Kenora Catholic District School Board

The gymnasium at Pope John Paul II school in Kenora was busy on Wednesday evening as they hosted a Strawberry Social. The family event was in celebration of Catholic Education Week.

"I think it's awesome," said parent Beck Gardner. "My daughter, Annah, is having a good time and she's really been looking forward to coming. It's nice that I get to come out because I sometimes work late so it was great to be able to come tonight."

The social was a family BBQ that included dinner, face-painting, photo cut-outs and games outside in the sunshine. The school also set up mats in the gym so families could enjoy their dinner picnic-style. Educational assistant, Marion McKay explains why they chose strawberries as their theme.

"A strawberry is a heart fruit and what we thought of with this year's theme is love. Love is alive in our board, so we went with the heart fruit as our theme," she said. McKay added how the social plays in to Catholic Education Week and this year's theme 'Renewing the Promise'.

"It definitely renews my spirit. It's wonderful to see the families and children come together, the happiness and smiles on their faces. It's love growing here and spreading everywhere," she said.

The Strawberry Social fell in the middle of a busy week for Pope John Paul II as they celebrated Catholic Education Week. The school held various events including a book fair, the travelling story and mural "Just Be the Tree God Made You to Be", a trip to St. Thomas Aquinas for the vocal show, a Faith Play Day with École Ste. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Jump Rope for Heart and both an opening and closing prayer service.

Overall it was a busy week for the school as they focused on this year's theme by exploring the way in which Catholic Education prepares students not only academically but also mentally and emotionally, to become young adults who will be responsible and contributing members of society in the future.