COMMUNION/CONFIRMATION
 
Some helpful information ahead of the Communion/Confirmation:

• Mass commences at 11am on Friday 31st May 2019.  Pupils making a sacrament do not come to school on that day.  These pupils can arrive at the church up to 10 minutes beforehand with their families. It is a normal school day for all other pupils.  
• Pupils making sacraments will sit with their families in the church.  School staff will be present to offer assistance where needed and to assist pupils with their jobs throughout the mass (readings, offertory etc.)
• There are two pews allocated to each family which will be clearly labelled with the children’s names.  The child should sit close to the end of the pew to facilitate easy exiting during the mass. 
• Communion candidates will come forward and stand beside the altar with a parent as they receive communion.  There will be a labelled space for your child to stand.  Following all communion candidates receiving, the rest of the congregation will be invited to receive communion.
• Confirmation candidates will then be invited by the priest to come forward in a similar way.  They will also have their sponsor present, who places their right hand on the child’s right shoulder.  They will then be anointed with the chrism.
• Families are invited to gather in St. Kevin’s hall following the mass for a small reception with refreshments.  We understand that families may have made their own celebratory plans on the day so this reception is entirely optional and will last approximately 30 minutes.
• Professional photographers will visit the school on Thursday 6th June.  Pupils are invited to wear their special occasion clothes on this day.  Photographs will be taken in the morning and pupils can change afterwards. Sample prints will be sent home and the various prints can be ordered from the school.  

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WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

To celebrate Autism Awareness month and to promote Autism acceptance in the community, ABACAS has "gone BLUE" for Autism awareness.  You will see lots of blue around our school and neighbouring schools this week ahead of our "Blue Day" on Friday.

Below is a youtube video that explains what Autism means and how you can help support someone with Autism.  Feel free to share it with family and friends!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JdCY-cdgkI

https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/sites/default/files/WAAM-A4-print-version-include-autism-everywhere-poster.pdf

Updated Policies
Please find recently ratified policies in our "Policies" section:

• Swimming Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Custody/Separation Policy
• Stay Safe Policy
• RSE Policy
• Toileting/Intimate Care Policy

Child Safeguarding Statement
​The Board of Management reviewed the Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment on the 26th September 2018. The reviewed and ratified statement can now be found under "policies". It is important that all parents and staff familiarise themselves with this very important policy.