This week, Mr. Horner reflects on our blessings as we welcomed visitors from the Network of Sacred Heart Schools to campus.
Last night, I sat in the Shrine surrounded by colleagues and students from approximately 20 Network of Sacred Heart Schools. More than 70 high school students, faculty, staff, and administrators were in town for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference. The Academy was happy to welcome our Sacred Heart family for a tour of the Shrine and historic areas, a prayer service, and dinner.
As evening descended, sitting in the Shrine with the bright colors of the stained glass windows shifting on the walls, I was reminded through the lens of others’ perspective — most first-time visitors to our campus — of the privileged blessings of our school: To be the first international school of the Sacred Heart . . . to be Philippine’s school . . . to have in our Shrine the inspiration of a saint . . . to be followers in her footsteps. How fortunate we are to live our lives daily on these grounds!
As Head of School, I am privileged because all of the joy and celebrations of the school become part of my day. Teachers share stories of successes large and small. Students and families speak of the difference our school means to them. Alumni reflect on the impact of our school in their lives. Seeing and listening to our Sacred Heart colleagues reminded me of the privilege all of us are blessed with at our school.
It also renewed my enthusiasm that from our legacy as the foundational school, we are inspired to develop our strategic plan so that our students and teachers continue to thrive, ensuring that we are a premier school for faith, learning, character, and values.
In this season filled with joy and appreciation, and as we enter the prayerful season of Advent, may each day on our campus both feed the fuel for continued excellence in each of us and remind us to appreciate our blessings.
