Interview with Sacred Heart School of Halifax PARENT, Mary Shakespeare
- Name
Mary Shakespeare - Child 1
Gr. 11 - Gr. 12 (Female, Day Student) - Child 2
Gr. 10 - Gr. 12 (Female, Day Student) - Child 3
Gr. 9 - Gr. 12 (Male, Day Student)
Mary, a parent at Sacred Heart School of Halifax, shared her perspective on the school’s flexible, supportive approach, warm community, personalized programs, dedicated teachers, and holistic opportunities that help her children thrive academically and socially.
Highlights from the interview
The advice I would give is to find a school that’s willing to accommodate whatever variety of needs you have and can show you their game plan for how they’re going to do it. When we were choosing a school, we had narrowed it down to three schools that were similar in size and quality of education. I visited each school, spoke with admissions, and tried to get a good sense of what each offered.
- Sacred Heart stood out because of its flexibility within the curriculum and willingness to tailor programs to meet our kids’ needs.
Sacred Heart stood out because of its flexibility within the curriculum and willingness to tailor programs to meet our kids’ needs.
From day one, the kids responded very positively. None of them came straight home after their first day. They went to friends’ houses or spent time with peers immediately. This response, both academically and socially, was immediate and encouraging.
We were pleasantly surprised by how smoothly our kids integrated, even during challenging years like grades 9 through 11. The school community was welcoming, and we had very positive experiences with other families. Many families shared common values, particularly around community involvement and charity.
The senior leadership is focused and dedicated, and the instructors truly care about the students. My measure of quality is how I feel after parents’ evening, and each time I left, I felt grateful for their dedication. The level of instruction, care, and personal attention was excellent.
The school’s spiritual aspect also added another layer of personal development for the students.
The key is finding a school that can accommodate your child’s specific needs.
Ultimately, my advice is to find a school that can show you how it will meet your child’s diverse needs and has a clear plan for doing so. That approach made all the difference for us.
