This afternoon, Coco, one of our amazing prefects at the boarding house, spent her time creating a heartfelt gift for a close friend in England. Along with some friends, she visited a local ceramics studio, where she hand-painted a beautiful ceramic bowl for his dog. The bowl, intended for the dog’s food, was crafted with great care, featuring a thoughtful design and a personal message written on the bottom—a sweet secret only her friend and his dog will discover.

We think it’s an absolutely wonderful gesture from Coco, showcasing not only her creativity but also the deep bond she shares with her friend. As a prefect, Coco leads by example, and this thoughtful act of kindness is just one of the many ways she inspires those around her. We’re sure the bowl will bring joy to both her friend and his furry companion when it arrives in England!

Best,

Portena team!

Today, three of our girls – Darina, Mila, and Kate – had the opportunity to volunteer for Samedi du Partage, a special charity event aimed at helping families in need in Geneva. The event took place at Aldi, where the girls, along with other volunteers, stood at the entrance to collect food donations. Shoppers were encouraged to donate non-perishable items, which would then be distributed to local families struggling with food insecurity.

It was a moving experience, and our girls were inspired by the generosity of the community. Many shoppers took the time to add extra items to their carts for donation, showing just how much small acts of kindness can do.

For Darina, Mila, and Kate, it was a meaningful way to give back and support those who are less fortunate. It also reinforced the values of empathy and social responsibility that we aim to nurture at our boarding house. We are proud of our girls for being part of such a wonderful initiative and grateful to all those who donated to make today a success. Together, we’re helping make Geneva a stronger and more compassionate place for everyone. Please see some pictures below.

Best,

Portena team!

Yesterday, we celebrated Thanksgiving, a special holiday that is traditionally observed in the United States to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on what we are grateful for, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Although we’re far from home, the spirit of Thanksgiving was alive and well in our boarding school as we came together as a community to share in the festivities.

The highlight of the day was the incredible Thanksgiving dinner in the dining hall. The tables were filled with all the classic dishes—roast turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to relax, share stories, and appreciate the wonderful community we have here at CDL. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude and togetherness. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of celebrating a very special day—Manu’s birthday! The atmosphere in Portena House was filled with joy as we came together to honor one of our own. Manu’s warm smile and positive energy make her a beloved part of our community, and it was wonderful to show her just how much she means to all of us.

The day was filled with laughter, delicious treats, and heartfelt moments. From the surprise decorations to the birthday cake, it was clear that everyone wanted to make Manu feel extra special. We hope this year brings her even more happiness and success. Happy birthday, Manu! We’re so lucky to have you in our Portena House family! 🎉🎂

Best,

Portena team!

We are very happy to share the fantastic news that the volleyball team from CDL Boarding School emerged victorious at an international tournament in Poland! Among the outstanding players were Mariana, Maria Fernanda, and Malu from Portena, who played an essential role in securing the championship. Their hard work, teamwork, and determination, along with the support of the entire boarding school team, led to this incredible achievement.

The experience in Poland was not only about winning but also about forging lasting memories and bonds with teammates from across the boarding school. We are incredibly proud of our athletes, and especially of Mariana, Maria Fernanda, and Malu, for their dedication and impressive performances. This victory truly represents the spirit and strength of our CDL community, and we look forward to even more success in the future! Please see some pictures below.

Best,

Portena team!

Last week, we had the privilege of attending the CDL Talks, an inspiring conference aimed at motivating and encouraging young people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. This year’s theme was all about the importance of pushing boundaries, taking risks, and growing beyond what feels familiar.

The talk featured several guest speakers, each sharing their personal experiences and valuable insights about how stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can lead to incredible personal growth. The speakers spoke about overcoming fears, embracing uncertainty, and taking bold steps toward achieving your goals.

Our boarders were deeply engaged throughout the event, and it sparked some great conversations afterward. It was a powerful reminder that growth often happens when we face discomfort and that it’s okay to take risks in order to achieve something meaningful.

We are so proud of our girls for being part of such an enriching experience. The CDL Talks was an important opportunity for them to reflect on their own journeys and understand the power of stepping outside their comfort zones. It’s a message we hope will stay with them as they continue to grow, challenge themselves, and pursue their dreams.

Please see some pictures below.

Best,

Portena team!

Last Sunday, we had the delightful opportunity to visit the famous Cailler Chocolate Factory in Switzerland, and some of our girls didn’t hesitate to join in on this sweet adventure! The factory, known for its rich history and delicious chocolate, gave us an inside look at the production process, from the cocoa beans to the final product.

The girls had an amazing time learning about the origins of chocolate and watching the skilled artisans at work. Of course, the best part was the tasting session at the end, where everyone got to indulge in a variety of Cailler’s finest chocolates. It was a fun and educational experience that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

This visit was a perfect opportunity to explore Swiss culture and enjoy a little treat along the way. We’re grateful for the experience and the memories made, and we hope it’s just the first of many more exciting outings to come!

Best,

Portena team!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting our first House Activity in Portena, which was a delightful outing to The Village Outlet to enjoy a sunny Saturday.

The Christmas spirit was already in full swing, with the entire shopping center beautifully decorated with trees, lights, and festive ornaments🎄

The girls had a wonderful time shopping at the many stores and, more importantly, enjoying each other’s company, deepening their connections, and creating lasting memories together!

Lots of love,

Portena team ❤️

This night we had our weekly meeting with all the students in the house, and it was an evening full of positive energy. We started by reviewing some of the important rules to make sure we’re all on the same page, and then we discussed the exciting updates coming our way in the next few days. But the most exciting part of the meeting, without a doubt, was organizing our Secret Santa for this winter.

All the girls will participate, and we can’t wait to see the surprises in store! It will be a chance to share special moments and strengthen our bonds as one big family. How exciting! We’re sure this winter will be unforgettable for all of us.

And to top it all off, Ms Fana and Ms Lauriane cooked some delicious cookies for us. They were absolutely amazing 🍪!

Tonight in our house at Portena was incredible! After dinner, we organized a hangout with students from other houses to play Loup Garou, and the fun was non-stop. We all had many strategies to try to figure out who the wolves were among us. The excitement grew with each round, full of intrigue and a few surprises along the way.

The best part was seeing so many kids participating and enjoying themselves together, creating fun memories and strengthening friendships between houses. It was definitely a night to remember, and we’re already thinking about organizing more events like this in the future!

Thanks for coming,

Portena team!