November 2, 2026 | View ArchiveThe Heartbeat
By Robert Marchand, Head of School
Communication is like the spices in a stew; too little and you feel that something is missing, but too much and it’s overwhelming. Here at Sacred Heart, we are trying hard to get that recipe right, and so I’m delighted with this new consolidated biweekly newsletter that will be a one-stop shop for all the information that you may need.
It won’t replace every email communication, of course, but it will give you a chance to find the information you need when you need it. As well, it will allow you a window into the activities and news from other school divisions so you can see what the future holds, or reminisce about years past.
We’d love to hear your feedback, so let us know how we are doing.
I also want to tell you how grateful I am for the warm welcome that I received from the community at my Installation as Head of School during our Mass of the Holy Spirit. This is a long tradition in Sacred Heart schools, and I am grateful to be a part of it. I was moved by the service and humbled by the responsibility that leading such a special school brings.
I was particularly moved by the singing of our youngest school members. Their enthusiastic voices rising in song will be a memory that I will forever treasure. I only had one line to deliver, but for me it was a profound one. I was asked by Sister Kim King RSCJ if I would “… faithfully steward the mission of this school …” My response was, “I will, with the help of God.” Today, I ask for your prayers as I seek to live up to that commitment.
Around the Heart
Future plans don’t have to be figured out all at once. Sometimes they start with curiosity, and every opportunity to explore helps. 🎓✨
Yesterday’s National University Fair gave our students and families another chance to meet university representatives, ask questions, compare options, and keep building a clearer picture of what may come after Sacred Heart.
Thank you to all of the participating universities for joining us and sharing your expertise, and to the parents and school guests who took the time to attend.
We’re especially grateful to our student volunteers, who helped welcome visitors and support the event from start to finish.
📸 Once again, a special shout-out to Addison from Heartline Media for helping cover the event and capturing the morning through a student lens.
It’s been such a pleasure having Ruben from Nantes, France as part of our Sacred Heart community these past few weeks. ❤️🇫🇷
Since arriving around Thanksgiving, Ruben has had the chance to experience Grade 10 life in Halifax, spend time with our students, and get a feel for the everyday rhythm of Sacred Heart.
A big part of that experience has been Liam and his family, who welcomed Ruben into their home and helped make his time here feel all the more personal.
As he gets ready to return home on November 5, we hope Ruben leaves with plenty of good memories, new friendships, and a connection to Halifax that stays with him.
One of the nicest things about our global Sacred Heart network is seeing these connections become real, one student and one family at a time.
We’ll miss having you with us, Ruben. Safe travels home! ❤️
One last race day, and plenty to be proud of. 🚣♀️🌊
Our Sacred Heart rowers hit Lake Banook yesterday for their final regatta of the season with Halifax Rowing Club.
Rhea, Layan, Addison, and Ava teamed up in the Women’s U19 Juniors 4x. Ava also raced solo in the Women’s Novice 1x, while Rhea competed in the Women’s Juniors 2x with fellow HRC rower Hannah Warren.
It may have been a short rowing season, but this group made real progress — growing more confident on the water, strengthening their technique, and learning what it takes to move together as a crew.
A strong finish to a season that has us excited to see where they go next. ❤️
Too early for trick-or-treating? Our young learners say absolutely not. 👻🍭
A little pre-Halloween fun at Parkland gave our Elementary students an early start on the treats, costumes, and spooky-season excitement.
Up Next
ALL FAMILIES
Monday, October 19
Photo retakes | Students who need a retake, or who missed photo day in September, will be photographed today. Senior School students must register in advance with Nova Scotia School Photos and wear Dress Uniform.
Friday, October 23
Professional Development Day, no classes | There are no classes for any students. Elementary families who need care can register for ASP Camp, which is available by registration only.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Open now
Grades 4 to 6 Choir registration | Registration for the Elementary Choir is underway and no experience is needed. Choir members perform occasionally off campus and may audition for the Elementary musical.
SENIOR SCHOOL
Due Friday, October 30
AP exam registration | Students planning to write an AP exam in May 2027 should get a registration form from Mr. Pinches. Forms need both student and parent signatures. Each exam costs about $150 CAD, billed in the spring, and changes after the deadline carry late fees.
Friday, October 30
Interim report cards and Parent Teacher Conferences | Interim report cards will be available at 4:00 p.m. Conference bookings open at 5:00 p.m. through the online scheduler on our website and close Thursday, November 5 at 9:00 a.m. Conferences run that day from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and there is no school for Senior School students.
