Fall 2017: Heartbeat and Annual Report Fall17 Heartbeat | Page 3

From the Head of Schools
There is cause for great celebration as we reflect back on the successes of
2016-2017 and embrace the promise of the 2017-2018 academic year.
Enthusiasm soared when students returned to school in September 2016
and found a new turf field and STEAM labs, thanks to monies raised through
the Masterpiece Campaign. In fact, when Masterpiece, the largest capital
campaign in the School’s history, concluded on June 30, 2017, we had
surpassed our goal of $9.7 million (see page 6). This past year, we also
marked with jubilation Sacred Heart’s 140 years of educating Chicago’s
young people. We committed ourselves to 140 more.
This fall, we welcomed the Class of 2026 to Sacred Heart, in addition to
welcoming back or greeting new students in our Primary, Lower and Middle
School divisions. We are also observing a Sacred Heart Network milestone!
In 2017, we are beginning the bicentennial anniversary of the founding
of the first Sacred Heart school in North America by St. Rose Philippine
Duchesne, a woman of remarkable spirit and strength (see page 4).
Each year, as you know, we focus on a particular goal of the five Goals and Criteria.
In 2017-2018, we will explore Goal III: Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to
educate to a social awareness which impels to action. In light of our focus, we are honored
to confer this year’s Goal Award on Susan Maxwell, RSCJ, a cherished leader who grew
and deepened Sacred Heart's service in the Edgewater community (see page 7). It is also
abundantly fitting that we, with other Sacred Heart schools in the U.S.-Canada Province,
are celebrating the incredible life of St. Philippine. She committed her life to service at
great personal sacrifice, and her faith continues to inspire us today. Quite simply, were it
not for her commitment to carry the RSCJ mission to the New World, we might not be
where we are at present.
Join with me, won’t you, in celebrating these two servant-leaders, Sr. Maxwell and St.
Philippine Duchesne? The theme of the bicentennial is “Crossing Frontiers,” a message that
reflects their lives and the educational journey of each and every student at Sacred Heart
today, from kindergarten through 8th grade and beyond.
Nat Wilburn
Head of Schools
FALL 2017
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