BRIGHTER DAYS AND POSITIVITY

It is hard to believe we are into the last week of April already. With the sunshine and vaccines, brighter days are around the corner. A 5th class boy told me yesterday on his way out of school ‘‘Mr. O’Donovan, if we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere’’. This 11-year-old is taking inspiration from poet Seamus Heaney and his teacher Ms. Crowe and it is exactly the right positive message we need our children to hear right now. Spread the word!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

School closure on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th of May. School re-opens on Wednesday 5th of May.

WORLD AUTISM MONTH

World Autism Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the autism community, highlight the challenges autistic people face in society and educate the wider public to have a better understanding of the condition. As we come to the end of World Autism Month, consider how things are for autistic people in Ireland and beyond. Too often autistic people face invisible barriers because of how the world works and the judgement and attitudes of others.

10 ways you can help to say Yes to Autism Acceptance:

1. Being clear
2. Being patient
3. Reaching out
4. Being aware of the sensory environment
5. Fill in the gaps.
6. Being accepting
7. Watch your language.
8. Challenge stigma and bullying
9. Listening and learning
10. Seeing all abilities

For further information please visit www.asiam.ie

STARS OF THE FUTURE

This week’s stars of the future are two very creative boys from Ms O’ Dubhagáin’s 3rd class. Brody Keegan (with help from his grandmother) created the masterpiece above while Tadhg Mulholland had a very busy weekend completing the above Lego. Well done boys, your creativity is inspiring!

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is feeling good about yourself, the world around you and functioning well in everyday life, most of the time. Being resilient and coping with the normal stresses of life is also an important attribute of wellbeing.

There are many things that can influence your wellbeing. These include exercise, diet, sense of belonging, relationships, career, self-care, spirituality and sense of purpose.

Wellbeing is much broader than simply how happy you are. It also includes how satisfied you are with your life, your sense of purpose, and how in control you feel.

These 5 small improvements in wellbeing can increase our ability to lead a more fulfilling life.

Connect

Make time each day to connect. Connect with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. By staying connected and nurturing these relationships we feel happier and more secure, giving us a better sense of purpose.

Be Active

Look for ways to be active every day. Go for a walk or a run. Step outside. Cycle, play a game, garden or dance. Discover a physical activity you enjoy which suits your lifestyle and level of mobility and fitness. Research has shown being physically active can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Take Notice

Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Be Curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Pay attention to the present moment – to your thoughts, feelings and to the world around you.

Keep Learning

Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Cook a new recipe. Take on a new responsibility. Setting yourself a new challenge and learning a new skill will increase your confidence which can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Give

Giving to others is good for you. Do something nice for someone else. Thank someone. Volunteer your time or join a community group. See yourself and your happiness linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and create connectedness with the people around you.

For more information visit www.mentalhealthireland.ie