DANVERS -- St. Mary of the Annunciation School held a successful kick-off to the 2018-19 school year with a family barbeque and ice cream social held on Aug. 29.

Approximately 350 people came together to celebrate, including students and their families, faculty and administration, as well as Brother Thomas Zoppo, FSC, head of school of Bishop Fenwick High School, several Bishop Fenwick board members, Sister M. Paul McCaughey, OP of Chicago and Sister Theresa Ryder, SND.

St. Mary's and Bishop Fenwick High School recently announced a strategic partnership, enabling an innovative collaboration between the two schools allowing for curriculum resource sharing, and a streamlined approach for students to have a positive Catholic school educational experience Pre-k through 12th grade.

Parent volunteers organized music, games, and face painting in the schoolyard, as well as a raffle. The barbeque food was generously provided by Pomodori Pizzeria of Ipswich owned by school parents Peter and Angela Nikolakopoulos. In spite of the heat, ice cream was scooped by St. Mary's faculty members and staff. The atmosphere of the evening was one of joy, community, commitment and renewal.

Sharon Burrill, St. Mary's recently appointed principal said, "The wonderful, positive energy at our gathering reflects the incredible commitment of our St. Mary's school community. What an exciting launch to this new year together with our families and staff, and the community at Bishop Fenwick!"

Established in 1957 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the St. Mary of the Annunciation School offers pre-K through 8th grade education in the Catholic tradition. The school seeks to provide an atmosphere where faith and knowledge meet to provide a sound foundation for life-long learning, empowering each student to reach their full potential through a process that encourages character development, spiritual growth, and academic excellence.