Student Voices
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Meet Your Elementary Student Council
Our newly elected Elementary Student Council is already hard at work. After a round of excellent speeches, the council met with our Elementary Principal to talk about keeping the playground a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Co-Presidents Charlotte Black and Gabriel Nunes lead a team of officers and class representatives from Grades 4 to 6, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish this year.
School Updates
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dear Families,
What an incredible afternoon we had yesterday at the Oval where our full school community, from Junior Primary to Grade 12, participated in the annual Terry Fox Run . We have a number of events throughout the year which bring everyone together and I absolutely love them! There is something very special about seeing our youngest to our oldest participating side by side for a shared purpose and intent. I am grateful to be at this school in Halifax and the wider Network of Sacred Heart schools, where community and belonging are deeply valued, and everyone is known.
Today Grade 6R led us in our Thanksgiving Liturgy of the Word, a beautiful ceremony during which students remind us of how much we have to be thankful for. Beginning in September our Junior Primaries have been learning a simple Thank You Grace, which they say before their daily snack. They then share a short list of people and things they are thankful for that day. I’m a firm believer that the more we notice and are grateful for the good things around us, the more we see the good in our own lives and the happier we are.
Reminder: There’s still one more day to donate non-perishable food items for Feed Nova Scotia!
Introducing our Elementary Student Council for 2026-27
I was incredibly impressed by the excellent presentations and speeches made by the students putting themselves forward for student council this year. I was pleased to be able to meet with the elected council members recently to discuss ways and means to keep our playground a safe place for all. Each student contributed meaningfully and thoughtfully to the conversation.
Co-Presidents: Charlotte Black and Gabriel Nunes
Treasurer: Francis Zhao
Secretary: Mia Chen
Grade 6M Class rep: Isla Willis
Grade 6R Class rep: Lucas Lyu
Grade 5M Class rep: Shirly Yang
Grade 5P class rep: Anna Strasser + Tobenna Chukwudozie (Interim)
Grade 4C Class rep: Ellie Bergen
Grade 4M Class rep: Cordelia Sng
In case you missed it, registration for the Grade 4-6 Choir is now underway! No experience necessary. Our choir does perform occasionally off campus and anyone in the choir may audition for the Elementary musical: Elementary School Choir Registration Form
Enrichment Clusters begin tomorrow for students in Grades 3-6 and I’m looking forward to the buzz in the classrooms as they get underway! With multi-age groupings and lots of interesting offerings, it’s another opportunity for hands-on learning as well as community building!
Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I am deeply grateful for your children’s presence in my world and the many gifts that they bring to our community.
– Sharon Bennet, Elementary School Principal
Senior SCHOOL
Dear Families,
As we move through another busy period of the school year, it has been wonderful to see such strong student engagement across clubs, activities, sporting events and school initiatives. We appreciate the enthusiasm with which students embrace these opportunities, as well as the continued improvement in wearing the school uniform with pride.
Student leadership has also been a real strength, evident at assemblies and in everyday interactions. These examples reflect our students’ positive attitudes, responsibility and school pride. We thank you for your ongoing support.
Photo Retakes
Photo retakes are scheduled for Monday, October 19th. All students having retakes must register beforehand with Nova Scotia School Photos. Students who did not have their photos taken in September will have their picture taken that day. All students being photographed must wear Dress Uniform.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is just around the corner! From October 28–30, our Heads of House have planned three fun-filled days of activities during Homeroom and Advisory, along with themed Colour Days to celebrate school spirit!
- Wednesday, October 28: Halloween Themed Colour Day
- Thursday, October 29: PJ Colour Day
- Friday, October 30: Halloween Costume Colour Day
Our Student Council will also be hosting a Junior High Halloween Dance on Thursday, October 29, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the Little Theatre. All Sacred Heart students in Grades 7–9 are welcome to attend. Admission is $5 per student, and a canteen will offer snacks and refreshments.
We look forward to a fun-filled few days of creativity, House spirit, and community as we celebrate Oktoberfest together!
Academics-AP Exam Registration details
Students wishing to write an Advanced Placement (AP) exam in May 2027, whether through an AP course or independent study, should obtain a registration form from Mr. Pinches.
Forms must be signed by both the student and a parent or guardian and returned by October 30, 2026. Each exam costs approximately CAD $150, and will be billed to the student’s account in the spring. Registration changes after the deadline are possible but will incur additional late fees.
Interim Report Cards
Interim Report Cards will be available on Friday, October 30th at 4:00 p.m. These reports include grades and comments about your child’s progress in each course. For non-academic courses such as Core, a description of the course content is also included to help support conversations at home. Please see the instructions for accessing report cards..
