Spring 2009
Honor and Glory to God Alone
S p r i n g 2009
C O N T RI B U T O R S Editor
Kathleen S. Failla, director of public relations and communications
Contributors
Victoria Allen, archivist Judith Becker, director of planned giving Andrew Byrne, dean of faculty Ann Conroy, RSCJ John Kahl, director of development Ann Marr, head of the Lower School David Olson, head of the Middle School
Graphic Design
Good Design LLC www.gooddesignusa.com
Printing
Villanti & Sons 2
Š 2009 Convent of the Sacred Heart 1177 King St. • Greenwich, CT 06831 (203) 531-6500 Web site: www.cshgreenwich.org Horizons is published by Convent of the Sacred Heart. Reader comment is always welcome. Please write to the editor, Kathleen S. Failla, or email her at faillak@cshgreenwich.org.
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Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, founded in 1848, is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school for young women, from preschool through grade 12. True to its international heritage, the School provides students with experiences of diversity and welcomes students of all races, socioeconomic backgrounds and religious beliefs. Convent of the Sacred Heart, steeped in a solid academic tradition, educates women to have independence of judgment, personal freedom and strength of character so that they can become leaders with broad intellectual and spiritual horizons. Service to others is a compelling commitment of our education, and the entire School community, as a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, is dedicated to the Goals and Criteria. Horizons is printed on paper comprised of 10% post consumer fiber and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as sourced from wellmanaged forests and controlled sources.
2 Headmistress Joan Magnetti, rscj by Kathleen S. Failla
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4 Leadership as an Art
by Michael Baber, Assistant Head of School
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F EAT U RE S
5 To whom much is given, much is expected by Jayne Collins, Head of Upper School
6 Serving with Hands and Heart by Kerry Bader, Director of Upper School Community Service
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8 The Arts Under Joan Magnetti’s Leadership by Mimi Rafferty, Co-chair English Department 10 Focus on Science
by Mary Musolino, Upper School Science Teacher
12 Sacred Heart Athletics: Then and Now by Kelly Stone, Director of Athletics
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14 Empowering Young Minds by Emily E. Mazurak ’05
15 Living the Goals and Criteria as a Sacred Heart Parent by Nina Yoder, President of the Parents’ Association
16 Reflections on 19 Great Years by James Alban-Davies, Board of Trustees 1986-1992
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17 Putting Students First by Dennis Purcell, Board of Trustees 1999-2005 18 Joan Magnetti, rscj: Heart & Sensitivity by Joan C. Kirby, rscj ’43, Board of Trustees
19 Remembering Joan and Rosa Parks
by Karen Hendricks, JD ’72, Board of Trustees 1994-2000
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20 With Love and Thanks
by Antonia Libassi ’09, President of the Student Body
On the cover: Headmistress Joan Magnetti, rscj with then eighth-graders (left to right) Irene Gutierrez ’98, Yale ’02 and Kristin Darr ’98, Princeton ’02. Today both alumnae are lawyers.
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Headmistress Joan Magnetti, rscj 1 9 y e a r s o f D e d i c at i o n t o o u r s c h o o l During the tenure of Headmistress Joan Magnetti, rscj, a committed and caring faculty has encouraged the girls to develop their skills and knowledge to pursue studies and careers at the highest levels. In recent years, the School has produced two Presidential Scholars and many National Merit winners, along with a host of other awards too numerous to mention. In a stunning show this year, 94% of the Class of 2009 were accepted to colleges ranked “Most or Highly Competitive Colleges” as profiled by Barron’s. In Paris in 1800, when Madeleine Sophie Barat and three other young women consecrated themselves “to make known the revelation of God’s love through the Heart of Jesus,” it was the beginning of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Questioned about the “spirit” that should animate the new congregation, they answered, “Generosity.” In spring 2009, Sr. Magnetti stood in the School chapel, looking out on the faces at Ring Day, her last at Greenwich before retirement after 19 years as headmistress. In her traditional talk to the junior class, she encouraged students to reflect on what it means to have a “generous heart,” to have a heart like the symbols on their rings, the pierced hearts of Jesus and Mary, “to have hearts that hold nothing back.” She encouraged the juniors to reflect on their own generosity of spirit and apply it wherever they go—be it on the playing fields or in community service projects. “I ask you to think about how generous you will let yourselves be. Try to hold nothing back to the call of God and the call of those who enter your lives.” Every family has its stories. Our stories, as part of the Convent of the Sacred Heart, are full of adventure, humor, heartache and
heroism and are connected to the larger, international Sacred Heart family that has spanned more than 200 years. Centered in the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education, our students are finding ways of revealing God’s love wherever they go. Inspired by leaders, like Sr. Joan Magnetti, the School continues to move into the future. Douglas J. Lyons, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, knows Sr. Magnetti from his earlier days as headmaster of Greenwich Country Day School through the present. “When Joan became headmistress in 1990, she began preparing the School for a new century. I have worked with and been inspired by some very special men and women, who lead schools by principle and by printed example. Joan Magnetti is one of those leaders.” When she became headmistress—the 34th since the School’s founding in 1848, it was a time when single-sex education was not in vogue. Schools and colleges that had not already gone co-ed were facing demise. The enrollment was 310 in 1990 compared to 775 today. Diversity was 17% of the total student population, compared to 23% now, and financial aid was in limited supply. Since the early 1990s, the financial aid budget has grown steadily from $846,125 to $2.8 million for the 2008-09 school year. On September 13, 1990, a record turnout of 310 parents and faculty attended the Parents’ Annual Dinner, and then moved from the auditorium to the chapel for the installation of Sr. Magnetti. James AlbanDavies, chair of the Board of Trustees at the time, presented the new headmistress
