Today was an exciting day for one of our girls in Portea (Ainhoa) who took her first private horse riding lesson at a nearby stable. While she’s no stranger to the saddle, with nine years of experience under her belt, this was her first time riding at this particular location. Trying out a new stable can feel like starting from scratch, but Ainhoa approached it with her usual confidence and grace.

She returned full of stories and positive impressions—praising the horses, the peaceful atmosphere, and the care the instructors put into the session. It’s always inspiring to see someone so passionate continue to grow and explore new settings within their sport. We’re proud of Ainhoa for taking this step and can’t wait to see where her riding journey takes her next!

Best,

Portena Team!

This weekend at Portena was nothing short of amazing! The sun was shining and the weather couldn’t have been better, setting the perfect tone for a weekend full of activity, laughter, and adventure. Our girls enjoyed a wide range of fun-filled experiences—from relaxing morning stretching sessions to getting hands-on in the kitchen with some delicious cooking projects. The atmosphere was full of energy and joy as everyone embraced the outdoors and made the most of the beautiful days.

We also went on a wonderful trip to a nearby bioparc, where the girls got to explore and learn about wildlife in a fun and engaging way. For those who love sports, there were cycling adventures, horse riding, and even some friendly tennis matches to keep everyone active and smiling. It’s weekends like these that make Portena feel like a second home—full of connection, growth, and great memories.

Best,

Portena team!

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!

Today, we had our first house meeting after the April break, and it was a great opportunity to reconnect and catch up on what’s ahead. We started by going over some exciting updates and upcoming news for the house. Everyone was encouraged to stay engaged and involved, especially with some fresh activities and events planned for the coming weeks. One of the highlights was the announcement of a new fitness challenge that will be launched soon. It’s designed to boost both physical and mental health, and everyone is encouraged to participate and support each other through it.

We also had an important discussion about alcohol and drug use, focusing on how these substances can affect the brain. The conversation was open and honest, with a focus on education and awareness rather than judgment. We talked about how substance use, especially at a young age, can interfere with brain development, decision-making, and long-term mental health. It was a valuable reminder of the importance of making informed choices and supporting one another in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Best,

Portena team!

Life at our house is always full of fun and laughter. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon or an exciting evening, our boarders always find ways to make the most of their time together. In this picture, you can see Chihana and Layla enjoying a friendly game, both smiling and having a great time. These moments of joy remind us of the special bond everyone shares here.

It’s wonderful to watch the friendships grow as everyone spends time together. Playing games like this not only brings out the fun side of things but also helps build stronger connections. Each day brings new laughs and memories, making our house a place where fun never ends!

Best,

Portena team!

Tonight, Paola, one of our amazing students, made churros for everyone in Portena, and it was such a special treat! She brought a taste of her hometown to us, sharing these crispy, sugar-covered delights with a rich chocolate dipping sauce. The smell filled the house and instantly put everyone in a good mood, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere after our rehearsal for the talent show.

We’re so grateful to Paola for taking the time to prepare such a delicious and thoughtful snack for all of us. It was a beautiful reminder of how small gestures, like sharing food from your culture, can bring people together and create lasting memories. Thank you, Paola, for making tonight extra sweet!

Best,

Portena team!