Leadership, Health, & Wellness
A Sacred Heart education is rooted in the belief that we are called to educate the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Guided by our Strategic Plan, Pursuing Excellence, and the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education, we are committed to forming young women of faith, leadership and service. Through an integrated approach to leadership, health, and wellness, students develop the self-awareness, resilience, compassion, and confidence to lead with courage, and purpose while using their gifts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Across all divisions, students engage in age-appropriate experiences that nurture their emotional, social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth. Through classroom learning, advisory, theology, service learning, wellness programming, and student leadership opportunities, they strengthen healthy relationships, deepen their faith, develop sound judgment, and discover their unique voices as leaders. Students learn that leadership is rooted in empathy, reflection, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Educators, school psychologists, nurses, and divisional leaders work collaboratively to provide a coordinated and developmentally appropriate program that grows with students from the earliest years through Upper School. Each experience is intentionally designed to build upon the last, empowering every student to flourish academically and personally while preparing her to lead with wisdom, compassion, and conviction in an increasingly interconnected world.
Hear from Mrs. Jenn Bensen
Leadership
Leadership is cultivated through self-awareness, confidence, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. We believe every student has the ability to lead, and we provide opportunities for girls of all ages to discover their strengths, develop their voices, and understand the impact they can have in their communities and beyond. Leadership development is woven throughout the Sacred Heart experience and grows with students over time. Through classroom experiences, service opportunities, student organizations, mentorship, and dedicated leadership programs, students build the skills needed to collaborate, communicate effectively, advocate for others, and lead with purpose.
Lower School
In the Lower School, students begin developing self-awareness by learning to recognize, understand, and express their emotions. Through collaboration among classroom teachers, school psychologists, and nurses, students build foundational skills in emotional regulation, empathy, resilience, and positive relationships.
Guided by the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education and our Catholic identity, students develop leadership through meaningful opportunities to serve and contribute to the life of the school. Whether serving on Student Council, leading prayers during Gatherings, Chapels, and Liturgies, participating in Prayer Buddies, or recognizing the kindness and contributions of others through traditions such as Green Ribbon, students learn that leadership begins with service, compassion, and a commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive community. These experiences help students find their voice, grow in confidence, and understand the positive impact they can have on those around them.
Middle School
In the Middle School, leadership is an integral part of the Middle School experience. Students have opportunities to serve on Student Council, lead and participate in student clubs, and take active roles in Gatherings, Chapels, and Liturgies by offering prayers, reflections, readings, and presentations. Through advisory, network exchange, service-learning experiences, peer collaboration, and our Leadership Development Mini-Course, students build confidence, strengthen their communication and collaboration skills, and learn to lead with integrity and purpose. The mini-course provides students with intentional opportunities to explore leadership styles, reflect on their strengths, practice teamwork, and develop the habits of compassionate and effective leaders.
The Middle School experience culminates in the Grade 8 Capstone Project, an interdisciplinary experience that challenges students to apply their learning to a topic of personal interest. Through research, collaboration, presentation, and reflection, students demonstrate intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership while developing the confidence to share their ideas with an authentic audience.
Upper School
In the Upper School, leadership opportunities extend far beyond the classroom. Students serve in elected and appointed leadership roles through Student Council, honor societies, student-led clubs and organizations, athletic teams, performing arts, Campus Ministry, peer leadership, and service initiatives. Through these experiences, students develop the skills to collaborate effectively, communicate thoughtfully, solve problems creatively, and lead with empathy.
Our Leadership Academy provides students with intentional opportunities to explore leadership styles, strengthen public speaking and decision-making skills, and reflect on how their gifts can be used in service of the common good. Additional experiences including externships, global education, service learning, and student-led Morning Meetings, Chapels, and Liturgies encourage students to engage confidently with the world beyond Sacred Heart Greenwich while remaining rooted in faith and committed to making a meaningful impact.
By graduation, Sacred Heart Greenwich students understand that authentic leadership is not defined by a title, but by the courage to lead with conviction, the humility to serve others, and the confidence to make a positive difference in their communities and throughout the world.
Sacred Heart Greenwich Leadership Academy
Designed to guide young women to discover and develop their unique leadership skills, the Sacred Heart Greenwich Leadership Academy is an opportunity for students to further their leadership development in the Upper School at Sacred Heart Greenwich. Students in each grade level completed an end of year culminating experience applying the skills and feedback they have acquired in the program in order to earn the Certificate of Mastery in Leadership.
