Dear Sacred Heart Family,
The 2008-2009 school year signifies a new chapter in the history of Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill, as well as a new journey in my life and career as an educational leader. I am honored to join this Sacred Heart community and do so with a sense of humility, enthusiasm and a deep respect for the foundation established by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. I am also mindful that I follow the footsteps of esteemed leaders such as the RSCJ who have faithfully served, and continue to serve, this wonderful school, as well as Dr. Sam Sciortino who left us his legacy of loving care. Now, as we embark on this journey together, I will look to the wisdom of my predecessors for continued support and guidance. And, to the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi that states, "Seek first to understand." I will also draw on St. Madeleine Sophie Barat's governance for decision-making, "I watch, I listen, I pray and I ask others to pray."
As an educator and history enthusiast, I value the past and how it can serve as a solid foundation on which to build the future. It is evident that the history of the school, and the remarkable leaders who have had a hand in building that history, laid a solid foundation from which we can continue to grow. In preparation for my tenure as Head of School, I have had the privilege of studying the founding history of the school through many resources including Journey of the Heart and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne's biography by Louise Callan, RSCJ. These works provide a deeper perspective of the Sacred Heart philosophy and the dedication of our founders.
In addition, my wife, Anne Marie, and I set out on a personal pilgrimage to begin to root ourselves in the Sacred Heart Goals & Criteria. It began with a visit to the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles where St. Rose Philippine's spirit is ever present today in the halls of the school and the heart of its leader, Maureen Glavin, RSCJ. We also visited St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to see the splendid statue depicting St. Madeleine Sophie and climbed the Spanish Steps to pray before Mater Admirabilis. These experiences serve to deepen my understanding and growing love for this Sacred Heart community and are the launching pad from which I begin my first year as Head of School.
With a deeper understanding of the school's past, I will now focus my first year on understanding the present and preparing to lead us to the future, ever mindful of a Students First philosophy that is centered on educating the whole child with unconditional love. I will reach out to my Sacred Heart family: students, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, alumnae, alumni, trustees, volunteers and friends. I will listen to your thoughts, hopes, dreams, experiences and concerns for our school so that I may better understand how to lead the way. Together we can work to enhance every aspect of this extraordinary school and continue to honor the timeless traditions that link us to the past.
In closing, I offer my gratitude to the entire Sacred Heart community for extending a warm welcome to me and my family and I look forward to building lasting relationships with you.
One family in the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Jack Rizzo, Ed.D.
Head of School
