A Joyful Farewell to 2024: Wishing Everyone Happy Winter Holidays!
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! 🎄✨
Breaking the Marmite: A Sweet Escalade Tradition
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.
A Weekend of Achievements at Villa Franconis 💪
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!
🎄 Our Little Christmas Tree 🎄
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.
Dinner at Home – A Taste of Greece
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.
A Weekend Full of Adventures and Fun at Franconis
This weekend, the boys of Franconis boarding house enjoyed a variety of exciting activities, making the most of their free time and exploring new experiences.
- Friday kicked off with Jeronimo heading on a magical trip to Disneyland Paris. We can’t wait to hear all about his adventure when he returns!
- On Saturday, Diego had a fun day out ice skating with friends, followed by a delicious meal in Geneva, making it a perfect balance of activity and relaxation. Meanwhile, Zitian, Kaishu, and Wenyan joined me for a 6km run as part of their preparation for the Geneva Escalade Run happening next weekend.
- Sunday was a day of connection and relaxation. Antonio hosted friends at the house, where they cooked lunch together, enjoyed a few rounds of Uno, and then hit the gym for a workout. Zitian showcased his strategic skills at the Chess Club, while Kaishu and Wenyan explored the festive magic of the Montreux Christmas Market, soaking in the holiday spirit.
It’s always great to see the boys actively participating in activities, bonding with friends, and making the most of their weekends. From physical challenges to cultural experiences, this weekend was filled with memorable moments for everyone!
Jeronimo at Disneyland with Jade from Villa Terray.
Group photo at Disneyland
Kaishu, Zitian and Wenyan are out for an afternoon run
Diego enjoyed having ice skates on his feet!
Antonio is in the gym.
A beautiful photo captured by Wenyan while at the Christmas market.
A Heartwarming Thanksgiving Dinner
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! 🦃
Celebrating Success at the Boarding Awards Ceremony
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.
