Happy Jeûne Genevois ! Swiss Tradition.🇨🇭

Our Écureuil Boarding House is ready to celebrate a holiday today !!

The Jeûne Genevois is a public holiday specific to Geneva. It falls on the Thursday after the first Sunday in September. On this special day, the people of Geneva traditionally eat prune tart.

 The practice of fasting could be observed in the Swiss cantons as far back as the 15th century. The Diet, an assembly of the representatives of the cantons in place until 1848, organised penance and thanksgiving days. Each canton could decide what form these fasts would take.
 
The origin of the Jeûne Genevois dates back to the first fast recorded in Geneva, at the beginning of October 1567 following the repression of Protestants from Lyon. From 1640, fasting was seen as a moral and religious act and became an annual practice at the initiative of reformed cantons. It was seen as an act of humility and solidarity with the poorest members of society.
             

First House Dinner at Villa Ecureuil !

This Tuesday, we held our first “Dinner at Home” at Villa Écureuil, and it was a success. The monthly gathering fosters a sense of family in our boarding house. Kebab was on the menu, delighting everyone, while laughter and conversation filled the room. These shared moments create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Villa Écureuil special.

Mountain Weekend in Verbier – A Tradition of Adventure and Friendship

Thist weekend, all of our boarding students came together for one of the highlights of our year: the Mountain Weekend in the stunning Swiss Alps. This annual tradition is not only a great way to kick off the year with fresh air and outdoor fun, but also an amazing opportunity for new students to make friends and connect with the boarding community.

We were lucky to enjoy very beautiful weather throughout the weekend, which made the experience even more memorable. The girls took part in a variety of exciting mountain activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. These activities pushed them out of their comfort zones while allowing them to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss mountains.

At the same time, in the village of Verbier where we were staying, the famous Spartan Race was taking place. This intense obstacle course covers several kilometers and includes challenges such as carrying heavy objects and climbing high walls. Our students had a great time watching the athletes take on these physical tests, it was both inspiring and entertaining!

The Mountain Weekend is a cherished boarding tradition, and each year it helps our students discover new passions, enjoy the natural beauty of Switzerland, and build strong friendships that last all year long. With fresh mountain air, plenty of sports, and lots of laughter, this was the perfect way to start the school year on a high note!

Verbier is waiting for us this weekend 😀

Here we go !!

Ready for an unforgettable adventure, hiking through the mountains, climbing walls, biking down thrilling slopes, and so much more! The perfect way to make amazing memories with our boarding community!

We’ll be staying at the stunning Les Elfes Camp, a beautifully designed, purpose-built retreat that blends wood and stone, embracing the Swiss Alpine tradition. It’s the perfect mix of charm and comfort for our students!