Social Action
An integral part of a Sacred Heart education is the recognition of responsibility beyond the self
Social Action gives students the opportunity to enhance and improve the lives of others. Like all schools in the Sacred Heart Network, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal commits itself to educate to a social awareness which impels to action.
This includes working to eradicate practices that perpetuate racism and other injustices; practicing stewardship of the Earth’s resources; promoting civic responsibility; and developing in students a lifelong commitment to service.
Social Action Day
In addition to required Social Action hours, all students participate in an annual Social Action Day. This event was launched in 2011 at the initiative of Sarah Murphy, Class of 2012. The entire day is dedicated to volunteering at various local organizations. The organization of the event is also handled by the students, with faculty support.
Social Action Hours
As a prerequisite for graduating with a Sacred Heart certificate, all students must complete 40 hours of community service by April of their Secondary IV year. Half of these social action hours must be completed before entering Secondary IV, including during the summer.
Additionally, students in Secondary IV participate in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), whereby students advocate on behalf of various Montreal charities to win a $5,000 grant from the Toskan-Casale Foundation for the charity of their choice.
Girls for the Cure
The Sacred Heart School of Montreal has supported St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation’s Girls for the Cure since its inception. Our students participate in the annual walk and raise funds for women-related cancer research and treatments. The school’s participation is organized by a student committee, with faculty support.