On October 10, 1817, news of the RSCJ’s proposed journey to America reached Sacred Heart convents throughout France. On October 10, 2017, Dr. Susan Dempf, Head of School at the Academy, and Mr. Fritz Long, Principal of Duchesne High School, shared with area educators the first of seven lesson plans about St. Philippine Duchesne that are being created for this bicentennial year. They wrote:

“Take a journey with us as we retrace Philippine Duchesne’s voyage from France to the New World to found the first free school west of the Mississippi River, the Academy of the Sacred Heart. We are celebrating the bicentennial of Sacred Heart education in North America, the bicentennial of Catholic education in the St. Louis Archdiocese, and the bicentennial of education in the City of St. Charles and the State of Missouri.

What a fun Country Fair weekend! Following Saturday evening’s liturgy in the Shrine and the annual Chili Cook-off, Sunday’s lineup included lots of fun carnival games, pony rides, a giant inflatable, the cake walk, jazzy songs by student performers, sweet little animals to pet, and loads of yummy food. We were lucky and blessed with picture perfect weather for both events.

Thanks to all of our Country Fair guests, volunteers, sponsors and benefactors. Special gratitude to our Country Fair Chairs Mike and Bridget Maroney and Co-Chairs Steven and Cortney Pearce. Last, but not least, thanks to our students who decorated pumpkins and scarecrows and took part in the Apex Fun Run last week. Great job, one and all!

View Country Fair 2017 Photos

View Pumpkins and Scarecrows created by our Students

What a heartwarming, joyous event was Saturday’s Home to the Heart Bicentennial kickoff!  It was wonderful to welcome approximately 300 guests to the Academy’s historic rooms and hallways to celebrate our 200th year, visit with friends, recall special places and spaces, delight in the archival display, browse in the Bicentennial Boutique and Shrine Gift Shop, and enjoy bountiful hors d’oeuvres and treats. In addition, Jane Cannon was on hand to sign copies of her Academy history, Two Hundred Years: A Legacy of Love and Learning.

[Visit Home to the Heart Photo Gallery]

At the evening’s halfway mark, Head of School Dr. Susan Dempf offered remarks in Cribbin Hall, and in gratitude invited the Religious of the Sacred Heart in attendance to join her. Academy music teacher Laurie Kirchoff Strickland ’76 led the crowd in singing “Coeur de Jesus” while volunteers passed out Bicentennaire Cuvee, the Bicentennial wine specially produced by French winemaker Jean-Louis Chave. The crowd happily toasted the Academy’s next 100 years, then ASH Alumni followed Mrs. Strickland’s lead in a spirited rendition of the school song. 

[Watch Coeur de Jesus video]

Our gratitude abounds! Thank you to our guests, student greeters, volunteer check-in and pickup personnel, cooks, bakers, bartenders, decorating crew, boutique and gift shop staff, and school staff who supported the event. Heartfelt thanks to our Home to the Heart Committee, with special recognition to Michelle Thro Schrick ’76 for pulling together the food, drinks and many details of the night, and to Diane Carroll Boerding ’76 for her trademark staging and decorating expertise. Tres bien!

Our Lower School French class is featured in today’s back-to-school issue of the St. Louis Review. 

On this day, 199 years ago, Philippine Duchesne and her RSCJ companions arrived from St. Louis to the banks of the Missouri River where they ferried across to St. Charles. Mark your calendars now for the reenactment of this historic arrival on Sept. 7, 2018! #ASH200

At the conclusion of today’s Mass of the Holy Spirit, the traditional start of the school year for Sacred Heart Schools around the world, Dr. Susan Dempf was formally installed as our new Head of School. Board of Trustees Chair Bill Dulle introduced Sheila Hammond, RSCJ, Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province in the U.S. and Canada, who commissioned Dr. Dempf to the ministry of Head of School. Sister Hammond prayed: “May St. Madeleine Sophie and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne support and sustain you. And may the spirit running through all of the RSCJ leaders who have come before you in this place, inspire you and guide you. May their spirits give you courage and confidence in the days ahead.”

Little Acorns, our new program for 3-year-olds, got underway on Tuesday. The children had lots of fun playing with new friends and learning new routines in the classroom. They read Mouse’s First Day, made a first day crown, drew a first day picture and made a mouse. Each day our teacher-guided centers will focus around one book and different activities will be based off the book.

During this initial year, the Little Acorns program is for siblings of current Academy families, and Ms. Sam Weiss is the teacher. We are delighted to have these family members with us on campus!