John Storjohann explains the inspiration behind a new project he is undertaking with the Seventh Class.

“Seventh Class is studying HTML and CSS this year, an area of study that is challenging them in new ways as they prepare to create a joint website. Inspired by the professional development of the faculty this year led by Dr. Peter Dry, we decided to create a website from the thoughts and reflections of Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) from around the country about Sacred Heart education. Students emailed RSCJ as old as 92 years of age and asked them questions selected from those formulated by the students. The Religious were asked to share a short bio, send an image of themselves, and respond to the five questions submitted. The website created will be their story – a living history as seen through the eyes of Religious of the Sacred Heart.”

Once the website is complete, we will share with our community. In the meantime, please enjoy this excerpt from Margaret Caire, RSCJ who served as the Headmistress at the Academy from 1984-2004.

From your heart to From the Heart, on this bonus day of the month, we are sharing some recent reviews left by parents on leading school review sites. These reviews share the #academylove and are invaluable to our school as prospective parents consider reviews and word of mouth when they are researching their school choice. We are grateful for these heartfelt testimonials!

All are welcome to share the #AcademyLove on review sites. Click here for Tips and a How To Guide. Thank you!

Tomorrow is a celebration of Goal 2: a deep respect for intellectual values and Goal 5: personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom, as students and parents will be meeting with faculty for conferences. This week Mrs. Renken shares the significance of these opportunities for student growth and development.

School, at any age, is about growth. It is easy for parents and teachers to see and acknowledge growth in a variety of ways. Our view of our children supports their growth and helps develop confidence; however, we do know that students can quickly create thought patterns that acknowledge growth or create a deterrent toward growth. It is the stories that we tell ourselves that often create our reality. It is important for us to instill in our children the belief that growth requires attentiveness, practice, consistency, grit, mistakes, and do-overs.

As we end the second trimester, students, teachers, and parents will come together to share observations and evidence of growth. Teachers and parents of Little Acorn, Pre-Primary, and Primary students will review the surge in growth this last trimester. There are obvious reasons to celebrate our youngest learners. Students in First through Eighth Classes are prepared for Student-Led conferences. These conferences, prepared and led by the students, have three important components inherent to addressing growth in four key areas: academic, behavioral, spiritual, and emotional.

We were thrilled to welcome back Emily Leight ’20 (Cor Jesu Academy), Katherine Gaylord ’21 (Lutheran High School), Yash Shelar ’22 (MICDS) and Will Johannesman ’22 (Duchesne High School) as our alumni panel on Sunday for Be Part of the Heart. They eloquently spoke about some of the highlights of their Academy experience and how it has benefitted them in high school.

One thing I didn’t realize when I was at the Academy was how special it is to have a saint here. That’s something you don’t see everywhere else… It is definitely something that is so important to us and so special. We create this relationship with each other and recognize we are in St. Philippine’s presence and we have to live out what she started for us.

— Emily

At last Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Eighth Class students were invited to share their thoughts about their Academy education, the Goals and Criteria and dreams for their school. The Board was very impressed with the students’ authenticity, ease with which they spoke, thoughtful responses and heartfelt insights to Mrs. Renken’s questions. Below, we share some of their words.

I love the way we get to go out into the community and just experience what everyone else is experiencing, be open to let things in and understand so that we can help others around us.

— Logan

This week, the Academy welcomed nine students and two chaperones from our Sacred Heart school in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The students have been busy in classes and enjoying the similarities and differences between our schools. By offering this opportunity, Sacred Heart students are able to benefit from the international network of Sacred Heart schools. Sandra Ortiz, Exchange Coordinator, and Carolina Martinez, English and biology teacher, share their thoughts:

We don’t have enough words to share the admiration and excitement that overwhelms us on this wonderful trip. Everyone has been so kind, and we are very grateful. Thank you students, parents, faculty and staff, and Mr. Horner for making this happen.

