This evening in Portena, we celebrated a very special occasion—Aelita’s 17th birthday! Right after our house meeting, we surprised her with a delicious cheesecake and gathered around to sing “Happy Birthday.” The room was filled with smiles and laughter as she took a moment to make her wish before blowing out the candles.

Aelita looked genuinely happy and touched by the celebration, and it was heartwarming to see how much the small surprise meant to her. Moments like these remind us of the joy in sharing everyday life together. Happy 17th, Aelita—thank you for letting us be part of your special day!

Bets,

Portena team!

Today’s house meeting marked the introduction of a new pillar in our wellbeing program: Empathy and Respect. This important addition focuses on building interpersonal skills, resolving conflicts peacefully, and fostering an inclusive and respectful environment in our boarding house. To support this launch, Mr. Manu organized a video that helped us reflect on the importance of these values in our daily lives and interactions with others.

We ended the meeting with a lovely surprise—homemade apple pie, kindly prepared by Ms. Fana and Ms. Lauriane. It was a perfect way to close the gathering, bringing everyone together over a shared treat. As we move forward, we’re looking forward to putting this new pillar into practice and strengthening our community through empathy and respect. Please look at the pictures below.

Best,

Portena team!

The countdown is on for a very special event in our school community: the 24-Hour Run Challenge, taking place from Saturday, May 17th to Sunday, May 18th. For 24 hours straight, students and staff will take turns running or walking in 30-minute slots around the school — all to raise funds for Cancer Research.

What began as a simple fitness challenge has grown into a meaningful initiative to support a cause that affects millions of lives. This isn’t a race — there’s no pressure for speed or distance. It’s about staying in motion and standing together in solidarity, hour after hour, step by step.

We’re also calling on our wider community to support the effort by donating through our official fundraising page: https://gofund.me/323c2bc3. Share the link and QR code poster with family, friends, and on social media — every contribution brings us one step closer to supporting vital cancer research.

This is more than a physical challenge. It’s a chance to come together with purpose and make a real impact. Let’s run for hope, run for others, and run to make a difference.

Best,

Portena team!