Life at Woodlands Academy is strengthened and enhanced by our traditions-many of which are shared with Sacred Heart schools around the world. Our traditions help us remember, celebrate, relive and revitalize who we are in relation to our past. We remember some aspect of our history or our heritage. And, in remembering, we explore more deeply the meaning of our lives and reflect upon our hopes, ideals and our future.
Many of the traditions at Woodlands are shared by all Sacred Heart Schools around the world. The Feast of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat is cause for us to remember and to rejoice in her vision and the heritage that is ours today-an education that is strong in its studies, serious in its principles and rich in the spirit of life and of love. The Feast of Saint Philippine Duchesne celebrates her courage as the pioneer missionary who first brought Sacred Heart schools to North America. The Feast of Mater Admirabilis commemorates the place that Mary has in our lives. And traditions such as congés, goûters and prize days strengthen our bonds and celebrate our heritage. Sacred Heart celebrations and traditions are marked by affection, warmth and joy.
Mass of the Holy Spirit - This liturgy and flag ceremony is celebrated at the opening of school to ask God's blessing on the school year and to celebrate our internationality.
Feast of Mater Admirabilis - These words mean "Mother Most Admirable," one of the titles of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The original painting of Mater is a fresco, found at the Trinita'dei Monti in Rome. The fresco was painted by Pauline Perdreau, a young Religious of the Sacred Heart. It depicts Mary as a young girl, dressed in pink. A liturgy to honor Mater is held during the month of October, when Sacred Heart sophomores receive medals with pictures of Mater.
Switch Night - A designated evening when the day students are invited to spend the night in the Boarding School.
Feast of Saint Philippine Duchesne - This feast day is celebrated on November 17th. Saint Philippine Duschesne brought the first Religious of the Sacred Heart to America from France in 1818. She was canonized a saint in 1988.
Lambs at the Crib - A Christmas tradition with the school's crèche scene. Each student is assigned a lamb that moves closer to the manger each day as the student completes specific projects or good works.
Mother/Daughter Christmas Tea - A holiday gathering for all students and their mothers.
Ring Ceremony - The Juniors receive their class rings from the Seniors at this ceremony. It is tradition for the Juniors to have their friends turn their rings - once for every year (based on the date of graduation) and once for luck. That means this year's Juniors have their friends turn their rings 100 + 1 times!
Feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat -This feast day is celebrated every May 25th. Madeleine Sophie Barat founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in France in 1800. She was canonized a saint in 1925.
May Crowning - a traditional way within the Catholic Church to honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus, by crowning her statue with a wreath of flowers. The students and faculty vote for Seniors to crown the statue, carry the crown, read a prayer and carry a banner. The Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors each select a class representative to walk in the Guard of Honor.
WAAA Induction Ceremony & Mother/Daughter Brunch - Given by the Mothers' Club each Spring, this luncheon honors the Seniors and their mothers and welcomes the Seniors into the Alumnae Association.
Father-Daughter Events - e.g. Whirlyball, Sports activities such as Puff Polo and Bocce Ball Tournament, Pins and Pizza Night.
Sacred Heart Awards - A peer award given each quarter to two members of each class for iving the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria.
Honors Assemblies - Traditionally known as "prize days," these assemblies are held twice a year at the end of each semester's academic work. Prize days include both academic and non-academic awards.
Congé - This is a "play day" or surprise day when studies are suddenly put aside and all energy is channeled into having fun. Congé also is the name of Woodland's annual benefit party planned by the Mother's Club.
Cache Cache - A hide-and-seek game played at special school days such as freshmen orientation or Congé.
Goûter - A French term meaning "to taste," this refers to a special treat, served on special occasions, meant to nourish the mind and spirit.
Red & White Days - Special out-of-uniform days to promote certain activities and school spirit.
Wildcat of the Week Award - a spirit award given by the Woodlands Academy Council of Representatives (W.A.C.O.R.) each week to recognize special service to the school.
