Since it’s Excellence Week, we’ve been challenging the girls to go a little deeper, push themselves a little further, and show what “excellence” looks like beyond academics. Last night’s house meeting fit that theme perfectly.

Paria brought panettone, we made hot chocolate, and the whole room settled into this warm, relaxed vibe. It ended up being the perfect setting for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had all term: How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship.

This week is all about students stepping up and Aurora and Ayla absolutely embodied that. They didn’t just prepare a presentation; they created a safe space. They led with confidence, empathy, and maturity, touching on communication, trust, boundaries, and all the little things that actually make a relationship work. You could feel the room paying attention in a different way. They set the tone, and everyone followed.

When the floor opened for questions, the girls jumped right in. The conversation flowed naturally, honest, curious, sometimes funny, sometimes vulnerable. It was one of those evenings where you could literally see learning happening, not in worksheets or notes, but in nods, eye contact, and the courage to speak up.

We wrapped things up with the Red Card / Green Card game, which turned out to be equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking. There were debates, laughs, and a few “Wait… is that really a red card?” moments.

In the spirit of Excellence Week, it felt like exactly what we aim for: students leading, engaging, reflecting, and supporting each other. Aurora and Ayla set the bar high and the rest of the house rose right up with them.

A simple night with hot chocolate, panettone, and real connection. Honestly? Pure excellence.

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

Vale and Ayla have been home sick this week, and everyone was feeling a bit low, so last night we decided we needed something comforting. Cookies felt like the right answer. We made brown-butter chocolate chip cookies together and of course a gluten-free batch for Vale. The girls were laughing, taste-testing the dough, and just enjoying doing something simple and hands-on. They ate the cookies with milk as soon as they came out of the oven.

While we were all gathered, we used our house meeting time to check in on how things have been going since mid-term. This part of the year can be tough: it’s getting colder, people are getting sick, deadlines are creeping up, and everyone’s patience gets a little shorter. But even with all that going on, the basics of boarding still matter.

We talked about how each of us has been feeling, what’s been challenging, and what small things we can all do to make the next few weeks smoother. It was honest and supportive, the kind of conversation that reminds you we’re sharing the same space and trying our best together.

In the end, the cookies helped, the chat helped, and I think we all walked away feeling a little bit better.

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

What a lovely weekend we just had. It was one of those ones filled with small moments that quietly remind you how special our community is. Gergana is still absolutely thriving in her hip-hop classes. Ayla and Valentina spent their morning on the tennis courts, while Emma took things at her own pace with a peaceful Pilates session. Rochelle tapped into her creative side and spent time making art, completely in her element.

But the moment that really stood out was when we all gathered to wrap gifts for the Gift Box Project, a beautiful initiative that brings a little Christmas joy to children in need across Eastern Europe. A special shout-out goes to Paria, who didn’t just participate, she helped t0 organise and promote the whole effort. From collecting donations to rallying volunteers, she poured so much care and determination into making the project happen. And a big thank you as well to Ayla, Emma, Gergana, Laura Jane, and Valentina for jumping in, wrapping gifts, chatting, laughing, and helping each parcel feel truly special.

Here’s to weekends that warm the heart as much as they keep us busy.

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

Over the weekend, the girls took part in a range of enriching activities. Aurora, Ayla, and Valentina played tennis, Rochelle explored her creativity at art club, and Gergana continued her passion for hip hop, which she’s really enjoying.

On Sunday, Paria attended bodyshaping, while Emma and Maria took part in a relaxing pilates session which is a great way to recharge for the week ahead.

It’s wonderful to see everyone engaging in such a variety of activities and supporting one another along the way.

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande