This week, the girls and Madina spent some time reflecting together on the theme of excellence — what it means to each of us and how we can show it every day, both at school and beyond.

We’ll be doing another session soon with some of the other girls, as Talia and Meri were really disappointed not to be able to take part in this week’s video…

The Excellence Award this week goes to our dear Maia 🎉. At first, she didn’t want to take part in the video, but then she showed wonderful initiative — she went to her Spanish-speaking friend to have the questions translated, prepared her answer in English, and practiced with great determination.

I was so happy to see her take part that… I completely forgot to hit “record”! 😅

Well done, Maia! Your effort and perseverance are truly admirable — keep it up, it will surely pay off

This week, our Middle School students gathered for another joyful Reading Time session filled with laughter, imagination, and shared stories. It’s inspiring to see how this nightly routine has become a cherished moment of calm and curiosity in the House.

We are thrilled to announce our Reader of the Month, whose enthusiasm and commitment to reading have motivated everyone to keep turning those pages each night! Their love for stories reminds us how reading can connect us, spark conversations, and bring smiles to our evenings.

Here’s to many more nights of adventure between the pages — and to the wonderful readers who make our community shine! 🌟

What an exciting afternoon for our school’s football team! With a well-deserved 3–0 victory, our girls secured their place in the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the Nations–Le Rosey match in early November.

A special mention goes to Chihana, whose contribution was instrumental in tonight’s success. Despite her ongoing commitment to Servette M18, she made the thoughtful decision to support her school team, where she also plays an important role. It was not an easy choice, but her determination to help the team reach the finals truly reflects her dedication and team spirit.

She returned from the match with a wonderful smile, proud of what the team achieved together. It’s inspiring to see how the girls’ hard work, collaboration, and passion continue to drive them forward. We’re all cheering for them as they head into the next stage — go team! 💪🏆

This Tuesday marked the beginning of something new in our boarding community: a dedicated evening to come together, share, and grow as one.

Our Primary and Middle School students gathered to reflect on a big word: RESPECT. Through discussions, activities, laughter, and even a little bit of fun craziness, we worked together to shape our own definition of what respect means and how we can live it every day.

It was an amazing evening — not only because of the joy in the room, but because it felt like the start of a new tradition. From now on, Tuesdays will be our day to gather as a community, and what better way to begin than by learning to respect and truly know one another.

Here’s to many more Tuesdays filled with growth, connection, and shared values! 🌟

This past weekend was filled with energy, laughter, and memorable moments for our students. From start to finish, the activities brought everyone together, creating a true sense of community. Whether it was through sports, creative workshops, or simply sharing time with friends, each student found opportunities to learn, connect, and recharge.

What stood out most was the enthusiasm and positivity the girls brought to every activity. Their willingness to try new things and support one another made the weekend not only enjoyable but also inspiring. It is always rewarding to see them grow through these experiences, balancing fun with valuable life skills.

We are grateful for such a wonderful weekend and look forward to many more moments of joy, teamwork, and discovery in the weeks ahead.

A big thank you to Kate and Mira, who treated the whole House to delicious crêpes! Their effort and teamwork made the evening extra special, and we are so proud of them for sharing their talents with everyone.

With love,

Portena team 🩷

Little by little, we are encouraging the girls to discover new skills and experiences, and this week was a lovely example of personal growth. Patricia, who had never even picked up a spoon before, surprised us all by learning how to cook noodles to perfection! With the patient guidance of Mila, one of our most talented cooks, she not only managed but truly shined in the kitchen. The next challenge on her cooking journey? Preparing her very own special dish: steak! One step at a time, and each step is worth celebrating. Moments like these remind us that boarding life is about so much more than academics—it’s about learning, trying, and growing together.

BEHIND THE SCENES:

This evening, Portena came alive with laughter, comfort, and community as we gathered for a special movie night. It was the perfect way to close a Monday—sharing stories on the screen and enjoying moments off it, side by side. The cozy atmosphere gave everyone a chance to relax, recharge, and simply be together. Nights like these remind us that the best way to end the day is in good company, with smiles and memories that carry us forward.

A special event took place this weekend — the 24-Hour Fun Run, a remarkable initiative that lasted from Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. until Sunday, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. For a full 24 hours, there was always a group of students running, showing not only impressive dedication and teamwork, but also a deep sense of purpose.

This wasn’t just a physical challenge, it was a meaningful opportunity for students to come together for a great cause. The most inspiring part of this unforgettable event is indeed that it was organized as a fundraiser for cancer research. By running, students weren’t just covering distance — they were raising awareness, showing solidarity, and making a real impact in the fight against cancer. It was a powerful reminder of how young people can use their strength, time, and voices to support important causes and create lasting change in their communities.

Among the many who participated, there were Mariana, Mafer, Maria Clara, Esther, Aelita, and Paola — each of them contributing their energy and enthusiasm to keep the run going.

Have a great start to your week from Portena Team! 😊