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! 🎄✨

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! 🦃