Robert Marchand
Head of School

As Head of School, I’m often asked by prospective parents to articulate in a few sentences what makes our school different from other schools. I have trouble answering the question, not because there is no answer, but ironically because there are so many answers.

In the week before school began, I was talking with the faculty and asked: What is it that makes us unique? What is it that makes a Sacred Heart education so special? We had many responses, but one of my colleagues chimed in from the back row, “It’s the love.” At the time, I agreed, but added that an education here involves so much more.

After all, we have excellent academics, a wide range of athletic opportunities, amazing teachers, a caring community of parents, a vibrant arts program, remarkably dedicated support staff, a sense of civility, a mission that guides our every decision, the support of the RSCJ (the Religious of the Sacred Heart), and a tradition dating back to 1849.

That’s all true. I’ve however found myself thinking about those three words every day since then.

In classrooms and meetings, in conversations with our custodial staff, and with parents and children in the front circle at pickup time, I see those three words expressed in the everyday relationships here at our school. I see that love underpins the many strengths I described.

Recently, some new parents whose child was entering Junior Primary told me they had visited several schools and chosen ours because they felt, intuitively, that their child would be cared for here. That means everything to a parent.

Reflecting on that conversation now, I could have told them what they were experiencing. It’s the same thing I experience every day when I come to work. It’s the love that makes the difference. It’s the love that underpins every decision and effort. It’s the love in the hearts of our faculty, parents, and students that makes this place work.

I have my answer, and while it may seem trite to some, it is nevertheless true.

It’s the love.