This summer, two recent alums, Jasmine Magdaleno ’25 and Charlotte Kinney ’25, journeyed to Japan to dedicate time for summer service at the International School of the Sacred Heart, an English-speaking all girls school for grades 1-12 in Tokyo. The school is one of 150+ Sacred Heart schools in 41 countries.
“The International School of the Sacred Heart in Japan welcomed our girls with open arms,” shares Abigail Alvarez Fuentes, Jasmine’s mother. This was the second time at the school for Abigail and her family, including Jaslynne (Class of ’32) and Zain (Class of ’34) and Charlotte’s first. Abigail had connected with Lannie, the coordinator of their summer school program, who helped facilitate their experience.
Jasmine and Charlotte worked closely with teachers and, at times, independently with entire classrooms, to assist with summer camps for children ages 2-12. Each day, they awoke at 5 a.m., made their breakfast and set off walking to campus (about 25 minutes each way) where they volunteered from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“For my mom, it’s really important that we travel and experience other countries,” Jasmine explains. When Abigail found the International School of the Sacred Heart, the family fell in love with the people and culture. “The people are so nice, the country is so clean, and they always smile and wave hello,” reflects Jasmine. “Their kindness is warming.” Charlotte was equally charmed, “Everyone respects the community. It was cool to experience the culture and this opportunity was unique.”
The girls put in 65 hours of hard work. “Because of their dedication and kind hearts, the teachers and children instantly loved the girls and were very appreciative,” says Abigail. Jasmine and Charlotte loved engaging with the children who spoke English. In the evenings, they explored together and found it easy to communicate in Tokyo, learning some basics in Japanese as well.
Jasmine and Charlotte noted many similarities. “They prayed before meals and it felt like a Sacred Heart School, focused on the Goals,” says Jasmine. “We valued the same things. They are so welcoming and it makes me happy to see that their love is shared with everyone.”
Charlotte adds, “The Goals are the same and the community was welcoming, just like ASH. You could be across the world, but you can see how people aren’t that different. There may be different cultures and values, but I felt like I was still at the Academy. It felt like home.”
Reflecting on their Academy education, the girls felt prepared for this experience. “The Academy helped me by the way I communicated with people. I was patient and was able to handle things and understand what to do in different situations,” says Charlotte. “It felt like we were living Goal 4 — building community as a Christian value,” Jasmine affirms. “It was a wonderful experience!”
This incredible Sacred Heart opportunity beautifully illustrates the power and connection of the global Sacred Heart family and provides a solid foundation of service for Jasmine at St. Dominic High School and Charlotte at MICDS. Très bien!
