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

Thanksgiving is not just about the food; it’s about the connections we make and the sense of community we build.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make this dinner so special. It was a memorable evening for all, reminding us of the importance of gratitude and the joy of being part of the boarding community.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

Tonight, we gathered to honour the outstanding achievements of our boys at the annual Boarding Awards Ceremony. It was an inspiring evening, filled with pride as we celebrated our students’ hard work, dedication, and spirit.

• Jeronimo received the Boarding Activity Award for his enthusiasm and consistent participation in various activities. His energy and commitment to engaging with our boarding community have been a joy to watch.
• Antonio was awarded the Boarding Life Award, a reflection of his warmth, positivity, and the strong sense of camaraderie he fosters among his peers. In addition, he earned a Boarding Academic Award for his exceptional performance in the IB1 program, demonstrating both academic excellence and a well-rounded approach to his studies.
• Kaishu was also recognized with a Boarding Academic Award for achieving top grades in Grade 12, showcasing his diligence and dedication to his academic journey.

We are incredibly proud of each of these young men and the contributions they make to our house. Their achievements, both in the classroom and beyond, are a testament to their hard work, positive attitude, and the strong sense of community they help build. Congratulations to all.

This past weekend was a calm and relaxing one here in the boarding house, with students making the most of the time to recharge and focus on their studies.

Some of our boarders ventured into Geneva on Saturday to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market, while others joined Sunday’s exciting trip to the Callier Chocolate Factory. It was a sweet treat to cap off the weekend!

Others ended the weekend on an active note, hitting the gym… 

…and going for a refreshing run as part of their preparation for the upcoming Escalade race.

This weekend, some of the boys took part in a heartfelt tradition: the annual Boarding Gift Box Appeal. Together, they wrapped gifts that will soon be sent to families in need, bringing joy and hope to children facing difficult circumstances.

The Boarding Gift Box Appeal is a wonderful opportunity for our boys to engage in the true spirit of giving. It’s not just about wrapping presents—it’s about understanding the impact of their generosity and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This tradition is one of the highlights of the year in our boarding community, and it’s always rewarding to know that these acts of kindness will bring smiles to children who might not otherwise experience the magic of the season.

Take a look at the TikTok, showcasing the students in action during this heartwarming activity!

CDL Boarding Gift Box Appeal #thatboardingvibe #giftboxappeal #christm… | gift opening | TikTok

This weekend at Villa Franconis was a perfect balance of productivity and relaxation for our students.

Many were busy studying and making excellent progress on their assignments, while others took advantage of the beautiful weather, going for sunny walks or invigorating runs.

Some made the most of the gym facilities to keep active, while others enjoyed some quality time cooking together and experimenting with new recipes.

A few students had the chance to head out to Geneva for a nice dinner, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, a group spent the weekend in Lucerne, where they explored the charming city, enjoyed the sights, and made wonderful memories.

A well-rounded weekend indeed—filled with focus, fitness, and fun!