Headmistress Letter, Jan. 17, 2013

Dear Families and Colleagues,

Do you know the saying: Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it make you soft?  I lived in NYC from 1989-92, and in SF from 1996-2012. I went soft. Around 6pm yesterday, I couldn't imagine we would have school today. Now, it is gorgeous - looks like Vail, Colorado. This softie is lucky (and grateful) to live on campus!

Two weeks ago, we returned from Christmas Break and we have had a breathless stretch of activity. Rory Flynn and Mattea Roach went to Queens University for the National Tournament to compete against 216 other outstanding debaters. Our Grade 9 team overpowered the Grade 12 team from Upper Canada College for the Top Place in both Junior and Senior divisions. They qualified to compete at the International Level in Cambridge, England in May! Individually, Rory is #1 in both divisions, Mattea placed #5 for Seniors, and Rory is the Top Speaker.

I am grateful so many people were able to be here last week to celebrate Marilyn Hinch who served our Sacred Heart community for over 40 years. Last spring, while in San Francisco, I received word that Marilyn had suffered a heart attack. Like many of you, I hit my knees in prayer for her recovery. Late in the fall, Marilyn made the difficult decision to retire from her job as Receptionist. We were blessed to be able to celebrate Marilyn's service as well as her steady recovery. Presentations were made to her at the Elementary Epiphany Liturgy, and joining me to honour her at the Open House were Ms. Scott, Mr. Marchand, high school boys and girls, Alumnae/i Executive President and representative Nicole Ferguson and Meaghean Richardson, Angela Surrette spoke on behalf of the Board of Governors, Parents' Guild VP Jody MacDonald read a letter from President Mark James, and Sr. Sally Mahar, RSCJ, Headmistress in Marilyn's first year at SHSH, spoke from her heart for the Religious community.

Taking it to the ice ... our Gr. 9-12 students enjoyed the semi-formal Ice Dance last weekend, and today students in grades 3-6 will head to The Oval. On Saturday, Hockey Night in Canada will allow me (finally!) to enter into an important dimension of my cultural orientation - drop the puck and let's play!

For the 2013-14 Admissions, we have been identifing siblings in order to process their contracts on the same time-line as current student re-enrollment. If you still need to let us know about a sibling who could join SHSH next year, please contact Robyn Erickson, Admissions Director (422-4459 or admissions@shsh.ca / rerickson@shsh.ca).

May this year be filled with joy and peace,
Sr. Wachter