As the semester draws to a close, it feels like the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the many adventures shared in Portena. From busy mornings and cosy evenings to spontaneous laughter, small traditions, and memorable moments, this semester has been filled with experiences that brought the girls closer together. Watching friendships deepen, confidence grow, and the Portena spirit shine through in everyday life has been a true pleasure.

It has been genuinely lovely to spend this semester together, sharing challenges, celebrations, and countless moments in between. The strong sense of community, care, and joy within the house has made Portena a truly special place. As we head into the holidays, we wish everyone a restful, happy break filled with warmth, laughter, and well-deserved moments with loved ones. We are already looking forward to welcoming the girls back and continuing many more adventures and memories together in the semester to come.

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.