The summer holidays are finally coming to an end, and the Old Portena team are looking forward to welcoming both old and new girls to the house!

We hope you had an incredible summer and are ready to start the new school year. We can’t wait to see you all!

Congratulations to our Grade 8 students Ashley, Mia, Vlady, Chihana, Amy and Lily who graduated from Middle School today! Next year they are moving to the big world of High School. In addition, Chihana received the REACH sportsperson award, which is given to the student who best exhibits the important values of sport. Mia and Ashley also received the prize for the most improved student.

We are all proud of the hard work you have displayed over the past year and we know you will all excel in High School! We wish you the very best!

Today we got together for our last birthday celebration, which unfolded under the glorious embrace of perfect weather. It was a day filled with friends, love, and laughter, painting a picture of pure joy that will forever be etched in our hearts.

This weekend was the last time the girls took part in their usual activities for this academic year. They went to cooking, golf, banana boat, a Geneva outing, chess and baking. Ashley and Vlady also got to go to the Observatory in Geneva, where they learned about astronomy and all things about space! We also celebrated Mia’s birthday in advance, with a fun little party and cake!

Now it’s time to prepare for the last few days of school before the start of the summer holidays!

Yesterday under the warm evening sun, we enjoyed an American BBQ dinner. There were burgers, hotdogs, salads and desserts to choose from. No one was left feeling hungry, that’s for sure!

As the academic year comes to a close, nothing marks the occasion quite like the End of Year Event.

It’s a celebration packed with amazing activities that cater to everyone’s tastes and preferences. From thrilling water games to friendly competitions, this event provided endless fun.

The party’s refreshing water elements, including a sparkling pool and exhilarating slides, offer a splash of excitement and relief from the summer heat.

Amidst all the laughter and splashes, cherished friendships are strengthened and new memories are made. And let’s not forget the delectable ice cream delights that make this party truly unforgettable.

Sharing laughter and indulging in frozen treats with friends creates a warm and joyful atmosphere.

Today was a special, and a little bit stressful day… Indeed, our girls had their student-led conferences ! For this, they had to present their REACH portfolio, explaining how they achieved their goals this year.

Throughout the year, the girls have done their best to be responsible, eco-friendly, active, creative and healthy, and this conference was the opportunity for them to show to their teachers and houseparents, how they have managed to achieve REACH goals.

This presentation was a little bit nerve-wrecking for our girls, but they all did an amazing job !

Anna getting ready for her presentation

Stella explained to us how she takes responsibility for her pet’s wellbeing

A colourful portfolio by Mia !

Kelly, ready to start her presentation !

Cute cats to relax the atmosphere, well thought Lily !

Our one and only house captain, Ashley !

Chihana has had many responsibilities this year, between all her activities and life as a boarder.

Chisa’s colourful presentation

Wednesdays as always is International Dinner and today we enjoyed Singaporean cuisine: noodles with chicken skewers. We’ve also been lucky to have warm, sunny weather the past few weeks, so every Wednesday we embrace the fresh air and eat outside!

Our warm and sunny weekend started off with a delicious dinner in the house on Friday! Miss Maral and Miss Cristina cooked for all the girls and we all enjoyed a yummy chicken burger, cakes and snacks!

And as usual on Saturday and Sunday the day was full of activities for the girls. Cooking, tennis, banana boat and a trip to Aquaparc was in the cards for all.

Aquaparc in particular was the highlight, and everyone enjoyed swimming and all the water slides!

Meanwhile, Stella had the opportunity to go tandem paragliding over Lake Geneva. It was an amazing experience and she was really happy that she was able to go!

This evening Isabella participated in a charity concert with some other students. She gave a beautiful solo cello performance!

Well done Isabella, we are very proud of you!