This weekend was filled with fun and learning for Kseniia and Alejandra as they embraced their passions in unique ways. Kseniia spent her Saturday at our culinary club, diving into the art of cooking. Under the guidance of the chef, she learned to prepare a mouthwatering grilled chicken with mushrooms risotto. From mastering the perfect sear on the chicken to ensuring the risotto was creamy and flavorful, Kseniia discovered the joys of crafting a restaurant-worthy dish. Her excitement was palpable as she shared her newfound skills and her delicious creation with her friends.

Meanwhile, Alejandra headed to the tennis club for a lively session with her friends. The crisp morning air and the sound of tennis balls being volleyed created the perfect backdrop for an energetic workout. Ale worked on her serves, practiced her backhand, and enjoyed the camaraderie of friendly matches. Her love for the game shone through, and the friendly competition left everyone inspired.

While Kseniia explored flavors in the kitchen, Alejandra honed her skills on the court. Both girls embraced their weekend with enthusiasm, showcasing the diversity of activities available in our clubs and proving that weekends are for growth, fun, and memorable experiences.

Last Thursday we hosted our last Dinner in the House event before the Winter break. The girls enjoyed a delightfully Greek evening filled with pita bread, kebab meat, and Greek salad. Some of our girls had activities or meetings and we weren’t able to all sit together for dinner, but we can assure you everyone left the kitchen with a full stomach and some new stories to share.

Since her arrival in August, Alejandra likes to spend her Saturday mornings on the tennis court. Every weekend, she practices tirelessly, perfecting her serve and working on her agility. Tennis isn’t just a hobby for Alejandra; it’s a way to challenge herself, stay active, and unwind from the stress of school.

As the holiday season approaches, our house embraces the Christmas spirit with open hearts and creative minds. This year, the excitement was palpable as we gathered to transform our home into a festive wonderland. Strings of colorful lights twinkled in the kitchen, while ornaments and cheerful decorations injected warmth and joy in our entrance. We came together, scattering garlands across the handrail and sticking stickers on the windows, each contributing our unique flair to the decor.

Our boarding house, typically a place of study and rest, now buzzed with festive spirit and collaborative energy.

This year, our holiday decor has not only beautified our home but also strengthened our bond as a community. The tree stands proudly in the entrance of the house so anyone can see it as they come visit us, shining as a testament to our shared experiences, respect, and friendship.

Last night we celebrated the Boarding Award Ceremony where we celebrate our amazing boarders!

Manuela was recognized with the Boarding Life Award for her kindness and commitment to our community.

Alejandra’s busy weekends and afternoons with different activities earned her the Boarding Activity Awards.

The last award of the night went to Haruka who won a Boarding Academic Award for achieving outstanding results in the IB2 diploma.

On Tuesday we had a meeting with our 10th grader who participated in a well-being session as part of our wellbeing program to conclude Pillar I: Online Safety. With this session we wanted our student to understand three key points:

• Have you heard of sextortion?
• Do you know what it means to be blackmailed?
• What would you do if someone threatened you online?

As House Parents, it very important to give tools to our students to protect themselves online and to promote a better use of social medias. As teenagers, most of our student have had access to internet and it’s risk at a very young age and it is our role and responsibility to make sure they understand who to navigate the digital world with responsibility.

We also discussed the importance of sharing with an adult or with someone you trust.

Ada had a fantastic evening playing Les Loups-Garous de Thiercelieux with her friends. This strategic and thrilling party game, set in a mysterious village plagued by werewolves, brings out Ada’s competitive spirit and love for social deduction. The group has turned their game nights into a fun competition, tracking who racks up the most wins. Whether she’s a cunning werewolf or a clever villager, Ada enjoys every moment of plotting, guessing, and laughing with her friends. It’s not just about winning—it’s about the shared excitement and unforgettable memories created around the game table. Who will claim victory next?

Yesterday, Manuela and her team, representing CDL, played an exciting final match against La Châtaigneraie in the ADISR Girls Romandie Cup. Manuela showcased her talent by scoring a brilliant goal, sparking moments of hope and celebration for her team. Despite their valiant effort, the CDL girls narrowly missed victory and returned home with a well-deserved silver medal. More than the outcome, the girls cherished every moment on the field, sharing their passion for the sport they love. The final was a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and joy, leaving them with memories to treasure and motivation for future triumphs.

This Wednesday, Ada and her friends gathered for our weekly international dinner, and this time, the spotlight was on the Philippines. The meal featured a classic Filipino staple: flavorful chicken served with steamed rice. Simple yet comforting, it showcased the essence of Filipino cuisine—delicious and heartwarming. As they enjoyed the meal, Ada and her friends shared stories, laughter, and a growing appreciation for the culture behind the food. The evening was another beautiful reminder of how these dinners bring people together, celebrating diversity one dish at a time. Mabuhay to another memorable gathering!

This weekend was a whirlwind of fun and activity in Villa Ecureuil! Kseniia joined the Culinary Club and mastered the art of preparing a delicious Italian tiramisu, impressing everyone with her newfound skills. Meanwhile, Manuela hit the tennis courts with friends and followed it up with an energizing run, making the most of her Saturday. Sunday brought even more excitement as we headed out for an afternoon of karting. Although two of our girls couldn’t join us, we kept them in our thoughts and still enjoyed a perfect day together. The weekend was full of laughter, teamwork, and unforgettable memories!