Tonight’s activity was part of our Wellbeing Pillar 3: Building Positive Relationships. Each of the girls wrote down a question on a large poster: “What are the things you love about yourself but sometimes forget to appreciate?” It was a moment of self-reflection, encouraging everyone to think about the qualities they love in themselves, but often overlook. This activity was not only about boosting self-esteem but also about strengthening the positive relationships we build with ourselves and each other in this house.

The girls took their time to write down their answers, sharing thoughtful and personal reflections. It was amazing to see each one recognize their unique strengths and qualities. By the end of the activity, the girls left feeling more confident, and the experience brought us closer together as a group. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love, something we value deeply as part of our wellbeing pillar, and a great way to continue building positive, supportive relationships within our community.

Best,

Portena team!

Our recent house meeting at the boarding house went really well. We took the time to congratulate the girls on their great behavior and the positive atmosphere they’ve been creating. It’s not always easy living together in a shared space, but the girls have been doing a fantastic job of being respectful and supportive of each other. It was nice to recognize all their efforts and the kindness they show each day.

As always, we finished the meeting with some cake and bowls of cereal with chocolate. It’s become a fun tradition to enjoy a treat after the meeting, and it’s a great way to end on a high note. Everyone left feeling good, and it was a nice way to connect and celebrate the positive vibe in our house.

Best,

Portena team!

Yesterday, we celebrated Mariana’s 17th birthday, which actually took place on Sunday. Since we couldn’t celebrate with her on the day, we surprised her with a cake and some of her friends from Portena. It was such a joy to have the chance to celebrate her and make the day special!

We are so grateful to have Mariana with us in the house—not just for how kind and respectful she is, but also for the dedication she brings to every activity. Her positive energy and effort truly make a difference in everything she does. We look forward to many more years together! 🎉

With love,

Portena team

This weekend, with fewer girls around due to the ski weekend, the Portena staff decided to tackle a 1000-piece puzzle!

Thankfully, some girls came to join in (because we needed a LOT of help 😂), but it was Layla, one of our Grade 8 girls, who truly took the lead. Along with Miss Ana, we stayed up late on Saturday night, determined to finish the puzzle.

In the end, we managed to complete it in just two days! It was a fun challenge, but next time we’re thinking of stepping it up with an even harder puzzle 😎. Stay tuned for our next adventure!

With lots of love,

Portena team

This past weekend, while our senior students were away skiing in the Swiss Alps (as mentioned in yesterday’s post), the students in grades 8, 9, and 10 stayed at the boarding house and had a great time of their own. We started the weekend with a fun horse riding trip. Whether you were a beginner or more experienced, it was a fantastic opportunity to ride through the fields and enjoy the outdoors. Afterward, we spent some time with the horses, learning how to take care of them and even giving them a few treats.

In the afternoon, we headed to the ice skating rink for some fun on the ice. Whether we were gliding around or trying to stay upright, everyone had a blast. There were plenty of laughs, races, and even a few falls, but it was all part of the fun. We wrapped up the day with hot chocolate, sharing our favorite moments from the day. It was a weekend full of great memories and a perfect way for grades 8, 9, and 10 to enjoy time together while the seniors were away on their mountain trip.

Best,

Portena team!

This past weekend, our senior students (grades 11 and 12) had the chance to head back to Crans-Montana for the second ski trip of the season. With the stunning Swiss Alps as their backdrop, they spent the weekend skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and even sliding down snowy hills in inflatable tubes. It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the thrill of winter sports, with everyone embracing the chance to try something new or just unwind on the slopes. Whether on skis or snowboards, the snow-filled weekend gave them a refreshing break from the classroom.

But beyond the activities, these weekends are an important moment for the seniors to bond and strengthen their sense of community. As they approach their final years before university, these shared experiences create lasting memories and friendships. It’s a chance to connect with classmates in a fun, relaxed environment, and reflect on how far they’ve come in their time together. The weekend in Crans-Montana was a reminder of the importance of these moments as they prepare to take the next step in their journeys.

Best,

Portena team!

This week, we celebrated He He’s birthday with a fun party at the boarding house! Her friends came together to make the day special, filling the common room with laughter and good vibes. Everyone was excited to surprise her and enjoy the celebration together.

They ordered Chinese food and, of course, had a delicious birthday cake to enjoy. The evening was filled with great food, good company, and lots of laughs. It was a wonderful way to show He He how much she means to everyone here. Happy Birthday, He He!

Last night, we had our first dinner at home for the second semester, and it was all about French food! We enjoyed some tasty Croque Monsieur, crispy potato fries, and finished it off with a yummy Éclair for dessert.

These dinners are always a great way to hang out and get to know each other more. Can’t wait for the next one! 🥰

With love,

Portena team