If there is one thing Ada loves more than the French language, that is chocolate. In any form, any flavour and any color. This weekend, one of the biggest chocolate festivals in Switzerland took place in Versoix: the Festichoc event. Ada and her friend visited the Salon des Artisans, a 2,100-square-meter space housing over 30 chocolatiers across French Switzerland. Although there were many people, they enjoyed some free chocolate samples and took plenty of pictures of many chocolate sculptures.

At Collège du Léman, we encourage our boarders to be part of the local community and get involved in social actions in Versoix. Today we went to the lake to make a difference and we picked up trash that we were finding on the floor. Fortunately we didn’t find much trash on the shores of the lake, but we did fill two plastic bags on the way from school to Port-Choiseul.

Back in the house, we asked our Grade 12 student, Sofiya, what it means for her to be part of the change and participate in community service actions:

Participation in community service is useful for everyone, regardless of age, profession or social status, because it allows you to feel your importance and impact on the world around you. When a person contributes to a common cause – whether it is helping neighbors, participating in volunteer projects or discussing important issues in society they become part of something bigger, they develop as a person and they strengthen ties with others. It not only helps others, but also brings inner satisfaction and self-confidence.”

On Thursday evening, Ada prepared a delicious Turkish vegan dish for her advisory class. The goal of the activity was to cook something vegan or vegetarian from your country without using any plastic. None of the ingredients she used could be wrapped in plastic. Ada realised it was not an easy task as soon as she got to the supermarket: everything had plastic.

She decided to cook some green lentil patties to serve with Greek yogurt. Her classmates enjoyed a delicious snack and learn about its meaning in Turkish culture. Yeşil mercimek köftesi isn’t just food—it’s a communal dish typically served at gatherings or family events.

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!