Interview with Sacred Heart School of Halifax Alum, Ailin Chant
Highlights from the interview
Even on days when I had an exam or felt nervous, going to school never filled me with anxiety. From the moment you walked in, you saw the receptionist, who greeted you and instantly brightened your day. You walked through the hallways, saying hi to friends and teachers—it never felt like just a school. It felt like a second home, a place where you felt confident and comfortable. I used to go in early and stay late, which is rare, especially in high school. A lot of people I know look back on high school and feel glad it's over. I didn’t feel that way. I really enjoyed every day I spent there.
- The academics at Sacred Heart are excellent, but it is the support from teachers that makes a big difference. I took classes I might not have had the courage to take without knowing that support was there. The school’s long history—older than Canada—added something special. You were surrounded by stories of alumni and traditions that connected you to generations before. There were memorable graduation traditions like the Head Mistress’s Tea and the “last will,” and the paper chain of every graduate’s name that’s passed down from the Grade 12s to the Grade 11s at prize day. Those details made the experience unique.
The international network of Sacred Heart schools is also a major strength. There are over 100 schools globally, and as a student, you can do an exchange without any extra costs beyond airfare. I went to Spain in Grade 11 for a month and attended a Sacred Heart school there. That kind of opportunity isn’t common.
If I had to describe Sacred Heart in three words, I’d say caring, confident, and strong. It’s a very caring place with supportive people. It teaches confidence, especially through its single-sex environment, which encourages students to push beyond their limits. The school itself is strong—it’s adapted through generations and continues to instill resilience and leadership in students. Graduates leave feeling capable and secure in who they are.
Sacred Heart was also an ambitious place. Everyone I knew was involved in something—student council, sports, arts. It wasn’t competitive in a cutthroat way, but there was a shared drive. Everyone had something they were passionate about, and the school created room for that. You could be in the musical and on the soccer team, or take AP chemistry even if it wasn’t your strong suit. I really appreciated that flexibility and encouragement.
The school values diversity. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all environment. Students could pursue different levels in different subjects—advanced chemistry without needing advanced English, for example. They supported a wide range of interests—arts, sports, sciences, humanities—even with the small size. My graduating class was full of very different people, both in personality and background, including socio-economic diversity. That made learning more meaningful because you were constantly engaging with different perspectives.
From the outside, Sacred Heart might seem like a fancy private school in a castle-like building, but inside it’s incredibly down-to-earth. People might assume that being a single-sex school means students won’t know how to interact with boys, but that wasn’t true. The girls’ and boys’ schools are connected, and while classes are separate starting in Grade 7, social events, student councils, and activities are integrated. Having time in the classroom to build confidence made those social interactions easier and more meaningful.
When I entered in Grade 10, everyone already knew each other, and I was the new kid again. I was shy and not someone who naturally put herself forward. But by Grade 12, I was Head Girl. In Grade 11, someone encouraged me to run for student council, and I did. Sometimes all it takes is a supportive environment that says “why not?” Sacred Heart gave me that—working with teachers and administrators, learning how to communicate with adults, being included in real decision-making. Those experiences shaped me into a confident leader.
If there’s one thing I would change, it would be to have a broader selection of course options in senior years. Our classes were strong in the core subjects, but we didn’t have offerings like law, business, or political science—courses that give students a taste of university or career paths. I think it would be helpful to have at least one course in Grade 12 that introduces students to different fields.
Looking back, I didn’t fully appreciate everything while I was there. Being in a small school can feel overwhelming because everyone knows you. I even chose a university where I thought I’d escape that, but then I missed it. I realized how comforting it was to walk into a space where people knew you and cared about you. Returning as an alum and seeing teachers and the guidance counsellor remember me—that’s something special. It’s like going home.
The top three reasons I’d recommend Sacred Heart are: it values difference and supports each student’s individual path; the academics provide a strong foundation, especially for university; and the extracurriculars are broad and accessible. In a smaller school, you can try new things without fear of being excluded. I played on the soccer team despite not being great at it. I joined the musical alongside students from different social groups. That kind of crossover doesn’t always happen at bigger schools.
Choosing Sacred Heart was one of the best decisions I made. My time there shaped who I am, helped me thrive in university, and gave me lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. It’s more than just school—it’s a community, a tradition, and a network you’ll stay part of for life. If you want a high school experience that’s academically strong but also deeply human and personal, I think Sacred Heart is the right choice.
