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.

Yesterday our girls enjoyed a lovely Secret Santa celebration and had a really great time together 🎁✨. They truly enjoyed the moment and were very happy with their gifts, which were chosen with lots of care and thought 😊🎄. Alongside the gift exchange, we also shared some snacks and enjoyed a relaxed moment of chatting and laughing together 🍪☕.

Overall, it was a very special and enjoyable moment for everyone 💕. Seeing how much fun they had and how comfortable they felt with one another reminded us that the boarding house is more than just a place to stay — it is a small but wonderful family where meaningful memories are made 🤗🏠.

The Winter Ball at the Collège du Léman was a lovely moment to come together and say goodbye before the Christmas holidays. Boarding students shared this special evening, enjoying time together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We all sat down to enjoy a delicious dinner, and one of the highlights of the evening was a beautiful speech given by the Head girl of the Prefects, Darina. Her words were very touching and reflected the strong sense of family and community we share in the boarding house.

After dinner, the music started with a DJ, and the students had a great time dancing, laughing, and celebrating together. It was a joyful evening full of smiles and happy memories, a perfect way to end the term before heading home for the Christmas break.

This weekend in the Boarding House had a lovely balance of activity and relaxation as we slowly but surely prepare for the upcoming winter break. Our girls enjoyed spending time together, taking part in light activities, chatting, and making the most of these last few weeks of the term. They stayed active, engaged and full of energy – but also made sure to rest, recharge, and enjoy some calm moments.

As winter break approaches, we’re happy to see them feeling refreshed, connected and ready for the exciting days ahead.❄️

This weekend in the Boarding House was full of laughter, creativity and sweet holiday spirit! Our students gathered for one of our favourite seasonal traditions – building gingerbread house.

From the moment the icing bags were opened, the room buzzed with excitement. Our girls worked together to construct a  masterpiece, decorating with colorful candies and plenty of imagination.

We’re so proud of the creativity and enthusiasm the girls brought to the activity – and we hope you enjoy seeing how much fun they had. Here’s to more festive moments as we move through the season! ❄️🏠✨

This Sunday’s Escalade Run in Geneva was one for the books. While most people were still debating whether to leave the comfort of a warm home, our girls laced up their shoes, braved the cold and showed up with the kind of determination that makes us incredibly proud.🥰

The weather was far from ideal but it did not stopped them.🌧 Instead of complaining, they smiled, warmed up together and took on the course with an inspiring mix of grit and joy.

Watching them run, push forward and support each other despite the conditions reminded us why this event is so special. It’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about resilience, camaraderie and the confidence that comes from doing something difficult.

To our amazing girls: you showed true spirit on Sunday.🏃‍♂️

This Wednesday, we gathered for our Boarding Awards🥳, a special chance to celebrate our boarders and all they bring to our community. The evening highlighted the girls’ hard work, positivity and the many ways they support one another throughout the year. It was lovely to acknowledge their individual and collective achievements and to celebrate the positive energy they bring to our boarding community each day.

Our girls continue to impress us with their enthusiasm, kindness, commitment and we appreciate the ongoing support of our boarding families.🫶🏻

Some people carry a quiet kind of magic with them and Chihana is one of those people. Watching her on the football pitch is like watching a candle flame in the wind that somehow never goes out – steady, bright and determined. She plays for the under-18s, the under-21s and our Panthers, moving with a calm confidence that makes you think – yes, that’s what possibility looks like.

And in the classroom, that same flame shows up too.✨ She just works, learns, grows. Her effort is soft but constant, the kind of excellence that grows quietly before it’s noticed.

Chihana reminds us that excellence isn’t loud or shiny. It’s a steady light – something you almost feel before you see. And around her, you do feel it: in the way she tries, the way she lifts others, the way she shows up again and again with heart.

We’re grateful she’s part of our Boarding House. She doesn’t just do things well – she makes the space around her warmer.💖

Daniela recently led a warm and uplifting activity with the junior girls in Grades 8 and 9, inviting them to create drawings or collage-style pieces representing their personal SAFE spaces🌄- places they can turn to when feeling nervous, anxious, or stressed. The girls fully embraced the task, expressing their emotions and comfort zones through colour, imagery, and creativity. The final pieces were beautiful and heartfelt, and the activity became a powerful moment of connection and reflection for the whole group. It was an amazing experience they shared together. 🫶