eNews
April 2017   |   Volume 14   |   Issue 8
News From Literacy Nova Scotia
Executive Director's Message
Literacy Nova Scotia is celebrating Adult Learners’ Week.
  • In acknowledgement, Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia, proclaimed the week of April 2nd to 8th, 2017 Adult Learners' Week in Nova Scotia and asked all citizens to observe this week and to be more fully aware of the importance of a lifetime full of learning in all aspects of their lives.
  • HRM Mayor Mike Savage also proclaimed the week in the Municipality of Halifax, noting the importance of lifelong learning and the impact it has on individuals, their families and their communities. He commemorated the week by raising the literacy flag at the Grand Parade grounds in Halifax.
  • We congratulate Shauna Gouthro, the winner of the iPad Mini Draw! We have published an ebooklet with all the adult learning stories we received for the draw.
  • Throughout this week we will be featuring learners on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Marcia, Terry and Sarah are promoting Adult Learners’ Week on the radio.
  • A workshop on Relating to the Adult Learner is being held in Halifax on April 8th for practitioners working with adult literacy learners.
The Gary Mason Learner Achievement Award and Nova Learning Nova Scotia Learner Achievement Award will be presented at the NSPGI Golf Tournament for Literacy on June 18 at Bell Bay Golf Club in Baddeck. Please encourage adult learners in your organization who have shown outstanding achievements to apply.

LNS has an opening for a learner representative on our board of directors. A learner representative is someone who has attended an adult learning program in Nova Scotia and can bring that perspective to the board. For more information on how to apply, contact our office.
* * *
What's New
Opportunities for Learners
Applications for 2017 NSPGI Adult Learner Recognition Awards are Available. These awards will be presented on June 18th at the NSPGI Golf Tournament for Literacy:
Gary Mason Learner Achievement Award
Teacher's recommendation
Nova Learning Nova Scotia Learner Achievement Award
Teacher's recommendation
Application deadline for both awards is Friday May 19, 2017.

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.
2017 Bursary Application   Bursary Instructor Recommendation
2017 Scholarship Application   Scholarship Instructor Recommendation
Application deadline is October 20, 2017

Opportunities for Practitioners
Register for Practitioner Training (PT) Modules starting in April
•   Literacy, Adult Learners and YOU! Apr 2 – 28
•   Teaching Math: Basic Principles, Apr 2 – 28
•   What’s Your Message? Relating to the Adult Learner, Apr 8
•   Techniques for Teaching Reading, Writing, and Spelling, Apr 30 – May 26
•   Teaching Math: Keeping It Real, Apr 30 – May 26
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.
Registration Form for NSSAL Participants
Registration Form for Non-NSSAL Participants (Tuition Payers)

Opportunities for Organizations
Community-based learning organizations who are members of Literacy Nova Scotia 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. Laptops and desktop computers with software included are now available on a first come, first serve basis. Organizations will be limited to 2 computers/laptops.


* * *
In The News
Summer Jobs for Students in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is hiring more than 80 students across the province this spring and summer. Fifty positions, from service jobs to land surveyors, have already been posted online and more positions will be posted during the coming weeks. Students will also be hired through internships and co-op placements. Read more

Lack of Financial Literacy Hurting Women in Retirement, Say Industry Professionals
A group of financial analysts is warning women that a retirement savings crisis is coming if they don't increase their financial literacy. On average, women in Canada live longer than men, earn less money during their careers and take more time off to act as caretakers for family members. Read more
2017 Great-West Life, London Life, and Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award
This award is presented to Canadian organizations offering a unique and innovative adult or adult-integrated family literacy program. In addition to the top award of $20,000, up to four other submissions may be selected to receive $5,000 each. Submission deadline is June 5, 2017. Read more

* * *
LNS Events
Scotiabank Blue Nose Charity Challenge
May 20, 2017 in Halifax NS
Join the Team LNS and walk, run or wheel the Lifemark 5k race on May 20th in Halifax! Your participation in this exciting fundraiser will help ensure that Nova Scotians have access to literacy, essential skills, and lifelong learning programs.
Read more

24rd Annual Nova Scotia Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament for Literacy (NSPGI)
June 18 - 19 at Bell Bay Golf Club, Baddeck NS
NSPGI returns to Baddeck, where it was held 20 years ago. Join us for a rollicking great time at NSPGI 2017! The NSPGI Awards Gala is on June 18th and golf day is the 19th. To register a golf team, visit the NSPGI website or call 902-897-2444. All proceeds will be used to help adult learners in Nova Scotia.

Other Events
People's Place Makerspace Launch
Friday April 7, 2017, 1:00pm at Antigonish Town and County Library
The new Makerspace at the People’s Place: Antigonish Town and County Library allows library users to bring creative ideas to life by teaching and learning artistic, design and craft skills. For more information, email antigoni@nsngp.library.ns.ca

Skills Online Learning Lab
Wednesday, April 12, 9:00am - 12:00pm at Alderney Gate Library, Dartmouth
This session will focus on the multitude of online training programs offered through Skills Online, an online training platform that provides access to thousands of courses, all at no cost. Read more

Frontier College National Forum on Literacy and Poverty
April 26, 2017
This important forum will examine the challenges faced by individuals, employers, and communities, and address the role of literacy in alleviating poverty. This conversation will be webcast live to satellite conferences in cities across Canada. For more information, contact literacy@frontiercollege.ca. Read more

Dartmouth Burnside Community Job Fair
April 26, 2017, 3:00 - 5:00pm at Farrell Hall, 276 Windmill Road, Dartmouth NS
The Greater Burnside Business Association and the Halifax Partnership are partnering with Dartmouth Learning Network to help connect local job seekers looking for opportunities within the Burnside business community. Read more

Effective Board / Staff Relations
May 24, 8:30am - 12:00pm at Cambridge Suites, 1583 Brunswick Street, Halifax
This session will focus on understanding board/staff roles, creating role clarity and responsibilities, and helping board members understand their roles in terms of where they start and where they end. Register

Many Hands, Many Voices Conference
October 3 - 4, 2017 at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre
The Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia (CSCNS) is working on the agenda for this conference and needs your input. Complete the survey.


* * *
Resources
Race to Literacy Game
This is a simple family board game that helps children inprove their reading, counting, and their ability to follow directions and work with others. Resource

Newsletters