Sacred Heart School & Georgetown Visitation Celebrate 20 Years of Exchange
Sacred Heart Secondary School (SHS) and Georgetown Visitation School, Washington D.C., recently marked the 20th anniversary of their SHS-Visi TY Exchange Programme (2004–2024), celebrating two decades of cultural and educational exchange.
The programme was first envisioned in 2004 when Ms. Caffery, retired principal of SHS and Ms. Forman Academic Dean of Georgetown Visitation met and brought the idea to life. Over the years, the exchange has allowed students and families from both schools to build lifelong friendships. Though the programme was paused due to Covid-19, communication between Ms. Carroll, principal of SHS and Ms. Lisa Singleton, Visitation Lead teacher remained strong, ensuring its eventual return. After a five-year hiatus, the exchange resumed seamlessly, as if no time had passed.
To mark this milestone, Ms. Carroll, along with Ms. Farrelly, Ms. O'Hara and 17 TY students, travelled to Washington, D.C. in October 2024 for an unforgettable week of cultural immersion, visiting the White House, Capitol building, Arlington cemetery and Lincoln memorial along with many other bonding experiences.
On Saturday, March 15th 2025, Sacred Heart School welcomed the Visitation students, Ms. Singleton, Ms. Jewell and Ms. Burke to Drogheda, where they spent a week with their host families and SHS sisters.
A special welcome assembly, hosted by Ms. Carroll, brought together alumnae of the programme for a 20th-anniversary celebration and tree-planting ceremony—an enduring tribute to the impact of this exchange on young women’s lives.
The week was filled with enriching experiences, including a welcome reception, mass in St Mary's Parish celebrated by Father John, family brunch, Irish dancing lessons, and visits to notable sites such as North Dublin’s coastline, Drogheda’s historical landmarks, the EPIC Museum, Leinster House, Trinity College, Causey Farm, Newgrange, and Colmcille’s GAA Club..
This exchange programme has proven to be a transformative experience for all involved, fostering deep friendships and cultural understanding. Many participants from the very first year of the programme remain in touch, with some even attending each other’s weddings and milestone events.
Sacred Heart Secondary School and Georgetown Visitation are privileged to continue this tradition, strengthening the bond between their communities year after year.
This exchange programme is more than just a cultural experience—it is a bridge between two communities, uniting young women through faith, friendship, and shared traditions. Through these connections, students from both sides of the Atlantic gain a deeper appreciation of each other’s heritage, forging lifelong bonds that reflect the true spirit of Catholic education.