We hope everyone had a lovely break and that you had time to disconnect and enjoy yourself with your loved ones!

In Villa Ecureuil, we are ready to welcome and accompany our girls in the last 8 weeks of school!

As Easter break begins, our boarding house feels a little quieter… Many of our students have headed home to spend time with their families, enjoy some well-deserved rest, and soak up the first real signs of spring. The air is getting warmer, the days a bit longer, and there’s a gentle energy that reminds us: brighter days are ahead.

This time of year always feels a bit special. After months of winter routines, there’s something refreshing about stepping outside without a coat, hearing birds in the morning, and knowing that summer isn’t too far away.

But as lovely as the break is, we all know what’s waiting when we come back: the final stretch. Just a few weeks left before exams begin and we wrap up another school year. It’s that time to stay focused, support each other, and make the most of these last moments together before summer takes us in different directions.

To all our boarders, we hope you’re taking time to relax, recharge, and come back ready to finish the year strong. We believe in you 💪✨

Tonight’s International Dinner spotlighted the rich flavors of Russia, bringing warmth and tradition to the table. Kseniia was thrilled to share some of her favorite dishes from home, starting with a hearty serving of beef stroganoff. Tender strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce made for the perfect comfort food. For dessert, they served Napoleon cake—a decadent, multi-layered treat with flaky pastry and sweet custard that had everyone going back for seconds. Russia’s rich culinary heritage came alive through the laughter, aromas, and shared plates—another delicious reminder of how food can bring people together.

Last night, our monthly house dinner brought everyone together for a cozy evening of good food and even better company. This time, we went with a crowd favorite—kebab night! The savory aroma of grilled chicken filled the kitchen as platters of juicy, perfectly spiced kebabs were served alongside fresh salads, warm pita, and a variety of tasty sauces. Whether wrapped up in flatbread or eaten straight off the skewer, every bite was a hit.

These monthly dinners have become a special tradition in the house, offering a chance to unwind, share stories, and bond over food. It’s more than just dinner—it’s a way to create memories and strengthen the sense of community we’ve built together. With full bellies and happy hearts, we’re already looking forward to what next month’s dinner will bring.

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.

This weekend at the boarding school was full of energy and determination from each girl.

Sofiya’s climbing competition

Sofiya embodied strength, perseverance, and team spirit in her climbing competition. By entering this competition, you’re not just representing your own efforts and your willingness to improve; you’re proving to be a true role model for the other girls with your determination and positive attitude in representing your house. Your example shows that true success isn’t only about winning, but about the will to push yourself.
We admire your capacity for perseverance. No matter the result of this competition, know that you’ve already shown tremendous courage just by participating.

Sofiya’s georgian dish

This experience was unforgettable: an invitation to share a Georgian meal with students of Caucasian origin.
The hospitality was deeply touching. In this culture, hosting goes beyond a simple meal; it’s a gesture of welcome, an opening of the heart, and a true act of sharing. The students, with their warmth and kindness, made this moment unforgettable.
The meal was a festival of flavors, bursting with freshness and diversity. But what made it even more special was the atmosphere. The students didn’t just share food; they also shared their culture, traditions, and history.
Georgian cuisine isn’t just about taste, but also values: hospitality, respect for ancestors, and the celebration of family. Their authentic generosity reminded us of the importance of solidarity and sharing in our fast-paced world. This meal was not just a gastronomic experience; it was a rich cultural exchange, a bridge between our origins and personal histories.

Ada’s cooking time

Ada embraced the challenge of her cooking class, adapting with ease to new teammates and bringing her best to each dish. This weekend: Enchiladas
Ada has been attending cooking classes for a few weeks, embracing each session with enthusiasm and determination. Every class brings a new teammate, and rather than seeing this as a challenge, she sees it as an opportunity to learn and adapt. Ada quickly connects with others, creating a positive dynamic and always giving her best.
Her ability to adjust to different cooking styles and manage timing is impressive, and she adds her personal touch to every dish. Ada’s reputation as an exemplary student grows, as she not only creates delicious meals but fosters a sense of camaraderie, turning each kitchen moment into a joyful experience. For her, cooking is an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and always give her best.

Together, they created a weekend full of positivity, effort, and enjoyment, leaving everyone motivated for the week ahead.

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.