First weekend in Crans-Montana 🤩⛷️

This past weekend, we kicked off the ski season with an unforgettable trip to Crans-Montana, a picturesque ski resort in the Swiss Alps. Nestled in the heart of Valais, Crans-Montana is renowned for its stunning mountain views, expansive slopes, and sunny weather – a perfect destination for a winter getaway.

While the ski slopes were a highlight, Ada and Serena, had an absolute blast exploring other activities the town had to offer. From lively games of bowling to exhilarating tobogganing adventures, there was never a dull moment. They also relished the opportunity to connect with nature, breathing in the crisp alpine air and soaking up the sunshine.

This weekend was the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and adventure, setting the tone for what promises to be an amazing ski season ahead! We can’t wait to return to Crans-Montana next week with the rest of the girls!

Welcome back!

Welcome back to the second term at Villa Ecureuil! We are so excited to welcome back our girls for this term. We can’t wait to hear about everyone’s holiday adventures and to welcome our new student, Serena.

The snow welcomed us yesterday afternoon, introducing the ski season we have ahead of us!

Happy Winter Break!

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!

Secret Santa

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.

A winter tell

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❤️

Manuela’s experience in the 13th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights

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.

Nuit de l’Escalade: smashing of the marmite!

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 !

Frosting Madness: Cookies Decoration Edition

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!

Magic Trip to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland is where dreams come true, and during Christmas, its magic shines even brighter!

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.

Sweet Creations: The Gingerbread House Showdown!

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.