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!

Yesterday, we celebrated Thanksgiving, a special holiday that is traditionally observed in the United States to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on what we are grateful for, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Although we’re far from home, the spirit of Thanksgiving was alive and well in our boarding school as we came together as a community to share in the festivities.

The highlight of the day was the incredible Thanksgiving dinner in the dining hall. The tables were filled with all the classic dishes—roast turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to relax, share stories, and appreciate the wonderful community we have here at CDL. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude and togetherness. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of celebrating a very special day—Manu’s birthday! The atmosphere in Portena House was filled with joy as we came together to honor one of our own. Manu’s warm smile and positive energy make her a beloved part of our community, and it was wonderful to show her just how much she means to all of us.

The day was filled with laughter, delicious treats, and heartfelt moments. From the surprise decorations to the birthday cake, it was clear that everyone wanted to make Manu feel extra special. We hope this year brings her even more happiness and success. Happy birthday, Manu! We’re so lucky to have you in our Portena House family! 🎉🎂

Best,

Portena team!

We are very happy to share the fantastic news that the volleyball team from CDL Boarding School emerged victorious at an international tournament in Poland! Among the outstanding players were Mariana, Maria Fernanda, and Malu from Portena, who played an essential role in securing the championship. Their hard work, teamwork, and determination, along with the support of the entire boarding school team, led to this incredible achievement.

The experience in Poland was not only about winning but also about forging lasting memories and bonds with teammates from across the boarding school. We are incredibly proud of our athletes, and especially of Mariana, Maria Fernanda, and Malu, for their dedication and impressive performances. This victory truly represents the spirit and strength of our CDL community, and we look forward to even more success in the future! Please see some pictures below.

Best,

Portena team!

Last week, we had the privilege of attending the CDL Talks, an inspiring conference aimed at motivating and encouraging young people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. This year’s theme was all about the importance of pushing boundaries, taking risks, and growing beyond what feels familiar.

The talk featured several guest speakers, each sharing their personal experiences and valuable insights about how stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can lead to incredible personal growth. The speakers spoke about overcoming fears, embracing uncertainty, and taking bold steps toward achieving your goals.

Our boarders were deeply engaged throughout the event, and it sparked some great conversations afterward. It was a powerful reminder that growth often happens when we face discomfort and that it’s okay to take risks in order to achieve something meaningful.

We are so proud of our girls for being part of such an enriching experience. The CDL Talks was an important opportunity for them to reflect on their own journeys and understand the power of stepping outside their comfort zones. It’s a message we hope will stay with them as they continue to grow, challenge themselves, and pursue their dreams.

Please see some pictures below.

Best,

Portena team!