We’ve got Spirit.

Dear Sacred Heart Community -

Last June, I had a good conversation with students Luc LeFrancois, Layla Haddad, and our 2013-14 Presidents & VPs (Taryn Mason and Sam Wile, Ted Bursey and Katie MacLellan). The topic of our discussion: a school-wide theme for this Academic Year. In essence our students focused on unity and spirit, and in the end they said “Spirit” should be the theme. Together, we will build school spirit,  understand and live the spirit of our Goals and Criteria, contribute positive spirit to others on behalf of our community, show gratitude for God’s spirit among us, foster a spirit of goodness, and promote participation in school events.

We’ve got Spirit.

Bearing our theme in mind, I went for my annual eight-day silent retreat to Bras d’Or Lakes in Cape Breton. This gift of time in such a beautiful place was a spiritual holiday to reflect on my first year in Halifax which was an engaging and deep dive into this new chapter of our School’s history.

In preparation for my second year, I want to welcome you home to the Heart, and hope you will attend the Headmistress’ Address and Reception on September 12, 2013. At 7pm, the event will begin with an informative program in the main gym, after which we will relax to the Parlours, Courtyard, and
Crossroads to socialize and toast to the year.

We’ve got Spirit ...  I trust you will wholeheartedly celebrate the qualities that make Sacred Heart School of Halifax a meaningful investment for your family!

In a spirit of gratitude,
Sr. Anne Wachter, RSCJ

Taryn Mason, Gr. 12 - Free The Children in Kenya with Marc & Craig Kielburger

Free the Children - July 26 to Aug 3, 2013

On July 26th, Sacred Heart Grade 12 student and Head Girl, Taryn Mason, set off for Kenya on a Board Mission with Free the Children.  Both Marc and Craig Kielburger joined her for the full week, which included two days of building a girls dormitory for a new school, walking for water with the Mama's, and learning how to do artisan beading - part of Free the Children's commitment to teaching women alternative sources of income.

There were 27 other adults and teens on the trip from across Canada and the US - including her Mom.  The week was full of learning and reflection.  Accommodations were in the form of a comfortable tent and hydro was turned on daily from 6-10pm. For Taryn, this was a week of education and appreciation for the simple basics in life that we take for granted - clean water from a tap, access to education, food in the fridge, the ability to turn on a light, plentiful food choices, and freedom of choice - particularly for women.

Each evening during dinner in the tent, Marc and Craig would ask us each to share our highlight of the day. This was particularly impactful for Taryn and each evening she was able to share a new element of what she had observed that day - a memory that will stay with her and guide her decisions and actions going forward.  On the final evening of the adventure, when Taryn stood to share her highlight, it was perhaps the most meaningful reflection since arriving.  She shared that she had come to Kenya with Free the Children to give - she was prepared to work hard on the build site and give back.  What she had learned in 7 days however, was that she was the one receiving. Taryn will tell you that this, in fact, was the greatest and most pleasant surprise from her trip.

On September 10th, Taryn will be continuing her work with Free the Children.  Marc and Craig will be back in Halifax to announce the talent line up for Atlantic's first WE Day - coming to the Metro Centre on November 27th.  Taryn will be speaking publicly twice during the day about her incredible experience and journey of discovery in Kenya.

Second last day of 9th Annual Debate Camp at Sacred Heart

What an incredible experience!  Here are the participants!

9th Annual Sacred Heart Debate Camp taking place at Sacred Heart School this week!

Over 50 students from across Canada are participating in a week-long Sacred Heart Debate Camp this week hosted by the Sacred Heart School of Halifax under the direction of coach Brian Casey.

Sacred Heart Students in Kenya for Service Trip

In late June into early July, we had three girls (Caroline Surrette, Kaitlin Bird and Alex Brisseau) from Sacred Heart School of Halifax, along with seven students from Sacred Heart School of Montreal travel to Kenya on a volunteer service project. They worked in a small community call Eor Ewuaso in the Masai Mara. 

While in the community they volunteered work on a school build project spending many hours building walls for a new school building to hold a new classroom. Also they worked with community members to learn how the locals earned money by making and selling bead work in the form of bracelets, necklaces, and key chains. The girls spent time playing and interacting with school children in the area, teaching them about our traditions here in Canada and learning about Kenyan cultures and traditions. The students learned a great deal about culture and some of the issues facing this national, they will be able to carry this back to Canada with them and teach their friends, fellow students, teachers, and family about the ways we can all help improve life for everyone around the world. 

Sacred Heart Student Activities this Summer!

Abigail Sinclair, Gr. 8 - Abigail completed two weeks of Musical Theatre Intensive and one week of dance camp at Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown this summer.  Both programs ended with a public presentation by the children of Broadway musicals for the musical theatre camp and a dance presentation featuring ballet, modern and hip hop dance numbers.

Jackson Bruce, Gr. 5 – Jackson’s summer has been filled with excitement.  He was the u10 winner of the NS Atlantics Qualifier, winner of the Inglis St. Tennis Tournament, winner Atlantics u10 Consolation and finalist for the u10 Metro Championships.  Jackson also had the honour of being chosen to be one of the ball boys for the Jim Courier match held on the Halifax Waterfront on August 12.  Jackson plays many summer sports including academy soccer, lacrosse and competitive tennis.

Rebecca Butler, Gr. 11 - Rebecca won the Canadian Student Scholarship to attend the Oxbridge Academic Programs New York College Experience for the month of July.  She was also awarded top cadet in her course (Basic Seamanship B) after attending a 3 week cadet camp at HMCS Acadia. 

Bailey Francis, Gr. 11 – Bailey has had a great summer taking part in the following track events:

2013 Athletics NS Provincials - July 5-7/13 - 1st - triple jump & 5th- long jump

Antigonish Highland Games - July 13/13 - 1st - triple jump & 1st- long jump

Bailey also participated in the Service & Justice program in Greenwich, Connecticut July 20-27.  She was the first person from Canada to take part.

Anisha Postma, Gr. 1 – Anisha follows the Dutch school curriculum through a website program called Squla (http://www.squla.nl/).  Between December 2012 and this Summer, she earned sufficient points there to 'buy' herself a subscription to National Geographic Junior.

Lizzie O'Carroll, Gr. 12 - Was one of five females to represent Nova Scotia at rowing in Canada Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec this summer.

French Camp at Sacred Heart Aug. 12-16

Sacred Heart School of Halifax is offering a French Camp from August 12-16 for boys and girls entering Sacred Heart High School or Fountain Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grades 7-12.  It is for students who are experiencing difficulty in French, have had little exposure to French or want to improve their skills for the upcoming school year.  It runs from 8:30 to 12:30 daily.  The cost of the camp is $135.  Please contact Charlotte Riley for more information criley@shsh.ca

Want to be part of Sacred Heart's Debating Success?

Sacred Heart Debate Camp, August 19-23, 2013

The Annual Sacred Heart Debate Camp 

under the direction of Mr. Brian Casey 

will be held 

August 19 - 23 

at Sacred Heart School of Halifax

5820 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia

Debate Camp days run from 9am - 4pm.

Cost is $400  ($100 less for local families who take a billet.)

All are welcome.  You do not have to be a Sacred Heart student to participate in the Camp.

For Debate Camp details, see: 

https://sites.google.com/site/shshdebatecamp/

Pan-Am Debate Championships in July - Sacred Heart Girls Come FIRST!

Congratulations to Sacred Heart students, Rory Flynn and Mattea Roach for coming first at the Pan-American Debate Championships in Bermuda!  Sacred Heart is so very proud of you!

For more information:  http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20130729/NEWS/707289982