with a Bible to reflect the prominent place of God in the life of the School. In her speech, Sr. Magnetti focused on the importance of women’s education and listed her promises—support of the Goals and Criteria, academic excellence, religious values, a commitment to social justice and outreach, and fiscal strength. Sr. Magnetti has kept her promises. The School has remained debt-free during the last 19 years. She fostered the growth of our endowment, which totaled $24.7 million as of June 30, 2008. She was the driving force in two capital campaigns, one celebrating the School’s 150th year in 1998 with the dedication of a new science building, and the other—a $25 million campaign that built the Middle School and library/media center. The last campaign also supported endowment and a number of improvements, such as a new waste-water treatment plant, renovation of the theater, chapel, second-floor main building, and core center, in addition to the creation of new classroom space. In her honor, donors of the two new, synthetic turf fields gathered in May 2008 to dedicate one of the fields in her name. In addition to growth in the enrollment and endowment, Annual Giving also grew to nearly $1.8 million for fiscal 2007-08 from $210,726 in 1990-91. Inspired by Sr. Magnetti’s support for professional development, the faculty has aspired to achievements in their fields. They regularly present at national and regional conferences, including the National Association of Independent Schools. Because of their academic strength, the faculty has promoted academic excellence among the students, in tandem with an experience in community service, which is the essence of a Sacred Heart
the Sacred Heart community. Specifically, the Goals and Criteria state: “The School provides students with experiences of diversity, which develop an understanding and appreciation of all people.” During the 2007–08 school year, the Diversity Committee, comprised of faculty, students and trustees, met to exam ways to expand diversity at Sacred Heart. A director of multicultural education and programs was hired to create new initiatives. Agnes C. Underwood, former head of National Cathedral School, in Washington. D.C.,
Association of the U.S., the first woman and religious to be elected. In March 2009, she won the CASE Chief Executive Leadership Award, which the previous year went to the president of Tufts University. The recipient of many awards, she received an honorary doctorate from Manhattanville College, the Greenwich YWCA BRAVA Award and the Woman of Conscience Award from the Associated Alumnae of the Sacred Heart. Sr. Magnetti grew up in New Jersey, attending both public and independent schools. She graduated from
“Sr. Magnet ti has sought to d e v e lo p t h e w h o l e w o m a n ,
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education. Sacred Heart requires community service as a prerequisite for graduation, but students volunteer far and above the requirement, reaching beyond their communities to participate in national and international programs. Each summer, the Upper School hosts a volunteer project for the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Community service extends to faculty and staff, with recent trips to the Society of the Sacred Heart in Mexico as part of the “Walking in the Footsteps of St. Madeleine Sophie” summer program. The fact that Sacred Heart has grown and expanded its reputation, and is now at a peak enrollment of 775, speaks to the positive image and national recognition that Sr. Magnetti has brought. In nominating her for a leadership award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Donald E. Foley, treasurer of the Board of Trustees, praised Sr. Magnetti for raising the School’s academic standards. “I have known Sr. Magnetti for more than 14 years, since my daughter was admitted to pre-K. Over these years, the School has changed dramatically and all for the better,” he said. Most importantly, he added “Sr. Magnetti has sought to develop the whole woman, not just the one dimension of academics. The School successfully challenges the young women in a full menu of sporting events in the most competitive leagues. In addition, it is a most inclusive environment for all those can spiritually and morally align themselves against a set of Goals and Criteria that call for and achieve faith in God, respect of others, social awareness, community action, intellectual achievement, and personal growth.” Diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion have become increasingly important to
not just the one dimension of academics. commented on the “enormous success” during Sr. Magnetti’s tenure. In addition to enrollment increases and other measures of success, Ms. Underwood said “perhaps of even more significance has been her leadership in reaching out to the broader community to increase the enrollment of students of color.” Sr. Magnetti’s ability to achieve a thoughtful balance between the issues of the day and a commitment to a better school and to women’s education is the reason behind her recognition as a national leader in independent school education. She has served on independent school, college and community organization boards and is the recent past president of the Headmasters’
Manhattanville College with a B.A. in government. Upon graduation, she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart and made her final vows in 1975. She received an M.A. in theology from Union Theological Seminary. Before coming to Greenwich, she served as headmistress at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton, N.J. for 13 years. Like Janet Erskine Stuart, rscj, for whom the new building housing the Middle School and media center is named, Sr. Magnetti is recognized by her peers as a great educator because she has always been deeply committed to the education of women and her vision has enabled her to look to the future.
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Leadership as an Art B y M i c h a e l B a b e r , a s s i s ta n t h e a d o f s c h o o l If leadership is an art, Sr. Joan Magnetti is an artist. It has been said that one can tell something of the artist by her works. Let’s take a look at some of Sr. Magnetti’s “works of art.” As is true for many in the arts, there must first be the vision. Being the consummate educator, the first and finest pieces of art would have to be the students themselves. They are the very inspiration behind her calling, her daily work. Day in and day out, for the whole of her vocation, Sr. Magnetti has worked tirelessly to bring out the best of others while giving the best of herself. As a true educator Sr. Magnetti believes in the potential of each and every individual, just as St. Madeleine Sophie did. Sr. Magnetti firmly believes that it is never too late to make a difference in a young person’s life. It is undeniable that the students who have graced these halls are forever indebted to Sr. Magnetti for “painting” them with such vibrant colors: strong blues to challenge the status quo, passionate reds to rail against injustice, warm yellows to be beacons of hope and verdant greens to bring life wherever they go. Often in creating the hidden beauty is not always immediately apparent and needs to be drawn out. Sophie herself would have used the French word puiser, to draw, as
in drawing water from the well, implying effort, work and great satisfaction. This process is not always easy, nonetheless, it is one that Sr. Magnetti has been faithful to for so many decades A dedicated artist, Sr. Magnetti never ceases to envision what the student can become through the experience of being a child of the Sacred Heart, one who is inspired, engaged, empowered, intelligent, creative and generous. As an artist, Sr. Magnetti must align all the facets of her work towards a final vision, redefining and negotiating the interests of curriculum, teaching, culture and campus; simulta-
(September) Joan Magnetti, rscj installed as headmistress of Convent of the Sacred Heart, succeeding Kathleen Conan, rscj.
