๐ŸŽƒ VDL Pumpkin Carving Competition 2025! ๐ŸŽƒ

Autumn has officially arrived at VDL, and with it came one of our favourite seasonal traditions โ€” 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 โ€” and donโ€™t forget to start planning your ideas for next yearโ€™s competition. Who knows? The next pumpkin champion could be you! ๐ŸŽƒโœจ

 

Tanzania Expedition Highlights ๐Ÿฆ“ ๐Ÿ†

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 โ€” 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 Marioโ€™s birthday with a joyful lunch at Shamba Kipara โ€” 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 girlsโ€™ 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 islandโ€™s natural beauty after days of meaningful work and exploration.

This journey has been a powerful blend of discovery, cultural exchange, and collaboration โ€” 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

๐Ÿ‚ 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 โ€” weโ€™re so glad to have you back.

As we step into this next chapter of the term, weโ€™re filled with excitement for whatโ€™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 โ€” because the best part of being back isnโ€™t just getting back to work, itโ€™s reconnecting with all of you.

Hereโ€™s to a productive and inspiring post-break season at VDL! ๐Ÿ’ซ

Welcome back โ€” letโ€™s make the rest of this term our best yet!

Your Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina

๐Ÿˆ Sunday Football & Baking Sale! ๐Ÿฐ

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, weโ€™re proving that fun and giving back can go hand in hand! โค๏ธ

Villa du Lac Team โœจ

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina

๐Ÿ’ซ First Weekend of October at CDL

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

Saturday started with a splash โ€” 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 โ€” 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 aย fitness sessions โ€” from Bodyshaping and Pilates to Stretching.

The Trampoline Park Trip was all about movement and joy โ€” 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 โ€” and maybe a few future stars of the Winter Ball!

The perfect mix of fun, friends, and fresh air to start October right! ๐Ÿ‚

Villa du Lac Team โœจ

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina

 

Happy 15th Birthday, Pamira! ๐ŸŽ‰

Today we celebrate a truly special milestone โ€” Pamiraโ€™s 15th birthday! ๐Ÿฅณ Surrounded by friends at the beautiful Villa du Lac, the day was filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments.

The cozy atmosphere of the villa, and the warmth of everyone gathered created the perfect setting for this celebration. From sharing stories, enjoying delicious food, and of course the birthday cake ๐ŸŽ‚, every detail made this day unique and memorable.

Turning 15 is such an exciting moment โ€” stepping into new adventures, new dreams, and endless possibilities. Pamira, may this year bring you happiness, inspiration, and all the success you deserve. ๐ŸŒธโœจ

Hereโ€™s to many more celebrations and cherished memories at Villa du Lac!

Happy Birthday, Pamira! ๐Ÿ’–

Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina

Boarder of the Week: Ildana!

This week weโ€™re celebrating Ildana for her fantastic achievement representing CDL and Villa du Lac in the chess tournament last Saturday. With sharp focus, strategy, and determination, she played brilliantly โ€“ and won first place!

Ildana has shown real talent, skill, and resilience. Weโ€™re so proud to call her our chess champion and to see her competitive spirit shine through. We canโ€™t wait to watch her continue to grow and succeed throughout the year. Well done, Ildana!!

Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina x

Respect Week: Building Stronger Connections

This week, we celebrate Respect Weekโ€”a time to reflect on how our words, actions, and attitudes shape the way we live, work, and learn together. Respect goes beyond simple politeness; it is about valuing differences, listening actively, and creating an environment where everyone feels seen and supported.

Why Respect Matters

Respect is the foundation of healthy relationshipsโ€”whether at school, at work, or in our communities. It helps us:

  • Build trust and understanding

  • Resolve conflicts peacefully

  • Appreciate diversity and different perspectives

  • Strengthen our sense of belonging

Small Acts, Big Impact

Respect doesnโ€™t always mean grand gestures. It can be as simple as:

  • Greeting someone with kindness

  • Listening without interrupting

  • Being mindful of personal space

  • Recognizing and celebrating othersโ€™ efforts

Respect Week is a reminder that respect is not a one-time event but a daily choice. Together, we can create a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves.

Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina, Robie

xx

 

Laugh, Record, Repeat ๐ŸŽฅ

As part of Respect Week, weโ€™ve been capturing some of the funniest moments on videoโ€”because respect also means sharing joy together! From silly challenges and unexpected dance moves to spontaneous laughter, these clips remind us that community is built not only on kindness but also on the ability to laugh with one another.

Keep an eye outโ€”weโ€™ll be sharing some of the highlights soon!

Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina, Robie

xx

๐ŸŒฟ Weekend at Villa du Lac: Connection, Energy & Creativity ๐ŸŒฟ

This weekend at Villa du Lac was full of activities that gave us the chance to relax, discover new interests, and enjoy time together.

On the sports side, the Tennis courts and Badminton games were buzzing with energy, friendly matches, and lots of laughter. In the gym, Bodyshaping and Stretching sessions helped students recharge and stay active. For those who preferred a calmer pace, Pilates offered balance and focus. Outdoors, our Golf group practiced swings and putts while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Creativity also played a big role. In the Art Club, students filled the studio with color, imagination, and ideas, while Community Service projects gave others the chance to work together and give back in meaningful ways. And when evening came, we gathered for Cinema Clubโ€”a cozy time to watch a movie and share impressions afterward.

The mix of movement, creativity, and shared moments made the weekend truly special. We start the new week refreshed, inspired, and full of good memories.

Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina x