Fifth Class students have been working on memorizing St. Philippine Duchesne’s Novena of Confidence. In Middle School theology, Mrs. Strother introduces this novena, a Catholic devotion with specific prayers said on nine consecutive days. (Novena comes from novem, the Latin word for nine.)

We recently commemorated Philippine Duchesne’s birthday (Aug. 29, 1769), and will celebrate Founder’s Day on Sept. 14, the date the Academy opened in 1818. Below, Fifth Class students share about what helps them feel confident, learning Philippine’s novena, and how she inspires them.

Henry D. ’30: I liked the Novena of Confidence. It brought me peace when I had hard times, and it was just fun to learn. A student who is confident in God knows that everything that happens isn’t just them, it’s God with them. And God will help them no matter what. My Gaga always told me my atmosphere changes what I do, and I need to control it wisely. So I can choose what to pay attention to and what to not. When I think of Him, it makes me stronger.

In this week’s From the Heart, Principal Mary (Dougherty ’96) Reepmeyer shares her hopes for a year rooted in faith and growing in kindness with the Five Goals of Sacred Heart Education.

Welcome back to a new school year! There is something truly special about the energy that fills our classrooms and hallways as we begin another year together. After just two weeks, we are already seeing laughter, learning, new friendships, and countless moments of kindness shaping our school community. Our theme this year, “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Kindness,” is blooming as our students and faculty learn, grow, and care for one another each day.

We are especially proud of our Eighth Class leaders, who have stepped into their roles with maturity, confidence, and grace, setting a wonderful example for our younger students. We also celebrate our new students, who have so beautifully embraced their new school, friends, teachers, and routines. Their courage and openness are a wonderful reminder of the welcoming spirit that makes our school community so special.

As we welcomed our new and returning students on Wednesday, the theme for our year – Rooted by Faith, Growing in Kindness – echoed in my mind.

I watched Eighth Class students accompany younger Saints into the building, returning students welcome and help new students, and teachers’ smiles as they greeted their students. Kindness was all around, and continues to expand. 

As the school year draws to a close, Mr. Horner completes his fourth year as Head of School. He reflects the joy of these final days and gratitude for our community. Have a wonderful summer!

Dear Academy family,

Epictetus, an ancient Greek philosopher, shared: Keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.

As our school year culminates in joyful celebrations — graduation dinner, Graduation, Prize Days — I want to express my deep appreciation for our community. Thank you for the many ways you support, care for, and call forth the best in each of us. The Sacred Heart relational charism is at the heart of our community and guides how we rise together each day.

In that same spirit, all joy rises to my desk. It is a daily blessing to witness meaningful moments each day. Students who visited my office these past few weeks have been invited to share where they acted with — or observed — kindness within their day. The responses were varied but demonstrated the same truth: kindness matters and helps to not only shape our days, but also our students.

Shawn Leight, father of Matthew ’18, Emily ’20, and Bethany ’23, looks back on his children’s time at the Academy and how it prepared them for life. In June, he will complete his fourth and final year as the Academy’s Board Chair. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Leight for his leadership, commitment to the the Goals and Criteria, and dedication to our students, faculty and staff. His legacy will poise us well for a strong future. 

After a spectacular Chemin de Fer, we are filled with deep appreciation for the incredible generosity of the Academy community. This week, Mr. Tim Horner, Head of School, reflects with gratitude as we enter the last month of school.

Last Saturday was a beautiful culmination of what makes our school so extraordinary. After months of preparation, and thanks to the dedication of incredible volunteers, we celebrated a truly remarkable Chemin de Fer, The Secret Garden.

Our community gave generously — of their time, talent, and treasure. These moments of coming together as an Academy family strengthen our shared belief in the mission of this school, in our students and faculty, and in the lasting impact of a Sacred Heart education

All aboard! Chemin de Fer is on the way to the Academy: final destination, The Secret Garden. The campus is buzzing with activity as volunteers prepare for an enchanting evening. Erin Manning, Events and Hospitality Manager, shares her gratitude and excitement for what’s in store for our community this weekend.

The 52nd Chemin de Fer is almost here, and we can’t wait to see The Secret Garden come to life! Starting my new position at the Academy a month before our largest fundraiser has been a busy and joyful experience. In many ways, the campus has not changed much — and that’s a good thing! The historic and sacred grounds that our beloved St. Philippine walked is still meaningful and inspiring to me. Numerous staff and faculty that were here a while back are still here or have returned again, like me. This makes me realize that there is a purpose for us here at the Academy.

One of the benefits of belonging to the wider Network of Sacred Heart Schools is a deep sense of community. The opportunity to connect with colleagues across the U.S. and in Canada is powerful and also offers opportunities for professional development. Fourth Class teacher Mrs. Alli Alarcon recently graduated from the Aspiring Leaders program and shares her experience.

I am deeply honored to have graduated from the Network of Sacred Heart Schools’ Aspiring Leaders Program. Over the past two years, this experience has invited me into meaningful reflection about what it truly means to lead — within our school community and beyond.

The Aspiring Leaders Program is a two-year formation experience designed to support and develop emerging leaders within Sacred Heart education. Participants meet monthly over Zoom in small mentor groups, allowing for consistent reflection, guidance, and meaningful conversation. Every other month, we gathered virtually as a full group to share insights and grow together as a larger community. In addition to these regular virtual meetings, we connected in person at three key gatherings held in New Orleans, Florissant, and Miami to deepen relationships and bring the experience to life in a more personal and collaborative way.

National Volunteer Week is April 19-25 and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the many volunteers who so tirelessly give their time to the Academy in a multitude of ways. This week, Academy mom Nyeisha Patton (Dakenzie ’32 and Dakaylei ’33) reflects on her experience volunteering at the Academy and the joy and connection it brings as she build community within our school.

Volunteering is not something I do when I have extra time — it is a promise I made to God, and a calling that continues to shape who I am every single day. What began as a personal commitment to serve has grown into something much deeper, especially within the Sacred Heart community.

As a parent, I did not come into this school simply to drop my children off and pick them up, I came with a genuine desire to belong. I hoped to become part of a community, to build meaningful relationships with fellow parents, faculty, and staff, and to offer my time and support wherever it was needed. What I discovered was far more profound than I anticipated: a true sense of family, connection, and shared purpose that continues to grow each time I choose to serve.