1990-91
neously, never losing sight of the most important task of keeping sight of the big picture, all the while putting on the finishing touches. Sr. Magnetti has succeeded not through charisma alone, of which she has much, but through her judgment, boldness, tenacity and hard work. Like Sophie, Sr. Magnetti’s hope has been that her works of art will grace not only Greenwich, but the whole world. She has every reason to be proud; hers is a lasting legacy, giving beautiful works of art to a world thirsting for leaders who will inspire, challenge and heal. Tres Bien Sr. Magnetti, Tres Bien!
Enrollment totals 310 students with 109 in LS, 75 in MS and 126 in US
The second capital campaign in the School’s history, begun when Sr. Conan was headmistress, results in dedication of the Veronique DuBois Gymnasium, replacing Quonset hut, erected in 1945 as a temporary gym.
First Trustees’ Dinner honors Mara Family and benefits athletics
B y J ay n e C o l l i n s , H e a d o f u p p e r S c h o o l In 1991, when I arrived as a history teacher at Convent of the Sacred Heart, there were 126 students in the Upper School, two teachers per discipline, except theology that had only one, a very antiquated science lab that consisted of two rooms, and classrooms that needed new furniture, new shades and a general face-lift. When Sr. Joan Magnetti arrived in 1990 as headmistress, she found the spirit of the students to be very strong. However, the School was in great need of an infusion of new life and hope for the future. During the 1990s, I watched in amazement as the enrollment steadily crept upward, the faculty grew, course selections expanded and summers were spent with our own talented maintenance personnel creating a new look in the hallways and on the grounds. Flowers and trees were planted, repairs and painting were done in all areas, and the athletic fields were improved. Sr. Magnetti became a strong presence in the association of Fairchester schools and in the town of Greenwich. She became an outspoken advocate of academic excellence, community service endeavors and the building of a strong
Facility improvements include outdoor chapel next to gym and renovation of main building’s second floor for classrooms, after the boarding program closes
The School auction raises $105,000, compared to more than $1 million in 2007.
athletic program. She literally and figuratively put Convent of the Sacred Heart on the map. Perhaps, one of the most amazing gifts Sr. Magnetti has given to our young women is her powerful rhetoric. It is the rhetoric of “empowerment of women,” of “personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom,” of “responsibility for transforming society,” of “the love and joy of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.” It was in August 1991, in an orientation for new faculty, that I first heard her speak of “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Through the years, she continues to remind us all of these powerful words. When she encourages students at every gathering with her words of wisdom, Sr. Magnetti continues to touch the minds and hearts of every student and adult in the Sacred Heart community. We wish her peace, joy and love as she continues her ministry as a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
C o nv e nt o f th e S ac r e d H e a r t
To whom much is given, much is expected
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Summer Academy for economically disadvantaged youth starts on site of original farm
1991-92 Endowment: $200,000 Annual giving totals $210,726
1992-93 Edward E. Ford matching grant for faculty development
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Serving with Hands and Heart B y K e r r y B a d e r , d i r e c t o r o f U p p e r S c h o o l c o mm u n i t y s e r v i c e Goal Three of a Sacred Heart education challenges the faculty “to educate to a social awareness which impels to action.” At Sacred Heart, the adage “to whom much is given, much is required” permeates the program and sets the foundation on which the School builds its service program. Community service is an integral part of the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools, with students engaging in age-appropriate activities to help build awareness and to assist those in need, whether it be financial, physical or spiritual.
While Sacred Heart has always been committed to community service, the program has evolved and developed during the past 20 years. Today, students are introduced to service at multiple levels: fundraising, direct service, awareness and advocacy are all areas where our service program educates our students about broad issues such as homelessness, childhood poverty and disease. In the classroom, students are challenged to creatively address these issues and to analyze and discuss them with their peers, teachers and family. This
commitment to a holistic approach allows our students to actively help others. The following are among some of the current programs. In the Lower School, our students’ “Jump Rope for Uganda and Kenya” raises money to assist our sister schools in Africa. The girls also collect and assemble toiletry bags for the homeless in New York City and deliver books to the children at the Carver Center, in Port Chester, New York. In the Middle School, our students have developed and sustained a relationship with Blythedale Children’s Hospital where the
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Many improvements to facilities, including student dining room, refurbished well and new music room NEASC self-study
1993-94
1994-95 First Senior Class Parents’ Gift creates scholarship for US minority student
Enrollment: 410
50 years in Greenwich marked at Fourth Trustees’ Dinner honoring headmistresses and board chairs
NEASC re-accreditation
1995-96
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girls visit the young patients on a monthly basis, bringing friendship and support. In the Upper School, students participate in a wide variety of activities that include delivering food and clothing to the homeless in New York City and traveling the globe to help others in places such as Haiti, Kenya and the Dominican Republic. Many of the strides that we have made with the community service program are a result of the vision and drive of Sr. Joan Magnetti. Upon her arrival at Sacred Heart in 1990, Sr. Magnetti focused students and teachers on the need to give back to our community. She has committed time and resources to insure that our students are given an opportunity to understand the needs of the less fortunate. Sr. Magnetti encourages student initiative and has been instrumental in the development of the Nora Falk Legacy Initiative and the Angel Board. These organizations allow students to use their skills to improve the lives of others. Students are encouraged to be socially responsible and this often results in life lessons, such as the Upper School’s studentrun Barat Foundation. Sr. Magnetti was instrumental in the formation of this board that teaches financial literacy and leadership, while encouraging philanthropy. Each year, the foundation reviews applications for grants from non-profits, and makes the awards at a student assembly in the spring. Students recognize that in giving they receive. The relationships that they build and the experiences that they have help to shape them into students not just of the mind, but of the heart.
