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St Mary's Primary School Banbridge

Shine a Light on Autism Acceptance

31st Mar 2026

Today, our school community came together for Blue Day, a special event dedicated to recognising and celebrating Autism Acceptance. The day highlighted one of our core values: embracing difference and nurturing a community where every child is valued for who they are.

From the moment pupils and families arrived this morning, they were greeted by two breathtaking balloon arches at both school entrances. These beautiful displays were lovingly created and generously donated by Victoria and Sergiu Fratescu. Victoria, who is one of our devoted classroom assistants in Primary 7, offered this gift to help us shine a light on the importance of understanding, accepting, and celebrating autistic individuals.

We are deeply grateful to Victoria and Sergiu for their creativity, their generosity, and the joyful impact their work had on our whole school today. Their contribution helped set a warm, inclusive tone for the day’s celebrations.

Throughout the school, corridors and classrooms were filled with shades of blue as pupils and staff dressed in the colour that symbolises autism acceptance. This simple act demonstrated a powerful message: in our school, diversity is a strength, and every learner is recognised, supported, and celebrated.

Blue Day gave us an opportunity to remind our children that everyone’s brain works differently, and these differences enrich our community. By fostering understanding and compassion, we help build a school where every young person feels safe, respected, and included.

Thank you to all pupils, staff, and families for your enthusiasm and support. And once again, our warmest thanks to Victoria and Sergiu for helping make today truly memorable.

Together, we continue to grow as a community that values difference, champions acceptance, and celebrates every child.