Weekend on campus: fun, fun and more fun!

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!

Second ski weekend: time for seniors!

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!

Happy birthday He He!!!

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!

Dinner at home: France edition 🥐

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

First house meeting of the year!

Today marked our first house meeting after the winter break, and it was a fantastic way to kick off the new semester. After some time apart, it was great to gather again, share updates, and catch up with everyone. We’ve missed the energy and laughter!

This meeting was extra special as we had the pleasure of welcoming our two new students, Filippa and Maria Clara, to the team! 🎉 We’re so excited to have them join our community and can’t wait to create new memories together.

To celebrate, we shared some delicious cake and brownies – the perfect sweet treats to enjoy as we reconnect and start the year off right. 🍰🍫

Looking ahead, we’re excited for the opportunities and memories that the new semester will bring. We’re ready to make this year even more special than the last! Here’s to new beginnings, continued growth, and more fun moments together.

Wishing everyone a great start to the semester. Let’s make it amazing!

Best,
Portena Team

First Ski Weekend in Crans-Montana 🏔️

The first weekend of the second semester was full of excitement and adventure! The girls in Portena from grades 8, 9, and 10 packed their bags and headed to Crans-Montana for an exciting ski weekend, filled with skiing, ice skating, sledging, and many other fun activities. The snowy landscape and thrilling experiences made it an unforgettable weekend full of fun and new memories.
Meanwhile, the older students stayed back at CDL, focusing on their studies and engaging in various activities around campus.
A wonderful start to 2025, with plenty of excitement and energy for everyone! 🤩
With love,
Portena Team

New Term, New Opportunities: Welcome Back!

Welcome back, everyone! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable winter break. Now that we are all back, it’s time to dive into a new term filled with fresh opportunities and exciting activities. This is the perfect moment to reconnect with friends, settle into a productive routine, and prepare for everything the coming months will bring.

To start the year off right, we’re thrilled to announce our Ski Weekends, which will begin next week. These weekends will offer the perfect chance to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and the beautiful winter scenery with your fellow residents. It’s an exciting opportunity to spend time outdoors and create lasting memories. We look forward to seeing everyone participate and enjoy these upcoming adventures.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to make this term one to remember!

Portena team.

Anglophone School District West ASD-W on X: "❄️Welcome Back, Staff and  Students!❄️ We hope everyone had a restful and wonderful holiday break!  https://t.co/Ar4TB51uGm" / X

Happy Holidays! ✨

The first semester of the school year has come to a successful close! It has been an exciting and productive time for all, and we are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by each of our boarders at Portena.

With the holiday season upon us, we wish all the girls a joyful and restful break. Enjoy this special time with your family and friends, recharging for the exciting challenges and opportunities that await us in the new year.

We look forward to seeing you all in the upcoming semester, filled with renewed energy, enthusiasm, and determination to achieve even more!

Happy Holidays and see you in 2025!

Lots of love,

Portena Team 💚

Winter Ball ❄️

This past weekend, the Hilton Hotel hosted an unforgettable Winter Ball to celebrate the end of the first semester. The girls from Portena spent all of Saturday getting ready for the big event, and as you can see in the photos, they looked absolutely radiant.

The night was filled with delicious food, dancing, and endless fun. The girls had an amazing time, enjoying every moment to the fullest. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to the first semester—there truly couldn’t have been a better send-off! 🤩

Lots of love,

Portena Team ❤️

Last House Meeting before Christmas

Today, we had our final house meeting before the winter break, and it was a special one! As usual, we gathered to share important updates and news, but this time, we also made sure to celebrate the festive season with some delicious treats. We had a wonderful spread of cookies, chocolate, banana bread, corn cake, and more – a perfect way to wrap up the year with the girls.

The meeting was filled with lots of laughter and holiday spirit as we enjoyed the treats together. It was a lovely moment for all of us to reflect on the past few months and look forward to the holidays. We’re so grateful for the memories we’ve created this year, and we can’t wait to kick off the new semester after the break. Wishing everyone a joyful and restful winter break, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!

Best,

Portena team!