Health & Wellness
We believe that caring for oneself and others is an essential part of becoming a confident, compassionate, and capable individual. Our Health & Wellness program supports the development of the whole person by helping students build self-awareness, resilience, healthy relationships, and the skills needed to make thoughtful decisions.
Wellness is woven throughout the Sacred Heart experience and extends beyond a traditional health curriculum. Through classroom learning, advisory, counseling support, athletics, the arts, and community experiences, students explore their emotional, social, physical, and spiritual well-being in ways that are meaningful and developmentally appropriate.
Lower School
In the Lower School, students begin developing the foundations of wellness by learning to recognize and express emotions, build friendships, resolve conflicts, and make responsible choices. Through wellness lessons, classroom conversations, and guidance from faculty and counselors, students develop social-emotional skills that support their growth as learners and community members.
Students also build healthy habits through movement and physical education experiences that encourage teamwork, confidence, coordination, and an appreciation for lifelong wellness.
Middle School
Health and wellness education is an integral part of every Middle School student's experience at Sacred Heart Greenwich. Through dedicated Health & Wellness classes each year, students develop the self-awareness, decision-making skills, and healthy habits needed to navigate adolescence with confidence, compassion, and resilience.
Rooted in the Sacred Heart mission and the education of the whole person, our comprehensive program takes a balanced, developmentally appropriate approach to physical, emotional, social, and digital well-being. In partnership with faculty, school psychologists, nurses, and expert guest speakers, students explore relevant topics including relationships, mental health, body development, nutrition, drug and substance education, digital citizenship, personal responsibility, and healthy decision-making. Through meaningful conversations, expert guidance, and practical tools, students are empowered to better understand themselves, make thoughtful choices, and develop the confidence and skills to thrive as young women of faith, intellect, and compassion.
Upper School
In the Upper School, students deepen their understanding of wellness through Health & Wellness coursework and the Active Wellness Program. Health classes provide opportunities for students to explore topics such as mental and emotional health, safety, healthy relationships, human development, and informed decision-making, all grounded in Sacred Heart values.
The Active Wellness Program is designed to provide students with a variety of opportunities to stay active, build self-confidence, and foster connections with their peers, all while supporting their holistic development.
Recognizing that each student has unique interests and needs, the program offers flexible options to ensure meaningful participation. Students select the option that best aligns with their interests, schedule, and goals. Academic Deans and faculty are available to help guide students in making the best choice for their wellness journey.
In wellness class, I learned about the brain and what we need to do to have a healthy mind. I also studied good nutrition for a healthy body.
Lily ’29
Sacred Heart allows me to have wise freedom and taught me to make good choices rooted in my moral values. The Leadership Academy workshops help me grow as an approachable leader.
Jacqueline ’23
I learned that being on my electronics means having a time limit to help keep my brain healthy. Apps are exciting to use and they can be a creative way to send positive messages.
Nora ’32
Speaker series
Sacred Heart Greenwich recognizes that learning takes place in many venues. As a complement to our extensive curriculum, we take great pride in partnering with our community to engage experts in the fields of leadership, health, and wellness. Parallel programs and workshops are intentionally designed to align with the work students undertake in all of their other Sacred Heart experiences.
Recent speakers include:
Ali Truwit : U.S. Paralympic silver medalist, NCAA swimmer, and advocate for resilience and perseverance, Truwit shared her remarkable story of overcoming adversity, encouraging students to embrace challenges with courage, determination, and hope.
Haben Girma: Human rights lawyer, author, and the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, Girma inspired students to redefine accessibility as an opportunity for innovation and leadership while demonstrating the power of inclusion and perseverance.
Dr. Lisa Damour, Ph.D. :Psychologist, best-selling author, and New York Times monthly columnist, Damour spoke to faculty, staff, parents, and students on development, health and wellness.
Darby Fox, MSW : Child and adolescent family therapist, Fox spoke to parents and students on the impact of social media on young women’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Commander Rebecca Calder, USNR: Sponsored by Upper School Athletics, Calder, the first female pilot to graduate from the elite U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), spent the day visiting students across all divisions on the topic of "Finding Your Why."
Sharon Greenberger - President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, Greenberger was the inaugural speaker for the 2023 Leadership Academy and spoke to students about the importance of confidence, leadership, and leading with courage.
Meet the Team
Ms. Christina Cauliffe
Head Athletic Trainer, Upper and Middle School Health Teacher, and Health and Wellness Department Chair
