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LNS Celebrates Our Learning Organization Members: Click on the logo to read about them.

QLN
Queens Learning Network


April 2016   |   Volume 13   |   Issue 8
News From Literacy Nova Scotia
Executive Director's Message
Literacy Nova Scotia’s board and staff are honouring Gary Mason’s contribution to furthering literacy in Nova Scotia by naming one of the two $500 NSPGI 2016 learner awards in his honour. Please encourage adult learners in your organization who have shown outstanding achievements to apply. The Gary Mason Achievement Award and Nova Learning Inc Nova Scotia Learner Award will be presented at the NSPGI Golf Tournament for Literacy on June 8 at The Links at Penn Hills, Shubenacadie.

LNS is also looking for learner representatives on the board of directors. Nominations are open until April 19th. A learner representative is someone who has attended an adult learning program in Nova Scotia and can bring that perspective to the board.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Practitioner Training and Certification Program who received certification on March 31st. Please note, these modules are available to everyone as stand-alone modules along with being part of the Certification Program. New 2016-17 schedule

The general consensus is that we had an exceptional conference on March 31st & April 1st! As with all learning, one size does not fit all. We offered diverse programs on diverse topics with the intention that everyone would find something worthwhile! I believe we succeeded. Read a few of the enthusiastic responses we received.

We are pleased to feature the Queens County Learning Network in our member spotlight.

If you would like to support the work of Literacy Nova Scotia, you can get involved in upcoming fundraisers: Fashion Show for Literacy (May 15, 2016 in Truro), Bluenose Marathon, Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament or by donating.

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What's New
Opportunities for Learners

Bria
Bria Marsman (right) of Options Work Activity Program (Metroworks) was the lucky winner of the ALW iPad Mini Draw.
April 3 – 9th is Adult Learners’ Week in
Nova Scotia

LNS hosted workshops across the province, including the writing workshop with Jenni Blackmore. We held a draw from all eligible submissions of learner stories, and Bria Marsman was the lucky winner of the iPad Mini. All the learner stories are featured in the ALW ebooklet. We are pleased to have 3 learner spokespersons who are encouraging others to improve their literacy skills. Marcia, Terry and Sarah will be featured in radio ads to promote Adult Learners’ Week. We'll be featuring learners all week on Facebook.

Learner Representative Positions Open: LNS Board of Directors
There are three learner representative positions open for new nominations. The deadline for receiving nominations is April 19th at 4:30pm. More details about the nomination process. Please note, two current learner representatives have agreed to have their name stand for re-nomination. Elections will be held on May 3rd if needed to fill these vacancies. The new terms will begin following the next Annual General Meeting on May 27, 2016.

Applications for 2016 NSPGI Adult Learner Recognition Awards Available
These finincial awards will be presented on June 8th at the NSPGI Golf Tournament for Literacy:
Gary Mason Achievement Award recognizes an adult learner attending Levels 1, 2, or 3 of an Adult Learning Program and who plans to continue in the learning program. Application deadline is May 13, 2016
Nova Learning Nova Scotia Learner Award - Application deadline is May 13, 2016

LNS Scholarship and Bursary Awards Available for Adult Learners
Three bursaries of $500 and two scholarships of $1500 (one of which is designated for a NSCC Truro Campus Student) are available.
Bursary Application - Application deadline is October 21, 2016
Scholarship Application - Application deadline is October 21, 2016

Opportunities for Practitioners
REGISTER NOW - Practitioner Training (PT) Modules in April:
Techniques for Teaching Reading, Writing, and Spelling: Apr 10 – May 6
Teaching Math - Keeping It Real: Apr 10 – May 6
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for more details on the program, modules, and tuition schedule. The program is tuition free for members of Literacy Nova Scotia who are with a NSSAL funded program. Anyone can take the training. Email Marie David to register for these modules.

Is there a PD opportunity that would benefit your learning organization?
Apply to the PD Fund. You can read about what others have learned through training funded by the PD Fund. All practitioners (tutors, instructors), coordinators, and board members are eligible for funding up to $1000 per year for professional development relevant to their role at their community-based learning network.

Opportunities for Organizations
Community-based learning organizations can apply every year for free computer systems and laptops. Organizations should be replacing older systems each year. Apply today! These come with Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 installed. Other computer accessories are also available through our partnership with Computers for Schools.

Community-based learning organizations funded under NSSAL can apply for ipad minis and other assistive technology.


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In The News
Cape Breton University and Sydney Credit Union Offer Finance Course
A group at Cape Breton University says many people don't know how to manage their money because no one is teaching them. The university is partnering with the Sydney Credit Union to offer public classes explaining the basics of everything from budgeting to borrowing. Read more

Call for Proposals: Government of Canada Funding Available for Projects That Empower Women
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women invites organizations to submit proposals for projects that increase women’s participation in democratic and public life. This call is divided into two streams. Application deadlines - Stream 1: June 1, 2016; Stream 2: April 20, 2016. Read more

Skills Canada: The Olympics for Trades Students
Skills Canada has been promoting technological education and engagement in the trades for more than 10 years, hand-in-glove with keen teachers at the secondary and post-secondary level who encourage and groom students to participate in regional and provincial competitions. Read more

From Brigid Hayes: Budget 2016
The federal government brought down its first budget recently, and took baby steps towards fulfilling several of the campaign promises made regarding skills training and workforce development. Read more

