School Traditions

The treasured “Big Brother, Little Brother” relationship fosters leadership skills among Regis’ middle school students. The older boys take responsibility for younger boys at many school functions. Big Brothers lead by example, serving as mentors and modeling expectations of respect and high moral character. Strong bonds between Big and Little Brothers are formed as the relationships build over a four-year period. Students in 3 Pre-K are introduced to their fifth grade Big Brothers and remain with them throughout the next four years.

Today is Congé! (pronounced kon-zhay, French for leave-taking or farewell) This announcement is much anticipated by students at Sacred Heart schools around the world. It signals a day when the entire student body leaves its regular studies and has fun. The boys look forward to this all year. It can be any day, but it is always a surprise and designated by our Head of School. Social Awareness activities are often included on Regis Congé days as a way to give back and remember our commitment to Sacred Heart Goal III (a social awareness which impels to action).

Field Day is a special day near the end of each school year when students in Sacred Heart schools are able to display their athletic gifts. At Regis, Field Day is a half day, multi-discipline sports event with the entire school divided into teams so that all grades work and play together. Each team is comprised of a mix of boys from each grade level. 

Goûter (pronounced goo-tay, French for to taste) is a dessert given to the students on special feast days and holidays. The Sacred Heart tradition of “goûter” dates back to the days when students often were in class until late in the afternoon and needed a snack to stay focused on their studies.

The International Passport is an identification card that can serve as a means of introduction in the 41 countries where the Society of the Sacred Heart presently serves. The International Passport is usually given by the Head of School at the end of the school year to graduating eighth grade students.

The term Mater Admirabilis (pronounced mah-tair ad-meer-ah-buh-lus, Latin for Mother Most Admirable) refers to a painting of the Virgin Mary created by a novice of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Her painting, a fresco finished in 1844, depicts Mary as a young woman in a rose-colored dress. Every Sacred Heart school has a statue or painting of Mater. At Regis, our statue of Mater is located in the Kelley building. A small kneeler is available at the base of the statue for quiet prayer and the boys may, and often do, leave slips of paper with special prayer intentions.

The feast day of Mater Admirabilis is October 20, and, on this day each year, the boys adorn her statue with festive pink carnations. Additionally, during the months of October and May, Regis students may earn prestigious Mater medals. These medals are awarded to those students who best exemplify the chosen virtue for the month. Highlighted virtues include kindness, humility, and patience as they are most closely associated with Mater. The Mater medals are awarded each day at morning assembly.