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S t u d e n t s r e c o g n i z e t h at i n giving they receive. Sacred Heart among first Fairchester schools to create Internet connection
Rosa Parks visits
Capital campaign launched to build science center, integrating new technology and learning
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The Arts Under Joan Magnetti’s Leadership B y M i m i R a f f e r t y, c o - c h a i r E n g l i s h D e pa r t m e n t The arts have grown and thrived under the leadership of Headmistress Joan Magnetti, rscj. Most noticeably to outsiders would be the expanded space in the School for the arts. At one time, Lower and Middle School art was taught in one classroom by one teacher. Sr. Magnetti supported building a dedicated art classroom for the Middle School, giving both Middle and Lower Schools their own space, as well as their own teacher. Likewise music rooms have been allotted for each division and a dark room for photography has been added. The Lower School music room is well-positioned directly across from the newly-renovated theater to allow Lower School students frequent access to the stage. The Lennie and John de Csepel Theater with its new stage, lighting, sound system, and raked seats has provided a state-of-the-art performance venue for both drama and music. With new spaces have come much growth, innovation and inspiration in the arts classes. Students have developed a more serious attitude in their drawing and painting classes. An AP class in drawing and painting has increased student awareness about the quality of work
and the discipline needed to achieve recognition. A new course in design has been added to the curriculum. Students have become involved in portfolio projects for the New York State Arts Education Foundation, where they are required to create portraits, observational drawings and process pieces. The Cora E. McLaughlin, rscj Art Gallery, formerly the “annex,” and the hallways abound with displays of student art work, alumnae art work and exhibits of outside artists. Years ago, in photography, there were only three classes, and now there are six classes of three levels. Nine years ago, no digital cameras were present in the program and now all the girls have their own digital cameras. Sr. Magnetti championed the Africa photography project of Claire Lorentzen ’06, an alumna who photographed the work of the Religious of the Sacred Heart in Uganda, an exhibit which hung in the gallery for two months in the winter of 2009. Students have won many awards, including Scholastic gold and silver keys. Students, well trained in Adobe Photoshop, are essential to providing images of art and photography to illustrate the writing in the literary magazine,
Perspectives. Sr. Magnetti’s support for the magazine has allowed it to grow to a professionally printed publication that has won three gold medals from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the highest award in the State of Connecticut for student literary magazines. The performing arts have expanded noticeably. Over the years, liturgical music has become integral to our liturgies. Chorus and Madrigals have performed in nursing homes, at tree-lighting ceremonies and at Rockefeller Center, where they were televised on NBC. The Christmas Concert became a yearly all-school concert at Manhattanville College. Students have engaged in joint concerts with other schools in the area. One year ago, we hosted a concert with students from our school in Bregenz, Austria, and over spring break in 2009, one of Sr. Magnetti’s dreams was realized when our Middle and Upper School students traveled to the Sacred Heart schools in Bregenz and Vienna for performances. Music, dance and visual arts work closely on projects celebrating Africa and a variety of other cultures. The Lower School performed an original musical celebrating the life of St.
Edward E. Ford grant for faculty development in technology
Science wing groundbreaking
1996-97 Laptop program launched
training in working on a sound and light board, and collaboration with the Fine Arts Department in creating a set and props. In Middle School, the drama program is now experienced by every student, beginning in the fifth grade. Each grade performs at “Celebration of the Arts.” The English program has expanded significantly in the past 19 years. The enormous growth in enrollment has brought many new teachers with a variety of talents and perspective, plus new offerings to the discipline. Seniors now choose semester electives from about 20 course descriptions for World Literature in addition to AP English Literature. A majority of students in Honors American Literature sit for the AP Language and Composition exam. Student scores on these exams are almost without exception above a passing score of 3, with most being in the superior range of 4 or 5. The Lower, Middle and Upper Schools have created a scope and sequence for the teaching of writing and reading at each grade level. Efforts to collaborate with the History and Theology Departments on the teaching of writing and research are underway. Students in grades 8-12 have submitted their poetry, short stories, memoirs, and journalism articles to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s writing awards and have been honored with several gold key regional awards and a couple of national silver awards in the past several years. The print journalism and broadcast journalism programs have experienced significant growth under Sister Magnetti’s leadership. The King Street Chronicle has been honored with a gold medal ranking from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association
for five of the past six years. Sister Magnetti’s vision and leadership were instrumental in the creation of the David J. Bloom Broadcast Journalism Suite. Since the studio opened in October 2007, more than 800 students, faculty and staff have learned how to share their stories, using cutting-edge technology and the availability of the old “Today” show set that NBC donated in the memory of the late Mr. Bloom, a Sacred Heart parent and journalist who died covering the Iraqi war. Sr. Magnetti is a true believer in empowering young women to be the media makers of tomorrow and her support of the journalism program has made possible tremendous opportunities for our students. In just the past few years, two of our students have received top U.S. awards for the documentaries they produced at our School. The student news show, “Today from the Heart,” has been recognized by Cablevision as the top news show in Fairfield County for the past three years. Many of our students are choosing to pursue a career in media, based upon their life-changing experience in Sacred Heart’s journalism program. The Arts and English Departments are grateful to Sr. Magnetti for her vision, understanding, and generosity in providing so much to ensure the growth and the joy that students, faculty and parents experience through the arts and English at Sacred Heart.
C o nv e nt o f th e S ac r e d H e a r t
Philippine Duchesne. The music curriculum in the Middle School has broadened to include more theory, history and music appreciation to better prepare the students for the breadth of the Upper School music program. Dance has also flourished under Sr. Magnetti’s leadership. Students perform at all levels in their “Celebrations of the Arts,” as well as in curricular connection to their academic studies, special event days and this year, as a theme in Lower School, for conge. Dance is now an elective for the eighth grade, including the rewarding challenge of dance videos. The program has expanded to include more liturgical dance. The drama program has undergone a transformation during Sr. Magnetti’s years as headmistress. Before she came to Sacred Heart, drama performances were limited to selections of scenes for “Celebration of the Arts.” A spring musical was not offered every year and a fall drama production was never offered. Students knew little about the discipline of learning lines, creating a character or working on a set. With new faculty, experienced in theater, came new expectations. A fall drama production, in addition to a spring musical, was offered every year. The productions grew in sophistication over the years from a simple sequence of monologues in Spoon River Anthology to a very sophisticated, nuanced production of Dancing at Lughnasa. Nine years ago the spring musical attempted just the first act of Into the Woods. Recently, students performed both the first act and the more complicated second act of Into the Woods. The budget afforded a musical and technical director for the musicals, student
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Middle School introduces Spanish courses
1997-98
Faculty sabbatical established
Network of Sacred Heart Schools elects Sr. Magnetti to governing board
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Focus on Science By Mary Musolino, Upper School science teacher Back in the early 1990s, the “science wing” consisted of two labs and a small office. The labs were situated where the Lower School music and art rooms are currently located. There were only two Upper School science teachers, Dr. Meredith Behr and me. Dr. Behr taught all of the biology courses and I taught everything else. How times have changed. Fast forward to 2009. Convent of the Sacred Heart now has a real science
wing with numerous labs, offices, prep areas, five Advanced Placement (AP) science courses, six Upper School science teachers, and an award-winning science research program. In 1999, the science research program began with just six students. In their senior year, these students entered the Intel Science Talent Search. When the semifinalists were eventually posted on Intel’s web site, I could not believe it when
I realized that one of our students was listed as a semifinalist. My first reaction was to run and tell the biggest supporter of the science research program and the one person whose excitement level would match mine, Headmistress Joan Magnetti, rscj. And run I did! When I arrived at her office, I was out of breath and could not speak. When I eventually got the news out, Sr. Magnetti was beyond thrilled, as expected.
