This Week in the House: Food, Feelings, and a Taste of Russia

What a week it’s been, full of great food and important conversations.

We kicked things off on Tuesday with a cozy house dinner. Lasagne was on the menu, and we wrapped it up with a delicious tiramisu for dessert. There’s something about sitting around the table together, laughing and catching up, that makes the house feel even more like home.

Wednesday: Talking Empathy at Our House Meeting
On Wednesday, we continued working on our 5th Pillar: Making Safe and Responsible Choices. This week’s focus was all about empathy—specifically, the tricky but powerful idea of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.

The Advocates team led us through a video that broke it down in a simple but meaningful way: what empathy really means, why it’s not always easy, and how it helps us grow stronger as a community. The goal was to help us not just talk about empathy, but really understand how to live it.

Tonight’s Boarding Assembly was something special. Sofiia and her friends took the stage to tell us about Maslenitsa, a beloved Russian tradition that celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Also known as Pancake Week, Maslenitsa is full of joy—sleigh rides, singing, games, and of course, blini (thin pancakes that symbolize the sun). Sofiia and her group shared what this tradition means to them and brought a little bit of that festive spirit to all of us. It was beautiful to see culture shared with such pride and openness.

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

Fit, Funny & Fully Boarding 💥🏋‍♀🧘🏽‍♀️💪🏼

What a weekend!

Vale started things off with some wakeboarding and even though she’s done it before, she had an absolute blast out there. Emma followed with a calming stretching session, and Marina powered through a bodyshaping class (go Marina!).

We also kicked off our May Fitness Challenge, and it’s already bringing out everyone’s energy and team spirit. Friday’s challenge was pull-ups. Vale gave it a try and nearly got one—so close! We love seeing that determination.

On Saturday, the goal was to do as many jumping jacks as possible. With some enthusiastic encouragement from Vale and Mo, Marcela pushed through and hit 65. Such a great moment!

 

And today, we switched it up with a creative twist: make a TikTok. Emma and Étoile jumped in and filmed a short, funny one that had us all laughing.

Can’t wait to see what next week brings!

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

This Week in the House 🍽️🍏❄️

It’s been a sweet and social week around here!

On Tuesday, we kicked things off with a lovely dinner together in the house — always a nice chance to slow down and catch up midweek.

Yesterday’s highlight was the International Dinner of the Week, and this time we took a culinary trip to Russia! A big thanks to everyone who helped bring the flavors (and warmth!) of Russian cuisine to our table.

And to end the week on a sweet note, today Marcela, Marusya, and I got a bit creative in the kitchen and made an apple crumble. Served warm with a scoop of ice cream — simple, classic, and totally delicious.

Here’s to more good food and great company! 💛

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande


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A Whirlwind Weekend: Cheesecake, Candy Floss & Core Work

This weekend was a perfect mix of indulgence and activity in the house! Etoile, Emma, and I rolled up our sleeves in the kitchen and whipped up a Biscoff salted caramel cheesecake—and wow, it was a hit! The girls loved it, and it didn’t last long once word got out. There’s something special about sharing homemade treats that brings everyone together.

Meanwhile, Sofiia and Sofja had a fun outing to Luna Park in Geneva. They braved the rides and came back all smiles (and slightly sticky) after tackling some seriously giant candy floss.

Back at the house, it was a fitness-filled weekend too—Vale and Emma headed off to Pilates, Sofja squeezed in a gym session, and Marina went to bodyshaping. Balance, right?

It’s always nice to see everyone doing their thing, whether that’s getting active, relaxing, or enjoying good food. Here’s to more weekends like this one!

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

Talent Showdown: We Came, We Performed, We Conquered! 💃🕺🏆

Tuesday night was pure magic! We hit the stage for the annual boarding talent show, and let me tell you—these girls gave it everything they had. After weeks of rehearsals, endless inside jokes, and a few moments of “wait, what’s the next move again?”—they absolutely nailed it.

And the best part? We walked away with second place! But honestly, the real win was seeing their hard work, teamwork, and sheer joy come to life on stage. I couldn’t be prouder of them—not just for the performance, but for the way they supported each other through it all.

Click the link below to watch the video and relive the moment with us—you won’t want to miss it! ✨

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Watch the video and relive the moment with us—you won’t want to miss it! ✨

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

Brookies, Backhands & Bodyshaping – A Weekend Well Spent! 🍪🎾💪

This weekend was a sweet success—literally! Etoile, Sofiia, and Sofja joined me in the kitchen to whip up a batch of delicious brookies (brownie-cookie magic!), which the whole house enjoyed with a glass of milk.

Anna, Sofiia, and Valentina showed off their skills on the tennis court, while Marina powered through a bodyshaping session.

Everyone stayed active, balanced, and well-fed—what more could we ask for? Looking forward to another fun-filled week ahead! 🚀

Lots of Love,

Aida and Yewande

Serving Up Success: A Weekend of Wins & Celebrations! 🎉🏐

What a weekend! We kicked things off by celebrating International Women’s Day with a homemade cake, bringing everyone together for a sweet and meaningful moment. Etoile, Emma, and Marce also had a special dinner with a former student and were surprised with roses—such a lovely way to mark the occasion!

Sunday was all about movement and energy. Marina and Marcela took on body shaping, Emma focused on stretching, Sofja hit the gym, and Anna and Sofiia enjoyed a tennis match.
And the biggest highlight—Valentina and her team won the SGIS CAT.A & B Girls Volleyball Tournament! A huge congratulations to them for their hard work and amazing performance!

A weekend filled with fun, fitness, and fantastic achievements—well done, everyone! 💪🏆🎉

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

February Break 🎉

The boarding house is now officially closed for the February mid-term break! We hope all our students have a restful and enjoyable time away. Doors will reopen on the 1st of March, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back. See you soon!

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande

Celebrating Sofiia’s 18th Birthday! 🎉🎂

Today is a special day as we celebrate Sofiia’s 18th birthday—a milestone that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life! Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching her navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and develop into the remarkable young lady she is today.

Happy 18th birthday, Sofiia! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and success. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish. 🎉💕

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande