From the Head of Schools
It has been my great fortune to serve at Sacred Heart-Sheridan Road for these last 17 years . When June 30 draws to a close , having completed my tenure as Head of Schools , I imagine I will have any number of feelings . What I can say now for sure is that I will feel gratitude for my time spent here and how steady you — my companions — were on this journey . I will definitely know how wise you were , how much perspective you had ; the way you were creative , eager to pitch in and how you approached each task with dedication rooted in love . It has been my privilege to serve with you and for you . I will cherish the entire Sacred Heart community long after my term has ended here .
During my tenure , there have been so many people to thank that I can never do them justice — religious , education and civic leaders , the speakers who have talked to audiences of parents or students , and the award recipients throughout the years . You have enlightened , inspired or motivated us to take action ; you have enriched our lives with your words and your accomplishments . I ’ d also like to express my gratitude for the other independent school heads . This past year wasn ’ t an easy one and they were an invaluable resource to me professionally and personally .
What St . Madeleine Sophie Barat did in founding the Society and the first Sacred Heart school was nothing short of remarkable . To have had the vision more than 200 years ago that God ’ s love would heal our broken world and that through education , one could help the healing process to begin , was astounding . The RSCJs have carried this vision forward with faith around the world , and they deserve our eternal gratitude . We are also the bearers of this legacy now , each in our own way , as St . Madeleine Sophie hoped we would be . If we lose sight of this aim , we have the Goals and Criteria to guide us like the North Star .
One of the benefits of this position is getting to see a variety of children develop their own strengths and talents , and to see them grow in their own sense of mission . The students , current and former , have made me think , ponder , laugh ; I have experienced their tenderness and aspirations . They have in turn wowed and inspired me . The students , along with parents , the Board of Trustees , RSCJs , faculty , staff , alumni , donors and all the friends of Sacred Heart , have made me a better leader , administrator and man . I thank you from the bottom of my heart and will carry this gratitude with me as I begin my new role on July 1 as Head of the Conference of Sacred Heart Education .
Nat Wilburn Head of Schools
SPRING 2021 1