Sacred Heart Academy Pausing Operations at Start of 2025–26 School Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2025 – Feast of the Coronation of Mary

OSHAWA, ON – After prayerful discernment, Sacred Heart Academy (SHA), a Catholic classical school founded in 2023, has announced that it is not on target to open in September for the 2025–26 academic year. The Academy looks to enter a “chrysalis stage,” preserving its foundation and patrimony in hopeful expectation of a future relaunch.

The Steering Committee cited several converging challenges: the late confirmation of a venue, the inability to secure a headmaster, the difficulty of replacing key teachers, and the need for at least 15 additional enrollments to ensure financial viability.

“While we have offered our five loaves and two fishes, the Lord has made it clear that this is a season to pause,” the Committee said. “We remain faithful stewards of what has been built—our corporate and charitable structure, curriculum, policies, and resources—entrusting all to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for a future relaunch, when and by whom He should will it.”

During this time of dormancy, Mr. Ferreira will continue to ensure the corporation remains compliant, though he will not lead the school into a relaunch due to his family’s move out of the Durham region. Likewise, Mr. Taylor will not be returning as a teacher, as he focuses on completing his education and career development.

“Even in this short first chapter of its existence, Sacred Heart Academy has seen remarkable growth and has been a source of hope in the Durham region and beyond,” said Mr. Ferreira. “This was evident at the Advent Dinner, which brought together some 200 members of the Catholic community, as well as through our recent golf tournament.”

The Steering Committee added: “We place the Academy anew in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His Providence. May the Lord raise up others to carry this apostolate into its next chapter.

“Like a butterfly waiting to emerge, SHA will pause at the start of the 2025–26 school year while preserving all that has been built. With trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we remain hopeful for a future relaunch. Please pray with us as we await God’s timing.”

For more information or to contact the SHA Steering Committee, please email info@sacredheartdurham.com.

Sacred Heart Academy www.sacredheartdurham.com www.facebook.com/SacredHeartA