Autumn has officially arrived at VDL, and with it came one of our favourite seasonal traditions — the Pumpkin Carving Competition! The creativity, teamwork, and Halloween spirit on display this year were truly inspiring.

The judges will have a tough job choosing the winners, as our pumpkin told its own story.

Stay tuned for photos of the winning pumpkins and highlights from the event — and don’t forget to start planning your ideas for next year’s competition. Who knows? The next pumpkin champion could be you! 🎃✨

We’re so proud to share that Maria has been officially inducted as a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) this evening!

After putting in a huge amount of time and effort into her application, Maria’s brilliant profile was reviewed and accepted – a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, dedication, and all-around excellence. The NHS is one of the most respected student organizations in the U.S. and internationally, recognizing students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, and character.

Tonight’s Induction Ceremony marked a special milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of Maria for representing both CDL and Villa du Lac with such grace and determination. We’re excited to see where this opportunity takes her next!

Well done Maria!!

Villa du Lac Team,

Alison, Monica, Karolina and Lana

This week, we’re proud to celebrate Giulia, Pamira, Adriana and Roby who chose to spend their October break participating in the school’s trip to Tanzania; a decision that meant giving up time with their families to take part in something truly meaningful and unforgettable.

During the trip, the girls took part in community service, including building goat sheds for the local community. They represented CDL with maturity, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility, showing care for one another and embracing the experience with a real growth mindset.

Villa du Lac is incredibly proud of their commitment, courage, and the way they stepped into a new environment with openness and heart. Well done to all four, you’ve set a wonderful example for our boarding house in terms of taking on new opportunities and community service action 💕

Villa du Lac Team,

Alison, Monica, Lana and Karolina

Once a month, each boarding house hosts its own Dinner at Home; a chance for all of us to gather in a more relaxed, family-style setting and share a meal together.

This month in Villa du Lac, we enjoyed a comforting dinner of lasagna, fresh salad, and cream puffs for dessert. The atmosphere was cozy, with everyone sitting down together to enjoy good food and conversation. It’s a simple tradition, but one that always brings a lovely sense of community to the house.

We’re already looking forward to the next one!

Villa du Lac Team,

Alison, Monica, Karolina and Lana

The past trip in Tanzania has been filled with adventure, learning, and meaningful encounters that deeply touched everyone involved.

The journey began with an unforgettable safari through Tarangire National Reserve, where students witnessed an incredible variety of wildlife in their natural environment — zebras, elephants, lions, wildebeests, giraffes, warthogs, baboons, and many more. Camping in the heart of the reserve, surrounded by the sounds of the wild, created a truly magical atmosphere and memories that will last a lifetime.

After returning from the safari, the group visited a local coffee plantation that follows fair trade principles. Students learned about the entire process of coffee production, from harvesting to commercial distribution, and discovered the traditions of local tribes and communities. Later, they set up camp in Dolly Bush Park, prepared their own meals, and celebrated Mario’s birthday with a joyful lunch at Shamba Kipara — an occasion filled with laughter and connection.

Another meaningful part of the trip took place in nearby villages, where students had the opportunity to contribute to community development projects. Together, they delivered donations, built a smoke-free stove, installed solar panels, and even constructed a small shelter for a donated goat. The families welcomed them warmly, sharing their daily lives and expressing sincere gratitude for the help and companionship. One of the major projects of the expedition was the beginning of construction of a new girls’ dormitory at Ngongongare School. This initiative will provide safer and more comfortable conditions for students who currently travel long distances to attend school. The team worked with enthusiasm — mixing cement, laying bricks, and raising the first walls, symbolizing both teamwork and hope for the future.

In the evenings, participants gathered to reflect on their experiences. Their reflections revealed how much this journey has shaped them — as individuals and as a community. To celebrate the end of their stay on the mainland, everyone came together for a cheerful disco night under the Tanzanian sky — a perfect ending to an inspiring week. The next chapter of the adventure leads to Zanzibar, where the group had time to relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty after days of meaningful work and exploration.

This journey has been a powerful blend of discovery, cultural exchange, and collaboration — an unforgettable experience that left everyone with a deeper sense of connection to the world and to one another. We are proud of our girls.

Your Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina

🍂 Welcome Back, VDL Community!

We hope everyone enjoyed a restful and inspiring October break! Whether you spent time exploring new places, catching up with friends and family, or simply recharging for the busy months ahead — we’re so glad to have you back.

As we step into this next chapter of the term, we’re filled with excitement for what’s to come. Expect fresh projects, engaging discussions, and plenty of opportunities to learn, create, and grow together.

Stay tuned for upcoming updates, highlights, and stories from our vibrant community — because the best part of being back isn’t just getting back to work, it’s reconnecting with all of you.

Here’s to a productive and inspiring post-break season at VDL! 💫

Welcome back — let’s make the rest of this term our best yet!

Your Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina

Dear Parents,

The first part of the term has flown by here in Villa du Lac, and after weeks filled with activity, growth, and new shared moments, we’re now wishing all our students a restful and well-deserved October break!

We hope the girls enjoy their time off and return refreshed, ready for the exciting weeks ahead. It’s been a pleasure seeing them settle in and thrive, and we look forward to welcoming them back soon.

Please note:
The boarding house will be closed from Sunday, 12th October at 9:00 AM until Saturday, 25th October at 9:00 AM.

Warm wishes for a happy and relaxing break!

Villa du Lac Team 🙂

This week, we’re celebrating two of our girls for their fantastic contributions to CDL and the boarding community!

Our house captain; Roby, represented CDL in last week’s soccer tournament helping her team secure 3rd place! Her effort, skill and team spirit were so impressive. We’re excited to see her continuing in joining future soccer tournaments and seeing her thrive as a strong athlete.

Tanya took the spotlight during our Open Mic Night at the Back-to-School BBQ, performing a beautiful vocal piece in front of the school and boarding community. Her confidence and talent made it a standout moment of the evening!

Well done to both Roby and Tanya – we’re proud to celebrate your well-deserved achievements!

Villa du Lac Team,

Alison, Monica, Lana and Karolina 🙂

This Sunday, our community came together for a fantastic football match and bake sale to raise funds for our Tanzania community service project. The day was filled with excitement and the sweet aroma of homemade treats!

Thanks to everyone who joined, cheered on the players, and supported the bake sale. Your contributions will make a meaningful difference for Tanzania.

We are so grateful for the generosity, energy, and community spirit that made this event such a success. Together, we’re proving that fun and giving back can go hand in hand! ❤️

Villa du Lac Team ✨

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina

What a weekend! The first days of October brought so much energy, creativity, and connection across campus.

Saturday started with a splash — literally! Students headed out for wakeboarding and banana boat rides, while others joined horse riding, climbing, or tennis under the crisp autumn sun. Inside, delicious smells filled the air from the Cooking Class, and creative sparks flew in the Art Club.

Then came the big highlight — the new Dance Workshops with Laszlo! The music turned up, and everyone got moving to the rhythms of Salsa and Bachata. So much fun, so many smiles!

Sunday kept the good vibes rolling with a fitness sessions — from Bodyshaping and Pilates to Stretching.

The Trampoline Park Trip was all about movement and joy — bouncing, laughing, and landing in soft clouds of foam with friends all around.

In the afternoon, students chilled at the Cinema Club, while others joined Dance Workshops again to learn the Waltz and Cha Cha. The dance floor was full of joy — and maybe a few future stars of the Winter Ball!

The perfect mix of fun, friends, and fresh air to start October right! 🍂

Villa du Lac Team ✨

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina