Shrewsbury – Joan T. Barry, principal of St. Mary School in Shrewsbury, is retiring at the end of June, following 45 years in elementary and middle school education and eight years as principal of St. Mary School.
Barry’s academic career includes serving as assistant principal at Shrewsbury Middle School, principal at Millennium School and Stony Brook School in Westford, and director of professional development for TEACHERS 21 in Wellesley.
During her time as principal and 26 years as a St. Mary’s parishioner, she has fostered the school’s commitment to faith-based Catholic education and service, expanded the curriculum and technology integration to strengthen enrollment and retention, oversaw the expansion of the parish and school meeting, office and media center spaces, and set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning for students, faculty and staff.
“The students, parents, faculty and staff of St. Mary School along with the parishioners of St. Mary’s are most grateful for the leadership Joan Barry has provided over the past eight years,” said Monsignor Michael Rose. “Her educational experience, dedication to children, and warm, friendly manner have truly been a blessing for us all.”
Monsignor Rose has named Jeanmarie MacDonough, currently St. Mary School’s assistant principal and admissions director, as Barry’s successor effective July 1.
St. Mary School is located at 16 Summer St., Shrewsbury. For more information, visit www.stmarysparish.org/school
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