Editor’s Note – March 2023

March is a great time to get out and explore nature after the long winter months. Spending time in nature can have a positive effect on our physical and mental health, providing us with an escape from our daily routine. Fresh air can help reduce stress, improve our mood and boost our immunity. Nature can also be a great source of inspiration and creativity and it can provide us with the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

Taking some time to be in nature is also a great way to recharge and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. I was talking about these aspects during my webinar and how important it is to keep a good work-life balance, giving lots of strategies. As there was a high demand for the webinar, the ‘Mood Matters’, which was focused on the wellbeing of SNAs, the webinar will be repeated on the 20th of March (7-8 p.m.). Our SNA Travel Zone will show us how to make the most of March for outdoor activities and we will travel to Avondale to see the beauty of trees.

In this issue, we’ve got a variety of interesting topics for readers to explore. Conor Cronin is giving us advice on how to support students with type 1 Diabetes. In the modern world, our students are exposed to technology and there is nothing wrong with it until technology is taking over our lives, especially in the school environment. I found someone who has a perfect solution to this problem. Karl Hegarty created Phone Box Away and he is telling us about the benefits of switching off mobile phones. The second of March is dedicated to World Book Day, therefore, I invited an author from the UK to tell us all about how the world isn’t built for autistic people. ‘Untypical’ is a worthy read for World Book Day. Recently, podcasts are becoming more and more popular in today’s world.

A while ago, I discovered ‘If I were the Minister for Education’ podcast by Simon Lewis. I was so excited when he agreed for an interview. How many times have you said to yourself, “If I were the Minister for Education…?” Well he does! Rather than grumble to himself, he decided to podcast his thoughts on ways he’d change the primary education system in Ireland. Every episode he’d take on a different theme and in my opinion, he is brave enough to say what he really thinks. Jackie Farrell is showing us new methods of Creative Mindfulness and Well-being for Children. Through “Calming Our Monkey Minds!” she shows us how we can help children to calm and settle busy minds. Noreen Sheehy is sharing the Not-So-Secret Diary of an SNA with us. A very true and touching entry of a diary. Carmel Buckley is taking good care of our wellbeing and she reveals the secrets of reflexology.

My experts as always did a great job and through their thoughtful and insightful contributions, they have provided our readers with a wealth of information and perspectives on a variety of topics. For those who know me well and who follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I love upskilling and as this is the level up season for me, I decided to start a Masters in Inclusive Education and SEN. I wrote an article about a topic we recently discussed during lectures mainly about the Capability Approach to Inclusion. Something new, something which can change our perspective to inclusion.

I hope you enjoy these contributions and find them as interesting and thought-provoking as I did. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of our experts and I thank them for doing such a great job.

Wishing you all a Happy World Book Day, a Happy St. Paddy’s Day and finally a Happy Mother’s Day! Books give us huge power and it is up to us on how we use that power. Let’s raise a pint of Guinness and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with cheer and joy! Finally express our love and gratitude for all of the amazing mothers in our lives, especially Mother Earth! See you in April!

Yours,

MAGDALENA LANDZIAK

EDITOR

March Contents:

The Not-So-Secret Diary by Noreen Sheehy.

The Capability Approach to Inclusive Education by Magdalena Landziak.

Untypical. How the world isn’t built for autistic people and what we should all do about it. An interview with Peter Wharmby.

If I were the Minister for Education. An interview with Simon Lewis.

The Role of an SNA while supporting students with type 1 Diabetes. An interview with Conor Cronin form Diabetes Inclusion.

Calming Our Monkey Minds! Creative Mindfulness and Well-being for Children. By Jackie Farrell.

Phone Away Box. A new initiative design to allow students to reach their full potential during class, free from the distraction of mobile phones. By Karl Hegarty.

SNA Wellness Zone – REFLEXOLOGY by Carmel Buckley.

SNA Travel Zone – AVONDALE by Magdalena Landziak.

SNA First Aid Zone – What is a listed organisation?

SNA Book Zone by Magdalena Landziak.

SNA Fashion Zone for WOMEN by Magdalena Landziak.

SNA Fashion Zone for MEN by Magdalena Landziak.