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Sesquicentennial Year highlights: Liturgy attended by 1,200 people, science symposium, opera singer Frederica von Stade concert and Sesquicentennial Ball
1998-99 Eileen Dealy Gillespie ’49 Science Center dedicated September 19
Mother Aloysia Hardey, rscj Observatory opens
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As the science program and courses in general expanded over the years, the impressive news from alumnae grew as well. I have heard from many alumnae who have gone on to study science at college, with majors in pre-medicine, engineering and environmental science. Many have mentioned the strong foundation they received at Sacred Heart. With our many AP courses, they often sail through the required freshman science courses. I have heard on multiple occasions, “I was the only freshman who received an A in chemistry!” One very exciting component of our program that blossomed under Sr. Magnetti’s leadership is the Lower School science program. When she arrived 19 years ago, she was very committed to having a dedicated Lower School lab with a strong hands-on component. This vision was soon realized. Now, we even have a Lower School science specialist and an outdoor program focusing on a working garden. The Science Department was reviewed by an outside evaluation team in 2008. Sr. Magnetti’s hard work and devotion to the students over the years may be summed up by the following comment from the visiting team: “We have spent the past few days viewing science lessons at every level of the program. We find it to be an outstanding program that fosters a love for science, high standards and wonderful opportunities for young women to pursue science as a career.”
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Tennis courts and additional playing fields added
Aloysia Hardey, rscj Foundress Award established
Laptop program expands to individuallyowned computers for grades 7–12
1999-2000 First international Heads of Sacred Heart Schools Conference meets in Joigny, France, birthplace of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
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Sacred Heart Athletics: Then & Now B y K e l ly S t o n e , d i r e c t o r o f at h l e t i c s In the past two decades, the features of our athletic program has evolved and grown exponentially to keep pace with the athletic program’s surging enrollment. Among students, there is a growing and enthusiastic interest in participation. Among coaches and staff, there is a strong desire to produce competitive teams. When Sr. Joan Magnetti became headmistress in 1990, Sacred Heart was putting
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New initiatives: Astronomer, LS teaching assistants MS dean of students hired
U.S. Sacred Heart schools observe “Day of Service”
2000-01
the finishing touches on a new gymnasium to replace the old Quonset hut that had served as the athletic center since 1945. The Veronique DuBois Gymnasium was dedicated on October 20, 1990. It included a gym to support the basketball team, a dance studio, fitness center and offices for sports personnel. As enrollment has increased in the Middle and Upper Schools, the athletic program has grown and the facilities have expanded. In 1990, there were 75 students in the Middle School; today there are 268, a growth of 357%. The Upper School has increased 234% from 126 to 288 in 2009. To accommodate this growth, Sacred Heart’s athletic program expanded to include seven new
Society of the Sacred Heart celebrates 200th birthday with Network schools teleconference
New courses: Broadcast journalism, AP physics, art history, independent math seminar
sport offerings—crew, cross country, diving, golf, squash, tennis and volleyball for a total of 12 sports, including basketball, field hockey, soccer, softball, and swimming. Other new additions include the introduction of 28 new interscholastic teams (12 Middle School and 16 Upper School); new outdoor playing facilities, including two multi-purpose synthetic turf fields (154,800 square feet) with state-of-the art amenities, six Har-Tru tennis courts, a renovated grass soccer field; and partnerships with nine off-site facilities have been established to support the basketball (SUNY Purchase), crew (Greenwich Water Club), diving (New Canaan YMCA), golf (Fairview Country Club), squash
Sister-school program in Uganda begins Enrollment: 630 Endowment: $9.4 million Annual fund: $1,255,134
School sets strategic priorities
First annual Katie Cassidy Higgins ’96 Memorial Lacrosse Tournament
School selects the student-athletes for its teams based on their ability and performance, not by seniority. Headmistress Joan Magnetti’s promise to educate the minds, bodies and souls of young girls has profoundly influenced the numerous opportunities that have been integrated into the athletic curriculum to meet the increasing demands for competition. On-campus preseason training, spring
produces an increased pool of recruited collegebound athletes and NCAA “Letter of Intent” recipients, in addition to exceptional athletes (divers, golfers, rowers, swimmers, squash and volleyball players) who distinguish themselves regionally and nationally. Teams across all seasons achieve new levels of success. On October 18, 2008, for the first time since 1988, Sacred Heart’s varsity field hockey beat cross-town rival Greenwich Academy.
