What a wonderful first semester we’ve had in Villa Ecureuil!

This year, we had the pleasure of welcoming three new students into our close-knit community house. Each has brought a unique personality, talents, and energy, enriching our shared experiences and making our house even more vibrant. It has been a joy to watch them settle in, form friendships, and become an integral part of our community.

The girls are already on their way home and we are preparing to close the house. We want to thank everyone for your kind support during these past months. Can’t wait to see what the second semester brings us!

Tonight, we celebrated Secret Santa in the house, marking the last evening before the holidays when all the girls are together. And what better way to say goodbye than by exchanging gifts and enjoying some delicious homemade cookies.

Having prepared wishlists for our Secret Santa exchange made the process so much easier! Each girl received exactly what they truly wanted, and their happiness was contagious. The highlight of the evening came when everyone tried to guess who their Secret Santa was, with plenty of laughs as suspicions were shared and guesses were made. Overall, it was a heartwarming and memorable evening that brought us closer together, strengthening the bond we share in our little community house.

The Winter Ball at Collège du Léman is always a night brimming with emotions. Whether it’s the excitement of the semester’s end and the anticipation of the trips back home, the poignancy of first goodbyes, or simply the magic of the evening, the Winter Ball is a cherished tradition, forever etched in our memories.

The girls donned their finest outfits, and together, we made our way to the Hilton Hotel for a delightful evening with the entire community. The night was filled with radiant smiles, hearty laughter, countless photos, and treasured moments shared by all. Since this will be the final Winter Dinner for most of our girls before they graduate in June, they made the most of the evening, capturing countless photos to immortalize the night.

We hope everyone had a lovely evening❤️

During three intense days, I had the unique opportunity to accompany my grandfather as he gave lectures at the UN in Geneva, during a highly relevant event focused on Human Rights and the role of Brazilian businesses in this context. It was an incredibly enriching experience, not only because I was in such a prestigious and transformative environment, but also because it expanded my understanding of contemporary global challenges.

Through each panel, discussion, and interaction, I was able to absorb a wealth of knowledge about how corporations can and should act in support of human rights, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the complex intersections between business, ethics, and social justice. Watching my grandfather, a respected figure in his field, share his insights with such a diverse and international audience was both a personally and intellectually rewarding experience.

This experience motivated me to seek further knowledge and become actively involved in discussions about how the private sector can be a force for positive transformation in society.

Manuela, G12.

Today, during our House Meeting we celebrated one of the most important traditions in Geneva: La nuit de l’Escalade. The legend says that on the night of December 11th, the Savoyard troops tried to conquer Geneva and launched an attack on a cold night in December. Thanks to Catherine Cheynel, also known as Mère Royaume, who thought of emptying a large marmite of boiling soup on a group of attackers the whole city woke up and defended Geneva against the Savoyards.

On this day, it is tradition to break the marmite, a chocolate cauldron filled with marzipan vegetables.

Tradition says the older and the youngest of the house have to break the marmite together while reciting the iconic phrase: Ainsi périrent les ennemis de la République !

This was Ada’s first time smashing the iconic marmite and Kseniia’s second time. All together we celebrated the victory of the Genevans.

Bonne nuit de l’Escalade à tout le monde !

In our house, winter wouldn’t be complete without our cherished tradition: cookie decorating! The kitchen came alive as Kseniia, Alejandra, and Sofiya gathered around the table, ready to transform plain sugar cookies into edible masterpieces.

Armed with bowls of vibrantly colored frosting, the girls set to work. Each had their own creative flair, from intricate colorful designs to cheerful holiday motifs like candy canes and Christmas trees. Alejandra meticulously decorated her cookies, while Kseniia and Sofiya leaned into bold, vibrant colors for a modern twist.

The kitchen was filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional playful frosting fight. By the end of the session, the table was a kaleidoscope of beautifully decorated cookies, each reflecting the unique personality of its creator. This simple but joyful activity brought everyone closer together, proving once again that traditions, especially ones involving frosting and creativity, are what make winter truly special.

Here you have a little video recap of our afternoon!

Haruka had an unforgettable experience as she joined the much-anticipated trip to Disneyland Paris. From the moment she, the magic of the park cast its spell. Haruka’s excitement was contagious as she explored the enchanting streets, surrounded by dazzling decorations and the cheerful melodies of the season. She wasted no time diving into the thrilling rides non-stop.

The evening brought even more wonder as Haruka watched the spectacular parade with glowing floats and lively performers. The night ended with the breathtaking fireworks display over the Castle, a sight that left everyone in awe. Throughout the trip, Haruka embraced every moment with enthusiasm, enjoying the moment with her friends, and the immersive magic of Disneyland Paris.

Last weekend, Sofiya and Ada teamed up for the gingerbread house decoration competition, and the results were nothing short of sweet! The two girls decided to combine their creativity and skills to build a house that would stand out. They started with the basics—carefully assembling the gingerbread walls, making sure each piece fit perfectly. As they worked, laughter filled the air, with playful debates over the best frosting technique and candy placement.

Once the house was built, the real fun began: decorating! Sofiya took charge of the roof, covering it with a blanket of snow-like icing and placing colorful gumdrops in a neat pattern. Meanwhile, Ada focused on the windows, adorning them with little chocolates. Together, they crafted a gingerbread masterpiece.

Last Sunday, Alejandra visited the enchanting Montreux Christmas Market, a true gem nestled along the shores of Lake Geneva. The market, with its charming wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights, offered a festive atmosphere brimming with holiday spirit. Ale strolled through the bustling aisles, marveling at the handcrafted gifts, and savoring the aroma of spiced hot chocolate.

The highlight of the day was the stunning scenery surrounding the market. The shimmering lake mirrored the snow-capped Alps, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Manuela has set her sights on an ambitious goal: completing the Geneva Half Marathon in May. As part of her preparation, she runs and goes to the gym daily. In addition, she decided to take on a unique challenge by participating in the Escalade Race, a beloved tradition held in Geneva every December. This event, known for its lively atmosphere and winding city streets, was the perfect test of her endurance and determination.

Running through the historic old town with cheering crowds spurred her on, making the experience unforgettable. For Manuela, the Escalade Race wasn’t just a warm-up; it was a milestone. Each stride brought her closer to her half-marathon dream, proving that persistence and passion can transform any goal into reality.