REVIEW OF Sacred Heart School of Halifax BY student, Coco Lee

(5) Student Experience

I joined SHSH in grade 8 when I barely knew anyone. I was nervous and intimidated at first, but from the moment I sat down on orientation day, I knew this school would be more than a community; it would be my family. The qualities that made my experience the way it is are definitely the people within this school. This school has been the place where I can talk to anyone, whether students, faculty, or teachers. Teachers actually want you to do well in your classes, and faculty higher up understand the academic values you carry. Most importantly, the friends I have made are what make my day-to-day life better. My friends are people I can call my forever; even people outside my friend group are people I can rely on. I think the best part about making friends at SHSH is the long-lasting friendships with everyone. Since the school is so close and small, it's easy to make friends from all grade levels. I still talk to graduates from last year who have helped me with essays and schoolwork, and I always have small talk with students from grades 7 to 12 in the hallway.

The Best Part

The best part about attending SHSH is the traditions and values. Some may think traditions and values can be unnecessary or boring, but I think it is what makes our school different from others. Traditions like Last Will and Congé are traditions I always look forward to throughout the year. It brings the whole school together; throughout the whole year, teachers, faculty, and student leaders organize activities that bring our community closer.

Suggested Improvements

As a Grade 10 student who took advanced science this year, I had some difficulties navigating the changes in the system. This year, three teachers have chosen to teach one science subject on their own: physics, chemistry, and biology. This was the first year they decided to rotate three classes through these subjects. So, in the first term, all I learnt was physics, while in the other two classes, I either learnt chemistry or biology. I thought it was a smart idea to learn our strengths and weaknesses, but because my strongest unit wasn't in physics, my grades were poor. Therefore, my grades for the first term, which is worth 40% of my final grade, are solely based on how well I did in physics instead of being tested on all three sciences. This was confusing because in chemistry and biology, I ended with high 90s, but since my physics grade from term 1 wasn't as high, my final average will be lower. This class definitely taught me my strengths and weaknesses, but the way our grade is averaged is unfair.

Hidden Details

How much the teachers are willing to help you succeed. I have never been to a school where the teachers offer time outside of their teaching hours to help you on a topic or homework you're stuck on. These teachers want the best for you, and they will help you every step of the way while pushing you.

(5) School Leadership

I respect all the school leaders; they genuinely care about you. Our guidance counsellor has helped me through stressful times, balancing high-performance athletics with schoolwork. The headmaster and principal always stand outside the school doors each morning, welcoming students in for 45 minutes no matter the weather. I think small things like "how was your weekend?" really come from the heart and can make someone's day. The thing I like most about them is how their doors are always open; I can go in any time to give them a wave or have a chat about how school is going. Overall, it is a very welcoming environment for anyone; it has never felt intimidating talking to any of them.

(4) Teaching

I think most of the teachers do care about how well you do in their class. I had the great honour of learning from some of the best teachers in this school. For example, Bill Druker was my Grade 10 Chemistry teacher; from the moment I walked in, he made a promise that we would succeed in his class by doing the work he gave us. His constant encouragement and his passion for teaching really rubbed off on me, and it showed that some people were really meant to teach. He always offered help at the end of class and only moved forward with materials when everyone understood them. I think a lot of teachers understand that it is hard to manage all your schoolwork while also managing outside school life. But I think some teachers should try to make more of an effort to reduce certain schoolwork in their classes. Sometimes they will assign us unrelated projects or homework on the material we are being assessed on. Therefore, our focus and energy go towards that while we could be studying for an important test.

(4.5) Academics

I think the work is just right for me personally. I took 3/4 advanced classes these years, and although there were hard times and materials that weren't easy for me to understand, they challenged me to grow. Everyone is different, and we are all at different levels when it comes to learning, but I think having the advanced and pre-AP classes before grades 11 and 12 helps you find your level. I took grade 9 advanced math when it was first open, and that was the first class where I failed my first test and quizzes. Even though it was hard, I learned from all of them, and now in grade 10, still taking advanced math, I have been doing exceptionally well. Even this year, while taking AP Seminar 10, I learned more skills and ways to write a proper essay that have helped me contribute to my school's newspaper, Shark Tank.

(N/A) Extracurriculars

I believe there is a club for everyone at SHSH. I know because I created a club this year called Heartline Media, have been involved in the process of creating a new club, and have had the opportunity to explore others and work with them. Heartline Media is a club where students can share their experiences, such as school events, by creating social media posts. These posts go on our school's Instagram page to share with our community. There is definitely more than enough for everyone to do; it goes from a wide range of Senior School Robotics to Latin dance. All these clubs are 100% voluntary, and student leaders and teachers help make it happen.

(4) Students

Everyone has their own personality, but I think what's special about SHSH is the fact that no matter how quiet or loud you are, you have a place. I think that because the school is so small, it instantly solidifies the classroom dynamics to become welcoming. The students who do well are students who put in work outside of school to do well on a test, and the students who care about their grades. The students who tend to struggle are students who don't really care what they get on a test or their involvement in the school. Those students tend to be boys because they don't really care what others think, while the girls do. At the end of the day, I think everyone has a sense of belonging in a community that makes us want to talk to new people and to each other.

(4) School Life

I would take them to the old part of the school, back when it was an all-girls school. Part of all the values and traditions SHSH holds today comes from the generational development of the school. There are still some of the old buildings that remain, and photos and classrooms that stay the same. I think still having that piece of history is important to share with visitors.

(5) Community

The school is a family to me; it is where I can be myself. It is a place where I can meet with my closest friends and talk to teachers who make me feel appreciated. But I also think I have done a lot to make sure I feel included and build those connections around me. It can be hard for others to feel the same way as I do, especially if you aren't as outgoing as some. Even though the teachers make an effort to talk to you, it goes both ways, so I think as long as that respect and effort are mutual, everyone has the chance to feel that inclusivity.

(5) School Location

Yes, I do go off campus during lunch times, since we are right in the city and on Spring Garden, it is easy for us to go out and get food. High school students who are allowed to go out do go out; I think the majority choose to go out because of the many options they have out there. It's a short walk to where all the food stores are, and close bus rides if you want to go farther down into the city.

(N/A) Admissions

I honestly don't remember a lot from my admission process because my parents handled a lot of the paperwork and stuff, but I do remember my school tours and orientation day. Some advice I would give to someone new in the process is to be open-minded and to be attentive to the environment around you. I'm a strong believer in making the experience the experience you want. If you go into orientation day already hating the school, you are not going to have a good time, but if you go in with a positive mindset, I can guarantee you that you will make the most out of the years you are at this school.