C o nv e nt o f th e S ac r e d H e a r t
(Apawamis, Brunswick, Club@800 and Westchester Squash) and the tennis (Doral Arrowwood Proform Tennis) programs. In addition to the acquisition of four crew shells (two “eights” and two “fours”), a fully-equipped fitness room and an Upper School locker room were designed to serve the needs of a more sophisticated athlete. The sheer number of Upper School students wanting to participate each season has increased since 1990. In 2009, the number of athletes participating in fall sports rose 287% over 1990, from 52 student-athletes to 149. The winter season showed a 200% increase, from 34 to 68 girls. Spring season involvement has also climbed—a 395% over 1990, from 38 athletes to 150. The current size and scope of the athletics program is supported by 89 coaches and four fulltime staff members. As numbers increase, philosophies and attitudes have changed. In 1990, students in the Middle School were placed on the various teams based on their ability. Now, our sports teams are organized according to age, and there is a spot for all, regardless of ability and experience. The Upper
In 2009, Spring season I n v o lv e m e n t h a s a l s o c l i mb e d — a 395% over 1990, from 38 at h l e t e s t o 1 5 0 break trips, off-season developmental sessions, college recruiting showcases, play days with Sacred Heart Network schools, and workshops with leading specialists in the fields of sports psychology/performance, sports medicine/nutrition, have been added to the Sacred Heart athletic experience. With each year, the athletic program
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Such success generates broad exposure for the School’s athletic program and enhances Sacred Heart’s ability to attract and retain a talented student body and faculty. An unwavering commitment to the importance of athletics in the development of young women is an important part of Sr. Magnetti’s legacy.
First Presidential Scholar Sacred Heart (SHCOG) self-study
2001-02 Cum Laude chapter begins
Africa Task Force starts
New position: US academic dean
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Living the Goals and Criteria as a Sacred Heart Parent B y n i n a y o d e r , P r e s i d e n t o f t h e pa r e n t s ’ a s s o c i at i o n Parenting at Convent of the Sacred Heart is a collaborative effort between School and home. The values of a Sacred Heart education reflect the life of the School community, and the five Goals and Criteria play a major role in shaping all of our constituents. (View Goals and Criteria on page 19) These Goals and Criteria illustrate how Convent of the Sacred Heart provides so much more than a fine education. As a parent, and president of the Parents’ Association during the 2008-2009 school year, I treasure the fact that these values the girls receive at School are also values we teach at home. One challenge is to keep the goals also alive not only at School, but with everyday life. When new families join the Sacred Heart community, they are given a booklet that explains the five Goals and Criteria. It is expected that the parents will mirror the same values at home that their daughters learn at School. For 160 years, parents have remained committed to the values of a Sacred Heart education. There have been times we have faced numerous obstacles, such as fighting the allgirls School prejudice, yet we have persevered and grown in size from 295 to 775 students.
Living the Goals and Criteria is central to all activities at Sacred Heart. It is an enriching experience for parents, students and faculty. There are numerous ways in which we strengthen and nurture these Goals. When we read Au Courant, we see how they are put into effect. Parents may find current events happening at School that they can use as topics of conversation at the dinner table. We can discuss ways we may serve others, such as Midnight Run and collecting items for the homeless, the abused and those less fortunate than ourselves. Parents can nurture their own personal faith in God by attending special liturgies offered at various times throughout the School year, such as First Friday. I believe that Convent of the Sacred Heart chooses not only the right students, but the right families. Many times during the past year, I have asked parents to volunteer. Rarely have I been turned down. I am grateful to be surrounded by such a dedicated parent body. There are ample opportunities to become involved, such as participating in the working mothers’ reception, father-daughter games and game night. Getting involved and volunteering
demonstrates to your daughter that you care about her and the School. There is no better way to show your love and support than by spending some quality time at School. While there are many ways to participate in School life, the Heart to Heart program stands out. This program is designed to support members of our Sacred Heart community in times of need. It is a perfect example of how our community works together to make a difficult situation less painful. During the School year there are several opportunities to attend presentations by guest speakers. They teach us how to be a better parent and how to deal with issues we all face as we try to raise responsible young women who will become independent, strong and self-assured leaders in society. Gaining knowledge and a respect for intellectual values is a never-ending process. Finally, I would like to say that it has truly been a privilege to work for and together with Sr. Magnetti this past year. Thank you, Joan, for all that you have done for our School and community during the last 19 years. We have been blessed to have been guided by such a strong, brilliant and dedicated leader.
Future Problem Solving Program starts Employee benefits improved
New position: dean of faculty
2002-03 SHCOG evaluation—Provincial commends School: “What you have accomplished in the last five years is amazing.”
Varsity crew introduced
B y Em i ly E . M a z u r a k ’ 0 5 For many students and alumnae, Sr. Joan Magnetti redefined not only what it means to be a Religious of the Sacred Heart, but also, more importantly, what it means to be an individual who creates lasting and impacting change. Students, no matter what age, can see the immense amount of dedication Sr. Magnetti has devoted to our School and to ensuring that St. Madeline Sophie Barat’s mission of educating young women continues to thrive, both in Greenwich and around the world. From the time I first became a student in the sixth grade, Sr. Magnetti’s dedication to improving the quality of education and the sense of community was always apparent. Over the years, my path began to cross quite frequently with hers. She took an active interest in getting to know as many students as possible, and this was apparent as she supported the sports program and performing arts, among other departments, with constant admiration for “her girls.” One of her main concerns was in making sure that young women had the necessary skills that would not only serve them during their college years, but also remain with them well beyond graduation. During my junior year of high school,
Sr. Magnetti worked tirelessly to secure the money needed to establish a studentrun philanthropic organization, the Barat Foundation. As a senior ready to graduate from college, I am only now realizing the impact that a program like this had on my undergraduate experience. As a college freshman, I was equipped with the skills to walk into a non-profit development office and work with professional staff. My introduction to endowments and grant writing inspired me to become a human services major and work with disadvantaged populations. My work in the undergraduate classroom eventually led me to Uganda, where I had the opportunity to restructure a local non-profit organization
Capital campaign (“Educating Extraordinary Women for Extraordinary Times”) launched for new Middle School, library/ media center, endowment, core center, and arts
from top to bottom. While working in Uganda, I had an opportunity to visit the new Sacred Heart school in Masaka, a dream of Sr. Magnetti’s that came to fruition, thanks to the funds raised by Greenwich students and their families, who supported such initiatives as “Jump Rope for Uganda and Kenya.” Sr. Magnetti’s legacy for alumnae will live on in the traditions she brought to Greenwich, the unique experiences she encouraged in simple joys such as Copper’s Walk and pink goutés. For me, her legacy has a more personal note. Her dedication and personal friendship inspired me to find my true passion of helping others, a passion that I live with and use in both my professional and personal life.
