Interview with Sacred Heart School of Halifax PARENT, Vurain Tabvuma
- Name
Vurain Tabvuma - Child 1
Gr. 2 - Gr. 9 (Male, Current Day Student) - Child 2
SK - Gr. 7 (Male, Current Day Student)
Vurain, a parent at Sacred Heart School of Halifax, shared his perspective on the school’s rigorous academics, whole-child development, supportive community, caring teachers, and the transformative impact on his two sons.
Highlights from the interview
I first heard about Sacred Heart School of Halifax through a colleague, who strongly recommended it to me. I met with the head of admissions, and took a tour. The tour is what really made the difference. Once I saw the incredible facilities, the smaller class sizes, the well-behaved students, and the exceptional quality of their work, I was sold.
The boys have thrived. They have been at Sacred Heart for eight years and have done incredibly well. The beginning was a bit of an adjustment, but they have built a strong network of friends, and community is one of the school’s central values. They are deeply embedded in a community where they are constantly involved in things both at and outside of school. They go to sleepovers, host friends, and participate in many activities.
Academics have been another strong point. My older son appreciates the small class sizes, which allow for close relationships with teachers. If he struggles with a concept, he can easily get extra help. He is in an advanced math class, and the smaller classes make it straightforward to get clarification. My younger son’s favourite tradition is “Congé,” a Sacred Heart tradition where, on a random day, students arrive expecting a normal day but instead get a full day of fun activities: movie outings, bouncy castles, food trucks, and ice cream. He loves Congé, which shows the school balances rigorous academics with joy.
The boys are doing well academically and socially. My younger son was on a robotics team that won a competition, while my older son won a leadership award from the mayor. Sacred Heart develops students to be intellectual and deeply caring about the world. As a parent, I greatly appreciate the rigorous academics, the thorough education, and the sense of community.
What I value most is the care and love the teachers show. It is not just a job for them; it is a vocation. My children want to go to school every day because they feel loved and cared for. That care extends beyond academics, which are rigorous, to nurturing the whole child. The school helps students learn, make mistakes, and grow within a supportive environment.
The focus on the ‘whole child’ is not just a slogan. At Sacred Heart, they genuinely work to ensure each child develops fully. It became clear after my boys had been there a few months that the school really does focus on every aspect of the child, not just academics. They work on public speaking, sports, arts, and personal development. For example, my oldest son was able to speak French fluently during a trip to Cape Breton, and both boys have become comfortable giving speeches in public. They also play hockey both for the school and in local associations.
The school community is diverse, with families from many cultural and professional backgrounds. Parents deeply care about their children’s education, and many are professionals at the top of their fields. Despite differences, what unites the families is their shared value of education and the confidence that their children are in the right place. Over the years, many of our close friends have become other Sacred Heart parents. The parents are engaged through an active guild and contribute to the school community throughout the year.
The boys are proud of their achievements in academics, band, and extracurricular activities. Sometimes they were initially hesitant about trying something new, but with encouragement from parents and teachers, they gave it a shot and succeeded. They have both joined the curling club, enjoy the band program, and are proud of their academic results.
If I were to recommend Sacred Heart School of Halifax to other parents, I would highlight three things: academics, the whole-child approach, and community. The school offers a rigorous academic program, ensures children are developed in all areas of life, and fosters a strong sense of community among students and parents alike.
- The first thing I would say to parents searching for a school is to think carefully as a family about what you value. Private school requires a significant commitment, so it is important to be clear about what you want for your child. If you value strong academics, developing the whole child, and raising children who care about making a difference in the world, I would strongly recommend Sacred Heart School of Halifax. It is an incredible school, and we are grateful our boys are part of it.
