In March, the Academy welcomed 12 young women (8 eighth graders and 4 ninth graders) as well as their teachers Yasuko Taguchi, RSCJ and Akiko Ichikawa from Sapporo Sacred Heart School along with Donna Collins, RSCJ to our campus. The group stayed in the Duchesne Center (above the Primary wing), enjoyed area sightseeing and spending time with our students.
Their first day began with Lower School assembly with Mrs. Renken as our guests shared a presentation about their school and city. They delighted students with introductions as well as singing their school song and performing a special dance. Our Little Acorn and Pre-Primary students loved meeting them and giving them hugs in the hallways. They finished their day with a Middle School assembly and time for questions.
The young women also visited many of the International Language classes where they taught our students some Japanese and practiced their English skills, worked together on origami, and shared more about their country and culture. The eighth grade girls also spent the day shadowing our students while the older students visited Villa Duchesne.
Before their departure, Mr. Horner presented our guests with gifts from the Academy and shared his gratitude for their visit. “In the actions of these Sacred Heart students, we see our values reflected,” he shared. “Their visit also demonstrates so vividly our deep connection through our shared mission and history. Watching our Sacred Heart identity lived through these young women is heartwarming. Our values are their values. In so many ways, they are so similar to our students.”
Sapporo Sacred Heart School is one more than150 Sacred Heart schools in 41 countries. This network provides countless opportunities for connection, collaboration, and relationships. The shared mission of Sacred Heart schools — locally, nationally and internationally — provides a natural touchpoint to build relationships across cultures. The Academy is committed to the connections of the Sacred Heart network, giving students a deeper understanding of the world. Welcoming our friends from Japan brought this facet of Sacred Heart education to life for students.
Before departing Sister Taguchi shared,
“Your school is a gift to St. Philippine Duchesne. She is so happy you are keeping her spirit alive. I will pray for you.”
Arigato to our Sacred Heart friends from Japan!
To read the Archdiocesan News Brief in this week’s St. Louis Review, click here.
