This weekend, our very own Ildana went head-to-head with nearly 70 talented students at the prestigious Interschool Chess Tournament, hosted by Collège Champittet.

Throughout the day, Ildana was in top form: focused, strategic, and unshakeable. After a full day of intense play spanning over 8 hours, she emerged victorious, claiming first place in a highly competitive field!

For many of us, chess remains a bit of a mystery, but watching Ildana in action, with her lightning-fast thinking and incredible concentration, has given us all a new appreciation for the game. What an achievement! Congratulations, Ildana!

And if you want to see just how quick she really is…take a look at this!!we

We are all very proud of you Ildana 🙂

This weekend offered a great mix of activities for the girls to choose from. On Saturday some joined in on tennis, horse riding, or art club (always a favourite). Others chose to participate in community service around Versoix, and time in the fitness room. It was a nice balance of active, creative, and community-focused options.

Sunday started with our usual boarding brunch in the school cafeteria, a relaxed yummy tradition. In the afternoon, some of the girls did stretching, Lego Club, Chess Club, or headed off-campus for a fun laser tag excursion. The laser tag group spent the afternoon in teams, navigating the arena and enjoying some fast-paced fun – a great way to end the weekend with a bit of friendly competition and teamwork!

Well done girls!

From the Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana and Karolina x

This week, we celebrate Respect Week—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 relationships—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 doesn’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 others’ 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

As part of Respect Week, we’ve been capturing some of the funniest moments on video—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 out—we’ll be sharing some of the highlights soon!

Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina, Robie

xx

This week we’re celebrating Pamira for her fantastic achievement representing CDL and Villa du Lac in the Leysin tennis tournament last Friday. Despite not having practiced over the summer, she played with incredible focus and determination – and came in second place!

Pamira has shown real talent, skill and resilience. We’re so proud to call her our tennis star and see more of her competitive side. We can’t wait to see her continue to grow and shine on the court throughout the year. Well done, Pamira!!

Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina x

This weekend, the girls had a wide range of activities to choose from – and they made the most of it! From tennis, Pilates, boxing, and bodyshaping to lake adventures like banana boat rides and wakeboarding, there was something for everyone. Some opted for horse riding or joined the always popular art club, while others got creative in the cooking class or gave back through community service. It was great to see so many girls trying new things and enjoying time together. Well done!

On Sunday, we wrapped up the weekend with our first house competition of the year (sports day theme)! All eight boarding houses came together for a fun afternoon of games including the three-legged race, frisbee shot, bucket fill-up, cornhole, and tug of war. We’re proud to share that VDL placed 3rd – a strong start to the year with many more competitions to come!

Villa du Lac Team,

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina x

To make the most of the Jeûne Genevois public holiday, the boarding department organised a fun and relaxed day trip to Lausanne – the Olympic Capital of the world!

The girls had time to explore the city, enjoy some shopping, and grab lunch in one of Lausanne’s many great spots. In the afternoon, we visited the Olympic Museum, where juniors took part in a guided visit and older students had the option to join. It was a great chance to learn about the history of the Games and enjoy the interactive exhibits.

Lausanne’s mixture of lakeside charm, culture, and city buzz made it the perfect destination for a midweek break!

Villa du Lac Team

Alison, Monica, Lana, Karolina <3

This evening we had dinner at home in cosy Villa du Lac! The theme for tonight’s meal was kebab night. We ate delicious kebabs with pita bread and all kinds of toppings, enjoyed by plenty of lovely chats among the girls. It was a delicious chance to catch up and unwind during such a busy week of school trips!

All the best,

Villa du Lac Team – Alison, Monica, Lana and Karolina x

Today we’re celebrating Nika – one of our newest girls in VDL who has already become a positive presence in the house. In just a few weeks, she’s shown how friendly, independent, and thoughtful she is, ready to lend a hand and help others settle in, even while finding her own footing.

Nika brings an amazing sense of style and confidence to everything she does. She’s social, kind, and has a natural way of making people feel welcome! It’s been lovely getting to know her, and we’re excited to see all the moments and memories she’ll create this year!

Wishing you a fantastic birthday, Nika – we’re so glad you’re here!

From the Villa du Lac Team,

Alison, Monica, Lana and Karolina x

This past weekend, our boarding house headed up into the Swiss Alps for an unforgettable mountain trip. The Grades 11 and 12 students went to Verbier, while the Grades 9 and 10 students spent their time in Leysin.

Both groups had full days packed with activities. Between the hikes, team games, and mountain challenges, there was always something to do. We explored trails, tested our balance and courage in outdoor activities, and of course enjoyed plenty of laughs together.

Evenings were just as fun—sharing meals, relaxing with friends, and winding down after the fresh mountain air. It was a perfect mix of adventure and bonding, and everyone came back with new memories and closer friendships.

Weekends like this remind us how lucky we are to live and study in Switzerland, surrounded by such incredible landscapes.

Villa du Lac Team

Alison,Monica, Lana, Karolina