The Latest Approach to Employee Training
How do you educate and train a workforce that is more easily distracted than ever? For some companies, the answer is short digital learning sessions that are available at employees’ convenience. “The way that people learn has shifted.”
Read more

Employment Opportunity: Instructional Designer
FocusFit Multimedia Learning in Ottawa requires Instructional Designers. Responsibilities include researching, writing and editing curriculum content including workbooks, guidebooks, e-learning, websites, seminars, webinars, instructional videos and other learning materials and resources. Contact jobs@focusfit.com

April is National Poetry Month
The League of Canadian Poets invites you to celebrate the timeless journey of poetry by planning poetry readings and events throughout April. Encourage adult learners to participate by writing and presenting their poems. Read more


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Events
Webinar: Enhancing Indigenous Labour Market Programming - Essential Skills and Innovative Employment-Readiness Training
Thursday April 14th, 2016 from 1:00 to 2:30pm AT
Innovative models that have integrated essential skills into work-readiness programs geared towards Indigenous people will be presented and discussed. Register

Webinar: Money Matters for Newcomers and New Canadians
Thursday April 14th, 2016 from 3:00 to 4:00pm AT
Shorter than the regular Money Matters program and written with the newcomer in mind, it's available in English, French and Arabic to organizations across Canada. Register

The Magic of Memoir: An Inspiring Writing Workshop for Educators
Friday April 15th, 2016 from 9:30 to 3:30pm AT at the River John Hub Community Centre
Author Marjorie Simmins leads an all-day workshop for educators wanting to hone their writing teaching skills. Register

Red Bear Healing Home Benefit: Music Connects Us
Saturday April 16th, 2016 from 7:00 to 11:00pm at Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre, 2158 Gottingen St., Halifax NS
Indian Taco dinner, drumming, silent auction, 50/50 draw and more. All proceeds go to Red Bear Connects free voicemail for people experiencing poverty. Read more

Demonstrating Value: Evaluation for Non-Profit Organizations
Truro: April 18th, May 2nd, May 3rd & June 13th    Register
Halifax: April 19th, May 16th, May 17th,& June 14th    Register
Liverpool: April 21st, May 25th, May 26th & June 16th    Register
Sydney: April 25th, May 30th, May 31st & June 20th    Register
This skill building program on evaluation will enable participants to develop a framework for programs and services, and build evaluation into an organization as part of program management. More Information

Tackling Online Bullying in the Workplace
Wednesday April 20th, 2016 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Atlantica Hotel Halifax
This workshop will share the triggers/predictors, implications and repercussions of cyber incivility and provide tools to improve workplace culture. Register

Upcoming Sector Presentations for Registered Charities & Non-Profits
Wednesday May 4th, 2016 at Oyler Consulting, 1 Bluestone Road, Halifax NS
Compliant Fundraising Practices for Registered Charities: 9:00 - 10:15am— This presentation includes Canada Revenue Agency’s Guidance on Fundraising.
Receipting of Gifts: 10:30am - 12noon — This presentation covers Canada Revenue Agency policy and guidance on the issuance of official donation receipts.

Fashion Show for Literacy
Sunday May 15th, 2016 at Holiday Inn Truro
Enjoy an afternoon of fashion, shopping, desserts and prizes. More information coming soon!

Scotiabank Blue Nose Charity Challenge
May 20 - 22 in Halifax NS
Walk the 5k or 10k, propel your wheelchair, or run the marathon! Your participation in this exciting fundraiser will help ensure that Nova Scotians have access to literacy, essential skills, and lifelong learning programs. Read more

Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada Conference
May 25 - 28 at the Delta Halifax
This year’s conference ‘Beyond the Waves: the Potential of Volunteer Management'. is about exploring new ideas, sharing tools and techniques, and gaining new perspectives. Read more

23rd Annual Nova Scotia Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament for Literacy (NSPGI)
Wednesday, June 8 at The Links at Penn Hills in Shubenacadie NS
Please plan to join us once again for NSPGI, our main fundraiser! For more information about your sponsorship and to register a golf team, visit the NSPGI website or call 902-897-2444. Read more

2016 Atlantic Summer Institute on Healthy and Safe Communities
August 16 - 18 in Charlottetown PE
ASI 2016: Promoting Child and Youth Mental Health - Engaging all Generations! This Atlantic Canadian event will bring together individuals from across the region with an interest in child and youth mental health. Read more


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Resources
Grass Roots Press 2016 Catalogue
The new catalogue features some of their customers’ favourite resources including over 34 new additions to their publication line. Resource

Free Math Tutor's Videos
The Free Math Tutor has hundreds of videos that teach short lessons about Math. Resource

writeforward: A Formative Assessment Adult Literacy Resource
writeforward improves the writing essential skill of adults by developing, producing and distributing a writing assessment resource for practitioners in literacy, basic education and workplace essential skills programs. Resource

Five Writing Tips From the Canada Reads 2016 Authors
"I want to be a writer. What advice do you have for me?" Here's a list of five wonderful writing tips from Canada Reads 2016 authors. Read more

Libraries & Books & Words...Oh My! ~ New Book By Carey Rigby-Wilcox
This inspirational story is based on the author’s real-life struggles. Even though she was terrified of the library because of her low literacy level, Carey knew the importance of not allowing her fears to grow within her own children. Resource

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