Even though it’s our first experience in the exchange program with Middle School and visiting the Academy of Sacred Heart in St. Charles, MO, it’s one of the most impressive, incredible, and unforgettable experiences we’ve had. This week spent abroad was very useful for the students as they gained a lot of life and learning experiences. Exploring a new country is always very adventurous. You get to know more about the culture and the way of life of the locals, you find some interesting places to visit, and you make new friends.

This week, Middle School students share their thoughts on service in the community. Each month Mrs. Tammy Strother coordinates students in Fifth – Eighth Classes at area sites, including: Emmaus House, Naomi House, Henry Clever Center, St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care, Crisis Nursery, Senior and Company Adult Day Care, Lake St. Charles, The Boulevard, Forget Me Not Adult Day Care, St. Louis Food Bank, Little Bit Foundation, The Bridge, and Mount Carmel. From playing games and making crafts to sorting and organizing clothes, shoes, and diapers, students are making a difference in the lives of others. This direct response to Goal 3 — a social awareness which impels to action, impacts those within our community and beyond!

I feel like I’m able to help out everyone and meet some nice people. I really enjoy just coming and it makes me happy to help out, especially when we do crafts, and today we were making little bookmarks. For the past three times, I was helping out a nice person and today she finally remembered me! When I make a connection, I introduce myself, ask them questions, it starts getting more friendly, and eventually becomes a good connection! — Lily, ’27

“I can live for two months on a good compliment” – Mark Twain

From your heart to From the Heart, this week we are sharing some recent reviews left by parents, alumni and parents of alumni on leading school review sites. Like any worthwhile investment, prospective parents consider your reviews and word of mouth when they are researching their school choice. We are grateful for these heartfelt testimonials!

Share the Academy Love on Niche.com and Private School Review.

This week, John Storjohann shares gratitude to—and for—our Academy families on behalf of the faculty and staff.

What has always struck me about the Academy of the Sacred Heart is that while our purpose is education, our foundation is the relational charism of our community; the deep commitment to our mission, the support we offer one another through the challenges inherent in life, and the kindness and generosity that is exhibited throughout the year in so many ways and in so many venues. That kindness and generosity was profoundly on display from the gift offered from our parents to our faculty and staff through their Silver Tea donations. I know that I am not alone to say that I was deeply moved when I opened the envelope; I also know that I am not alone in saying that I am moved throughout the year as parents volunteer as room parents, to work at Country Fair, to plan and prepare Chemin de Fer, to serve at the Graduation Dinner…time after time, the presence and efforts of our parents help to make us the community we are.

This week, we share a brief Advent reflection from Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, Provincial of the Society of the Sacred Heart, United States-Canada Province. As we move into these last days before Christmas, we wish you time to stop, breathe and pray.

Advent reminds us that the self-discipline of stopping, breathing and praying is a simple practice, but there is no better preparation for Christmas. During Advent we listen to prophets who are beckoning us to trust in the fidelity of God’s promise. We hear stories of Christ demonstrating the depth of the Father’s love. The words of the Scripture consistently challenge us to see the light of Christ being revealed through acts of justice, acts that build peace, acts that inspire hope. Advent comes alive for me when I spend time with children. Just look into the face of any child during these weeks of waiting for Christmas and what do you see? A sense of wonder, a sense of expectancy, a sense of excitement, and a sense of confident joy.

— Sacred Heart Advent Calendar —

This week Donna Swantner Tobin ’80 shares the impact of the Academy community’s generosity for Christmas Baskets with clients she serves at Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service. 

During the weeks leading up to Christmas each year, I recall the times my sisters and I would help my mother make a special grocery list, shop together, and then carefully pack a large basket of food and holiday goodies for the family who would receive our basket following the annual Christmas Basket Mass at the Academy. We would often wonder about the family who received our basket. Did they like it? Did it make their Christmas day a little brighter? While at the Academy, activities like preparing Christmas Baskets led me to an awareness of needs in our local community and how my actions could have an impact on others.