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Empowering Young Minds
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“For me, her legacy has a more personal note.”
Summer Outreach Program adds boys’ program NEASC self-study
2003-04
2004-05 Student-run philanthropy, the Barat Foundation, established in Upper School
Student-athletes win Fairchester Athletic Association’s sportsmanship award
Stuart groundbreaking
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Reflections on 19 Great Years B y J a m e s A l b a n - D av i e s , B o a r d o f T r u s t e e s 1 9 8 6 - 1 9 9 2 When reflecting on the last 19 years of Joan Magnetti’s leadership at Sacred Heart, I am reminded of my Welsh upbringing and the words from the oldest book of Wales, The Mabinogion, “Let he (or she) who would be a leader be a bridge.” Joan’s leadership has given additional meaning to those great words as she has been a bridge between what was, in 1990, an old and established school, which many considered had already seen its best days, and the flourishing School which we see today. Nineteen years ago, demographers were forecasting a grim future for independent schools in this area and especially for single-sex institutions. At this School, enrollment was falling, and there was little sense of the optimism and pride that we all sense today. Indeed, when I was invited to take over as Chair of the Board of Trustees in 1986, the prior Chair asked me to reflect carefully before agreeing, as he thought that I would be the Chair who had to close the Upper School. As a point
of reference, the Upper School numbered 128 students in the 1989-90 school year and twelfth grade numbered 27 girls. In 2009, the Upper School numbers 288 with a senior class of 63. Since arriving in 1990, Joan Magnetti has rebuilt the reputations, enthusiasm, enrollment, and financial foundation of this School, and I know that no words of mine can adequately repay the debt of gratitude that Jenny and I and other parents feel. Joan was already a successful headmistress when we recruited her, but her love of this School, where she had taught earlier in her career, was a major part of the decision to take up the challenge. Indeed, even back then, she had splendid vision of what Sacred Heart, Greenwich could become. Her vision, her tireless efforts, and her leadership and spirituality are reflected in what we see today…and let there be no doubt that, without Joan Magnetti, this would not have occurred. The road from 1990 to today was not easy, and the journey
was not for the faint-hearted. Joan built a strong team around her, but she has never delegated the tough work to others; she has always led by example and from the front, ensuring that the values of Sacred Heart were understood and appreciated by the students and by the wider communities from which this School draws students. It is that message that has resonated with so many, and it is that voice, and that steadfast commitment, which will be remembered long after Joan has left. Joan has always reminded me that those to whom much is given, much will be expected. I know that she has been guided by that principle, and, as I look back with gratitude and forward with renewed hope, I also know that she has given far more than I, for one, could have asked or expected in her years as Head of this School.
“ T h e r o a d f r o m 1 9 9 0 t o t o d ay wa s n o t e a s y, a n d t h e j o u r n e y wa s n o t f o r t h e fa i n t - h e a r t e d . ”
“Topping Off” for new Middle School and media center
Stuart dedicated in October heralding new Middle School and media center
Hurricane Katrina strikes and Sacred Heart shelters 13 New Orleans girls
2005-06
2006-07 NEASC Report commends Sacred Heart “for nurturing a community that thrives on vision and continues to dream.”
Two new synthetic turf fields ready for fall season
by Dennis Purcell, Board of Trustees 1999-2005 Sr. Joan Magnetti always began our meetings of the Board of Trustees with a reflection. Whether quoting St. Madeleine Sophie Barat with “Educate a woman and you educate a family. Educate a family and you educate a civilization” or reminding us that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” her reflections were the foundation for our work together as a board. No one lived by her words more than Joan herself. In my years as a board member from 1999 to 2005, I have known Joan to be driven by three things: her faith, her
love of the students and her concern for the greater community. It was with this attitude that she tackled the wide range of issues and many challenges we faced as a board. She worked tirelessly to enlarge the School from 570 students in 1999, when I began my board term, to the 775 we have today. She dealt with fundraising, curriculum expansion, faculty development, capital campaigns and construction projects, all with a can-do attitude and the necessary sense of humor that helped the board be an effective governing body. But
at every fork in the road, the next step was never taken without carefully considering the students and the Convent of the Sacred Heart community first. Like other past parents who have seen their little girls grow into beautiful young women, we all owe Joan a debt of gratitude for her leadership, guidance and dedication to providing a role model for our girls as women of faith, sociably responsible leaders in the community and self-confident adults, who believe they can achieve whatever it is they seek to do.
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Putting Students First
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Other major improvements: chapel renovation, Lennie and John de Csepel Theater reopens on site of old auditorium, new waste-water treatment plant, David Bloom Broadcast Journalism Suite, new computer labs, new first-grade wing, LS art studio and music room, in addition to renovation of main building’s second floor for College Guidance, classrooms and MS art studio
Volleyball introduced
Society’s Superior General Clare Pratt visits Barat House renovation includes new space for preschool and prekindergarten; expansion for childcare center
Second Presidential Scholar
Edward E. Ford Fund challenge grant matched to support global education and interfaith dialogue
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Joan Magnetti, rscj: Heart and Sensitivity B y J o a n C . K i r b y, r s c j ’ 4 3 , B o a r d o f T r u s t e e s Joan Magnetti, rscj has always loved to learn from Mother Janet Erskine Stuart, rscj (1857—1914), the sixth Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart, who is well known for her devotion to the present moment. Joan seems to have absorbed this teaching. How else could she be so attentive to the needs of those around her? Like a musician hearing far more in a symphony than an ordinary listener, or like an artist seeing the tracks of flying birds, a great administrator seems to be aware of more detail than others—attending to a multitude of people, calls, children, parents, faculty—all at the same time—often in the same moment. Recognizing a great administrator, the international Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) honored Joan’s leadership skills by awarding her its highest honor, the Chief Executive Leadership Award, in March 2009. The award, which last year honored the president of Tufts University, honors “institutional leaders for outstanding contributions to their campus communities, for efforts
promoting public understanding of education, and for support of advancement at their campuses.” Her attention to detail in preparation for trustees meetings; her deep personal spirituality and biblical scholarship in prayer at public meetings; her delicate skill in fund raising and her constructive ability in supervising the development of new buildings on campus—all of these gifts are truly extraordinary. But the best and most important gift is her awareness of the needs of students and faculty and families. To be attentive at the moment of need—this is the true entrance into the present moment. In the words of a former faculty member, “she always offers a listening ear—this is her special quality for parents, children and
faculty. Available to listen and go to the heart of a problem, she can provide the most amazing remedies and solutions. As the moment arises, Joan is there in the present.” Truly, she has learned the skill of the present moment. Heart and sensitivity of her own, she has instinctive insights into the individual possibilities of others and allows them the freedom to use their gifts. Those who are sensitive know both sides of the coin—they can be easily hurt, so she takes infinite care not to hurt others. No after-thoughts, no dwelling on the past, only forward thinking. It is indeed a privilege to know such a great woman, a true sister rscj.