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Thursday, November 5, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m. Appointments may be booked through the Pick-A-Time scheduler on our website beginning Friday, October 30, at 5:00 p.m. The scheduler will close on Thursday, November 5, at 9:00 a.m.
Teachers will participate in professional development during the morning. As a result, there will be no school for students on Thursday, November 5.
National Uni Fair
The National University Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 27th, 9:00-10:30, Study Hall
- Grade 12: 9:00-10:05 a.m. (attendance in period 1) & Parents Welcome
- Grade 10 + 11: 9:45-10:30 a.m. (attendance mid-period 2)
All Sr. students will miss advisory/assembly. King’s Edgehill will be joining us again this year. The fair offers students an opportunity to explore higher education options, meet university representatives and consider their future academic pathways. We encourage you to support your child in attending these
events.
Athletics
The Sharks’ fall calendar is full and exciting! The cross country team had an outstanding regional meet at Point Pleasant Park last week with our Jr. girls team winning the Regional banner! The team made up of runners Molly Beaubien, Victoria Bishop, Izzy Emberly, Eliana Chen, Elena Macintosh, Elle Henneberry, Audrey Spearin and Ella Schraefel competed against almost 40 schools and came up on top! To secure this title, our top Jr. girl runners finished with Molly (7th) and Victoria (10th). Our Jr. boys runner Cooper Publicover placed fourth and qualified for provincials. Our Int. boys Ben Wellner (6th) and Liam Connolly (11th) punched their tickets to the provincial championships. We wish our Sharks runners a great provincial race at Point Pleasant Park on Monday Oct 19.
Our Sr. girls volleyball team brings a mix of veteran leadership and rookies, and they continue to improve each day on the court. They secured their first win of the season this week in a thrilling 3 set win against Island View.
We wish both the Sr. boys and Sr. girls soccer teams luck as they compete at their respective CAIS soccer tournaments this weekend. The boys travelled to Trinity College School, Port Hope, Ont. and the girls to Rothesay Netherwood, NB for their tournament. We will share updates as their weekends of soccer unfold. Our Junior soccer teams have also had excellent seasons, with both the boys and girls securing places in the league playoff semifinals. We wish them luck as they compete for a place in the championship games!
Finally, Jr. volleyball is around the corner. Both boys and girls have started tryouts with games starting in early November. As the weather starts to cool, we look forward to the indoor seasons.
– Dr. Wallace MacAskill, Principal, Senior School
Parents’ Guild
Dear Sacred Heart Parents,
As the colours of fall brighten our campus, the Parents’ Guild is looking forward to bringing our community together for a season filled with connection, celebration and school spirit. From our first-ever Harvest Halloween at the Heart to weekly opportunities to connect in the atrium and the return of our cherished Christmas Fair, there are many wonderful ways to get involved in the weeks ahead.
We hope you’ll join us, bring your family and friends, and help make these upcoming events memorable for everyone in the Sacred Heart community!
Harvest Halloween at the Heart | Friday, October 30, 3:15 p.m.
Our front circle will become a festive pumpkin patch for our first-ever Harvest Halloween at the Heart and we hope you’ll be part of it!
Picture a crisp fall afternoon, a warm latte or hot chocolate in hand from Tartan Coffee Company, and our front circle transformed into a festive pumpkin patch! Capture some fall photos with family and friends, and take home a pumpkin just in time for Halloween weekend.
There will be hot dogs, corn, popcorn and costume parades, with prizes across grade divisions and a special family and group costume category. Come in costume or simply enjoy the festivities!
This outdoor event is weather permitting.
Connect with the Parents’ Guild in the Atrium!
Stop by our new space in the school atrium to meet members of the Guild executive, share ideas, ask questions or enjoy coffee and conversation with other parents:
- Mondays: 8:15–9:15 a.m.
- Thursdays: 2:45–3:45 p.m.
Christmas Fair Planning Meeting | Monday, October 19, 8:45 a.m.
Help us prepare for this much-loved Sacred Heart tradition! Our next planning meeting takes place in the Atrium Meeting Room, and all parents are welcome. Come share ideas, explore volunteer opportunities or learn more.
Joining virtually? Click here to connect.
Every contribution helps, and you’re welcome to volunteer even if you cannot attend the meeting.
Sign up here to volunteer.
We’re also welcoming local vendors to our Merry Market. If you or someone you know would like to participate, please register here as a Merry Market vendor.
Thank you for helping make Sacred Heart such a welcoming community. We look forward to seeing you!
– Renée Chediac ’02, President, Parents’ Guild
Looking Ahead
Looking further ahead?
The full 2026 to 2027 school calendar, including holidays and PD days, is on myshsh.ca.
