This weekend at the boarding school was full of energy and determination from each girl.

Sofiya’s climbing competition

Sofiya embodied strength, perseverance, and team spirit in her climbing competition. By entering this competition, you’re not just representing your own efforts and your willingness to improve; you’re proving to be a true role model for the other girls with your determination and positive attitude in representing your house. Your example shows that true success isn’t only about winning, but about the will to push yourself.
We admire your capacity for perseverance. No matter the result of this competition, know that you’ve already shown tremendous courage just by participating.

Sofiya’s georgian dish

This experience was unforgettable: an invitation to share a Georgian meal with students of Caucasian origin.
The hospitality was deeply touching. In this culture, hosting goes beyond a simple meal; it’s a gesture of welcome, an opening of the heart, and a true act of sharing. The students, with their warmth and kindness, made this moment unforgettable.
The meal was a festival of flavors, bursting with freshness and diversity. But what made it even more special was the atmosphere. The students didn’t just share food; they also shared their culture, traditions, and history.
Georgian cuisine isn’t just about taste, but also values: hospitality, respect for ancestors, and the celebration of family. Their authentic generosity reminded us of the importance of solidarity and sharing in our fast-paced world. This meal was not just a gastronomic experience; it was a rich cultural exchange, a bridge between our origins and personal histories.

Ada’s cooking time

Ada embraced the challenge of her cooking class, adapting with ease to new teammates and bringing her best to each dish. This weekend: Enchiladas
Ada has been attending cooking classes for a few weeks, embracing each session with enthusiasm and determination. Every class brings a new teammate, and rather than seeing this as a challenge, she sees it as an opportunity to learn and adapt. Ada quickly connects with others, creating a positive dynamic and always giving her best.
Her ability to adjust to different cooking styles and manage timing is impressive, and she adds her personal touch to every dish. Ada’s reputation as an exemplary student grows, as she not only creates delicious meals but fosters a sense of camaraderie, turning each kitchen moment into a joyful experience. For her, cooking is an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and always give her best.

Together, they created a weekend full of positivity, effort, and enjoyment, leaving everyone motivated for the week ahead.

Last night we introduced the last part of our Wellbeing Pillar, and we talked about Mindfulness!

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. It involves focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

One of the key advantages of mindfulness is stress reduction. By paying attention to the present moment, individuals can break free from overwhelming thoughts and anxieties. It also enhances focus and concentration, helping people perform better at work, school, and daily activities. Additionally, mindfulness improves emotional regulation, allowing individuals to manage their reactions and build stronger relationships.

Physically, mindfulness has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and a stronger immune system. Studies have shown that mindful practices can also reduce chronic pain and promote overall well-being. Furthermore, mindfulness fosters gratitude and a positive outlook on life, increasing happiness and resilience.

Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can be as simple as practicing deep breathing, mindful walking, or meditation. By embracing mindfulness, individuals can cultivate inner peace, clarity, and a healthier lifestyle.

What a night we had yesterday! In less than two weeks, we organised our performance, and although it was not perfect, we all had a lot of fun and laughed a lot on stage!

We got the results this morning and we are proud to announce we came out in 6th position! The girls were very happy to hear their efforts paid off! While we continue working for the next house competition (represented by Sofiya in a Climbing competition), you can sit, eat some popcorn, and enjoy our Boarding Talent Show performance.

This weekend, the temperatures were warmer than usual—almost 17 degrees! Although Sunday ended with a sky full of clouds, the girls made the most of their time outside, soaking up the sun.

Alejandra went to Geneva with her friends to join a Pilates class. They had a lovely time and are already planning to go back soon! After the class, they enjoyed a delicious breakfast before heading home.

Kseniia practiced tennis with her friends and spent the rest of the weekend taking long walks, enjoying the sunshine, and relaxing.

Ada, on her side, took part in filming a video for the fifth Wellbeing Pillar.

Overall, it was a calm and refreshing weekend, giving the girls a chance to disconnect to reconnect.

Last Wednesday, during our monthly Boarding Assembly we were introduced to the second part of the Wellbeing Pillar.

The focus for this second week was Physical activity. Staying active during your adolescence boosts both physical and mental health. Regular exercise strengthens your body, improves focus, and reduces stress. It builds confidence, fosters friendships, and sets healthy habits for life. Being active helps ensure a stronger, happier, and healthier future. From a small stroll around town for an hour to having a regular gym routine, everything helps to take care of ourselves.

Yesterday, Sofiya, prepared a delicious piece of her Armenian culture for her sociology class by cooking Tolma. As part of a project on cultural traditions, she prepared grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat and herbs. Her classmates not only enjoyed the rich flavors but also learned about the dish’s deep roots in Armenian heritage.

Tolma has been a beloved part of Armenian cuisine for centuries. Its name comes from the Armenian word “toli”, meaning grape leaves. While variations of stuffed vegetables exist across the region, Armenia is known for its unique take on Tolma, often served during family gatherings and special occasions. Sofiya explained how Tolma represents hospitality and the importance of community in Armenian culture—fitting themes for a sociology discussion. Needless to say, everyone left class a little fuller and a lot more connected.

Tonight we celebrated Ada’s 16th birthday with a delicious Oreo and chocolate cake her parents sent us all the way from Türkiye! We sang Happy Birthday and shared some memories from these past few weeks.

Ada you are a truly angel among us; thank you for always being so sweet and smiley. Don’t ever let anyone change you and don’t give up on your dreams!

Next Tuesday we will celebrate our annual Boarding Talent Show and in Villa Ecureuil we have been practicing nonstop to make sure we deliver an unforgettable show!

The girls are getting better and better every day and we can’t wait to show everyone what we have prepared for this year!

Stay tuned for more news next week, wish us luck!

Last Thursday we celebrated our monthly dinner in the house with a delicious Indonesian evening. The evening was filled with laughter and we discussed Ramadam, how to practice it, and what it means; and we discovered, thanks to Ada, that not all Muslims follow Ramadam!

We can’t wait for next month’s dinner to share more moments like this together in our home, especially since our Grade 12 students will be leaving us in just a few months.

Last week we launched Pillar 4 of our Wellbeing Program: Healthy Bodies and Minds.

The focus for this first week was Nutrition. During our House Meeting we watched a video about the importance of having a balanced diet that allows our body to be fueled with energy.

Key Takeaways from This Week:

Understanding Calories & Portion Sizes – Learning how to balance meals and fuel the body properly.
 Making Healthy Food Choices & Staying Hydrated – Recognizing the impact of nutrition on energy, focus, and overall health.