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!

We’re beyond excited to announce that Portena has won the Gingerbread House Competition! This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of Mariana, Maria Fernanda, Ami, and Esther, who worked late into the night, putting in countless hours to finish and perfect every detail of our house, their hard work truly made the difference.

We’re so happy to have won so far both House Competitions, and we couldn’t be prouder of our amazing team. Here’s to more wins and great teamwork ahead!

Best wishes,

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!

We are thrilled to welcome Dani, our newest member of the Portena House! From the moment she arrived, Dani has been embraced with warmth and kindness by her roommate and the rest of the house. It’s been wonderful to see how quickly she has felt at home here 🫂

We are sure that Dani will have an incredible time during the rest of the course, filled with new experiences, friendships, and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to create many memories together!

Here’s to new beginnings and a fantastic journey ahead. Welcome aboard, Dani! 🎉

With love,

Portena Team 💘

We wrapped up our semester of international dinners with a Greek-inspired feast, and it was a delicious success! The menu featured Chicken Gyros, served with warm pita and creamy tzatziki, alongside a fresh Greek Salad with feta, olives, and tomatoes. For dessert, we enjoyed a tangy Lemon Tart that was the perfect sweet ending to the meal.

The evening was filled with laughter and great conversation, and everyone loved the food. It was a wonderful way to finish our series of international dinners, and we’re already excited for more culinary adventures next semester!

Lots of love,

Portena Team 🩵🤍

Last weekend, some of the girls from the Portena House had an unforgettable time at Disneyland Paris. They spent the weekend enjoying all the fun attractions, reliving their childhoods, and soaking in the incredible shows at the park!

It was a weekend full of magic, excitement, and pure joy. They were able to let go and fully embrace the magic of Disneyland, experiencing the rides and parades with excitement and wonder. It was a weekend they’ll always remember, filled with laughter and special moments that made it one of the best experiences ever 🩷

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!

Today, three of our girls – Darina, Mila, and Kate – had the opportunity to volunteer for Samedi du Partage, a special charity event aimed at helping families in need in Geneva. The event took place at Aldi, where the girls, along with other volunteers, stood at the entrance to collect food donations. Shoppers were encouraged to donate non-perishable items, which would then be distributed to local families struggling with food insecurity.

It was a moving experience, and our girls were inspired by the generosity of the community. Many shoppers took the time to add extra items to their carts for donation, showing just how much small acts of kindness can do.

For Darina, Mila, and Kate, it was a meaningful way to give back and support those who are less fortunate. It also reinforced the values of empathy and social responsibility that we aim to nurture at our boarding house. We are proud of our girls for being part of such a wonderful initiative and grateful to all those who donated to make today a success. Together, we’re helping make Geneva a stronger and more compassionate place for everyone. Please see some pictures below.

Best,

Portena team!