Commemorating Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ

Today marks 111 years since the death of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ, an influential Catholic figure and advocate for improving the education of young women and girls. 

Janet was raised Anglican and despite the wishes of her minister father, converted to Catholicism and left home aged 21 to join the Society of the Sacred Heart in Roehampton. Janet would later go on to be elected as the Superior General of the Society in 1911.

For thirty years, Janet travelled internationally and contributed to the development of educational practices that centre the growth of all aspects of a student, in line with Madeleine Sophie Barat's philosophy of Education.

Of these practices, The Five Goals of the Sacred Heart Education remain an influential value system used in Sacred Heart schools worldwide. As educators, the legacy and philosophies of Janet Erskine Stuart inspire our commitment to provide an outstanding Catholic education for all young girls.