Welcome back, everyone! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable winter break. Now that we are all back, it’s time to dive into a new term filled with fresh opportunities and exciting activities. This is the perfect moment to reconnect with friends, settle into a productive routine, and prepare for everything the coming months will bring.

To start the year off right, we’re thrilled to announce our Ski Weekends, which will begin next week. These weekends will offer the perfect chance to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and the beautiful winter scenery with your fellow residents. It’s an exciting opportunity to spend time outdoors and create lasting memories. We look forward to seeing everyone participate and enjoy these upcoming adventures.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to make this term one to remember!

Portena team.

Today, we had our final house meeting before the winter break, and it was a special one! As usual, we gathered to share important updates and news, but this time, we also made sure to celebrate the festive season with some delicious treats. We had a wonderful spread of cookies, chocolate, banana bread, corn cake, and more – a perfect way to wrap up the year with the girls.

The meeting was filled with lots of laughter and holiday spirit as we enjoyed the treats together. It was a lovely moment for all of us to reflect on the past few months and look forward to the holidays. We’re so grateful for the memories we’ve created this year, and we can’t wait to kick off the new semester after the break. Wishing everyone a joyful and restful winter break, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!

Best,

Portena team!

It’s with mixed emotions that we share the news that Rafa, one of our lovely girls from Brazil, will be leaving Portena after Christmas and won’t be returning for the next semester. Rafa has brought so much warmth, joy, and positivity to our house, and her kind spirit will be truly missed by everyone.

Her presence here has made such a difference, and it’s hard to imagine Portena without her infectious smile and friendly energy. While we’re sad to see her go, we know she’ll do amazing things in the future. Rafa, we wish you all the best and will always remember the great times we had together. You will be missed more than words can express, and you’ll always have a special place in our hearts! 💖

This week, the girls of Portena took part in a fun and festive Secret Santa gift exchange, and it was a huge success! Everyone put in a lot of thought and care into their presents, making sure each gift was something special for the recipient. The excitement and joy in the house were contagious as the girls eagerly unwrapped their surprises.

The reactions were priceless! It was a heartwarming moment for all of us to come together and spread some holiday cheer. A big thank you to everyone for making this Secret Santa exchange such a memorable part of our time in Portena. We can’t wait for more moments like this in the future!

Best,

Portena team ❤️

In Geneva, one of the most cherished traditions is the Escalade, commemorating the city’s victory over the Duke of Savoy’s forces in 1602. A key part of the celebration is the Marmite, a large, chocolate-filled dish often shaped like a cauldron and filled with marzipan vegetables or other sweet treats. The tradition of cracking open the Marmite with loved ones symbolizes unity and the city’s resilience.

At our house, we have our own special way of honoring this tradition. Each year, the youngest and the oldest family members take turns to crack open the Marmite, a big chocolate cauldron, with a spoon. This custom not only brings us together but also ties us to the rich history of Geneva, reminding us of the triumphs and traditions that have shaped the city over centuries.

The Marmite tradition continues to thrive today, with chocolatiers creating many variations of the dish, but it’s in our home that the true meaning of this sweet tradition comes alive—through family, history, and the joy of sharing a simple yet meaningful ritual.

Best,

Portena team!

Today, Layla, a Grade 8 student from Portena, performed as part of her school’s wind band concert. As a drummer in the band, it was great to see her showcase her rhythm and skills alongside her fellow musicians. The concert took place at the school auditorium, where family, friends, and students gathered to enjoy the performance.

We are all proud of Layla for her hard work and commitment to her music. It was a pleasure to watch her play the drums, and we were happy to support her and the rest of the band. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone in Portena to come together and celebrate her achievements. We look forward to seeing more of her performances in the future!

Best,

Portena team!

Today we’re celebrating Nina. She is one of those people who radiates warmth and kindness, always bringing a smile to everyone around her.

To celebrate her special day, some friends came to share a delicious cheesecake and enjoy each other’s company. It’s the little moments like these that make Nina’s birthday so memorable.

Nina, we’re so lucky to have you with us. Wishing you a year filled with happiness, success, and all the wonderful things you deserve!

Best,

Portena Team!

This weekend, we had a blast with a variety of fun activities. On Saturday morning, we played basketball, and the court was full of energy. Everyone joined in, whether it was making shots or playing defense. It was a great way to have fun and get a little competitive with friends!

Later, we switched things up and played some tennis. It was a more relaxed game, but still a lot of fun. We finished off the weekend with a group stretching session to help our bodies feel good and ready for the week. It was a great mix of fitness and fun, and we’re already looking forward to next weekend’s activities!

Best,

Portena team!

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!