“ E v e r y d ay i s a g o o d d ay ; s e t t i n g a s i d e t h e pa s t, s h e g a i n s the treasures of the present m o m e n t. ” — J a n e t
E r s k i n e S t u a r t, r s c j
Turf fields dedicated for Headmistress Joan Magnetti, rscj and Sr. Rosemary Sheehan Diversity Committee formed; staffing model review
Chinese and Arabic introduced
2007-08 50th anniversary of US award-wining literary magazine, Perspectives
Parents’ Association introduces Father-Daughter Games Lower School hallway renovation
By Karen M. Hendricks, JD ’72, Board of Trustees 1994-2000 April 4, 1968. Mother Joan Magnetti, that’s what we called her back then, walked me down toward the hockey fields before the end of the evening’s study hall. A curious thing to do on a “school night,” but she said we needed to talk. We walked and talked and it was on this special walk that I learned that Martin Luther King, Jr. had been shot and killed— assassinated. While I can’t remember all of the details of our tearful discussion, I do remember that Sr. Magnetti explained that many people were very angry, that the streets in some cities were filled with people—very unhappy people, who were destroying the stores and homes in their communities. It was a sad day that turned into an even sadder time in our history, but the comfort, caring, and respect that Joan Magnetti expressed on that day is a walk that I have not forgotten in more than 40 years. Moreover, it shaped me into the woman I am today.
Many years later, I sat in the School auditorium next to Miss Rosa Parks, recognizing that this was another very special moment in time that, once again, Joan was sharing with me, now a trustee of Sacred Heart. I am old enough to recognize that the journey Miss Parks took, by refusing to ride in the back of the bus, was for me—and for all of us. That single act allowed many more doors to be opened. For me, it helped make available a seat in a law school classroom, enabling my career in public service to develop and flourish. Thanks to Joan’s vision, guidance and courage during the past 40 years of her blessed career, countless Sacred Heart women have been able to fulfill their dreams. Joan, I wish your next journey to be as bold and wonderful as the first. May our lives always be intertwined, and God’s love be with you always.
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Remembering Joan and Rosa Parks
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“ T h at s i n g l e a c t a l l o w e d m a n y more doors to be opened. ”
Senior capstone course established
Endowment: $24.7 million Annual fund: $1.8 million Sacred Heart awards $2.5 million in financial aid 160th year of School’s founding
Diversity climbs to 23% of student body from 17% in 1990
2008-09 New named endowments established, bringing total of endowments since 1990 to 38
Sacred Heart beats cross-town rival Greenwich Academy in field hockey for first time since 1988
Enrollment totals 775 with 219 in LS, 268 in MS and 288 in US
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With Love and Thanks from the Student Body Everyday as I drive through the majestic iron gates of Sacred Heart’s entrance, I am grateful for the gifts of our School and the spiritual and educational direction of our headmistress, Joan Magnetti, rscj. As I walk up to the School, I pass our beautiful, new turf fields and cross the threshold of the science wing. Walking to my locker I see the Middle School students running down the bright corridors of their new building. I place my books in the locker and sit amongst my classmates in our Core Center before the day begins.
There is so much to be thankful for. The turf fields, the library/media center, the chapel, and the Core Center are just some of the physical reminders of Sr. Magnetti’s legacy. But she leaves us an even greater legacy of compassion, appreciation for education, an overwhelming love for one another, and a strong sense of women empowerment. It is incontrovertible to say so much of my Sacred Heart education can be attributed to Sr. Magnetti. She has elevated our School, not just in our physical footprint, but also in our academic and spiritual lives.
She has dedicated her life to the education of women and her mission has clearly shone brightly in our Sacred Heart school. She has left an indelible mark on our School, and on each of us who has been privileged to be a student under her leadership. On behalf of the entire Sacred Heart student body, I would like to thank Sr. Magnetti, for she is and always will be an integral part of our School. With love and appreciation, Antonia Libassi ’09 President of the Student Body
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Board of Trustees 2008–2009 Kristina Sekor Hooper ’88, Chair Stephen J. Sweeny, Vice Chair Joan Magnetti, rscj, Secretary Donald E. Foley, Treasurer Joseph J. Ciancaglini Lenore de Csepel Imma De Stefanis, rscj Anne Dyer, rscj Wilfred A. Finnegan Kevin J. Grehan Kimberly J. Huchro Jeanet H. Irwin Joan C. Kirby, rscj ’43 Kevin A. Knight
Robert G. Leary Patricia E. Molloy Mandy Dawson Murphy ’85 Thomas F. Murphy Anthony J. Scala, Jr. Mary Ellen Vouté Sutherland ’85 Paula G. Tennyson Joseph N. Walsh III Nina H. Yoder
Goals and Criteria As a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, the entire School community is dedicated to the following Goals and Criteria:
Goal One
Goal Four
A personal and active faith in God
The building of community as a Christian value
Goal Two
Goal Five
A deep respect for intellectual values
Goal Three A social awareness which impels to action
Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.
Headmistress Joan Magnetti, rscj accepts the Woman of Spirit Award in October 2006 at the dedication of Stuart
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