A p r i l 2 0 1 9 | V o l u m e 1 6 | I s s u e 8
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News From Literacy Nova Scotia
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A Message from Jayne Hunter, Executive Director
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This is Adult Learners’ Week in Nova Scotia. We held our celebration at the Halifax Central Library on Monday and heard inspiring stories from adult learners. On Thursday, LNS will join the four learners who spoke at the celebration to be acknowledged by Premier Stephen McNeil at Province House. We received 21 stories from adult learners which have been published in the ALW ebooklet. We congratulate Jessica Coiffi whose name was drawn from the submissions to win an iPad Mini. The week will culminate with a training workshop for practitioners working with adult literacy learners on Saturday April 6.
On April 15, Literacy Nova Scotia will hold a completion celebration for the participants of the Essential Skills for the Atlantic Fisheries project in Barrington. Monica Gosbee at the Shelburne County Learning Association will be hosting us. We are very pleased with the results of our first cohort. All the participants have secured employment in the local fishing sector.
The NSPGI planning committee are working very hard as they prepare for the Gala Dinner and Auction presented by Lockheed Martin on April 30th. They are especially anxious to sell out of the 50/50 tickets as they want to maximize the grants to the community learning organizations. We have lots more to sell! Please promote. They are available only online and a credit card is required for purchase as per NS Gaming Authority regulations.
We have received funding from Labour and Advanced Education to revamp some of the features of the LNS Resource Hub. This will result in updates being implemented to create a more intuitive platform and user-friendly experience.
Happy Spring to all!
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What's New
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Call for Nominations to the LNS Board of Directors
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The deadline for receiving nominations is May 24th, 2019 at 4:30pm.
More details about the nomination process. Elections will be held on May 31st if needed to fill any vacancies. The new terms will begin following the next AGM on June 14, 2019.
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Literacy Nova Scotia's 50/50 Draw: Tickets are $10.00 each with only 5000 tickets available at Literacy Nova Scotia 50/50. The winning ticket will be drawn at the NSPGI for Literacy Gala Dinner and Auction at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel on April 30, 2019 at 7:00pm with a live Facebook broadcast.
Monies raised will support community-based learning organizations and allow adult learners in your community access to the services and support they need to achieve their goals. LNS would like to thank you for your support and encourage you to purchase tickets and tell people about this fundraising opportunity. Share links through your social media and email and help us make this a success. Like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates. LNS website
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Join Our Team!
#Bluenose2019: June 6 - 9, 2019
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Literacy Nova Scotia will once again participate in the Scotiabank Blue Nose Charity Challenge. Join our 2019 fundraising team and help support adult learners in Nova Scotia!
With so many races to choose from, there's one for everyone! How to join the LNS Team:
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Register for the 5KM, 10KM, 15KM Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Marathon Team Relay, or Youth Run at this year’s Blue Nose Marathon as part of the Literacy Nova Scotia Team. Make sure you register under LNS Team.
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Donate to one of our fundraisers or to LNS Team.
A special thank you to Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon for the free registrations we won! We have some available for fundraisers. Email Gina MacCallum or call 902-897-2444 for more details or help registering. Read more
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Opportunities for Learners
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The Learning Beacon: Here's an opportunity for adult learners to have their stories published in the 2019 issue of The Learning Beacon. Please encourage your learners to write stories about their hometowns for the Community Map feature. Email them to Marie David by Friday April 26th.
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Opportunities for Practitioners
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Register now for Practitioner Training Modules offered in April, May and June:
• What's Your Message? Relating to the Adult Learner - 1 day workshop: April 6, 10:00am - 3:00pm, Findlay Community Centre, 26 Elliot Street, Dartmouth
• Techniques for Teaching Reading, Writing and Spelling : May 6 - 31
• Teaching Math: Keeping It Real : June 3 - 28
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules and tuition schedule.
The new schedule of modules for September 2019 – June 2020 is available. To register, email Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203.
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Opportunities for Organizations
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IT Fund: Community based learning organizations can apply for up to $1,000 per year. Funds are to be used for equipment and resources necessary for the delivery of NSSAL’s Adult Learning Program. This can include computers, printers, software, laptops, ipad minis, and assistive technology software. Technical support will be considered and cell phone expenses may be considered. Read more information on criteria and application process. Funds provided by LAE.
Is there a PD opportunity that would benefit your learning organization?
Apply to the PD Fund. New PD Fund online application forms are now available. There are separate forms for individuals (maximum $1000/year) and groups (maximum $4000/year).
Computers for Schools: Does your learning organization need refurbished computers? We offer our LNS members laptops, computers, printers, monitors, keyboards, cables, etc. Place your orders today.
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Events
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Adult Learners' Week in Nova Scotia: April 1 - 6, 2019
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Adult Learners’ Week highlights the success stories of adult learners, and celebrates the joy of learning throughout life. You are invited to join the Adult Learners’ Week conversation online! During Adult Learners' Week, April 1 - 6, share your adult learning success stories and photos on social media. Please refer to our #ALW19 Social Media Guide and use hashtags so we can find your stories and photos.
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Essential Skills for Atlantic Fisheries (ESAF) Barrington Municipality Celebration
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Monday April 15, 2019, 4:00pm at Barrington Visitor Information Centre, Hwy 3, Barrington NS
LNS has been working with Acadian Seaplants and Seastar Seafoods to offer mentor training for supervisors and
training for participants recommended by Department of Community Services and Employment Nova Scotia to fill job vacancies. We will be celebrating the successful completion of this first cohort. RSVP by April 12 to colinbawn@gmail.com or (902) 690-5782. Read more
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Save the Date! Professional Development Conference for Practitioners
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October 24 - 25, 2019 at Holiday Inn Truro, 437 Prince St, Truro NS
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Technology Workshops at Hants Learning Network Association
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Each Tuesday in April, 9:00 - 11:00am at HLNA, 90 Sanford Drive, Windsor NS
April 9: Introduction to Tablets
April 16: File Management (Intermediate)
April 23: Email Basics
April 30: Email (Intermediate)
Workshops are free but space is limited. Call 902-472-3133 to register.
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Futureworx Job Fair 2019
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Tuesday April 9, 1:00 - 4:00pm at the Best Western Glengarry Convention Centre, Truro NS
The Job Fair will showcase 30 - 40 employers whom are actively recruiting new hires to work in Colchester. For more information, contact Erin Barclay at erinb@futureworx.ca.
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Online Learning - Technology and Techniques
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Thursday, April 11 from 1:00 - 4:00pm at CEED, Suite 225, 7071 Bayers Rd, Halifax NS
This workshop offers practical tips and techniques for learning and development professionals who currently facilitate in an online space or wish to begin. Cost: Free for Institute for Performance and Learning members. Non-members: $25.00 + taxes Register
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Dartmouth Burnside Community Job Fair
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Friday April 12th, 11:00am - 2:00pm at Dartmouth North Community Centre, 105 Highfield Park Drive, Dartmouth NS
Free to everyone, the job fair offers job seekers the opportunity to speak directly with 'decision makers' from Burnside businesses who are hiring for full and part-time positions. For more information, email Amanda at amanda@dartmouthlearning.net.
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Stronger Together: The KAIROS Blanket Exercise™
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April 16, 9:30am – noon at Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2158 Gottingen St, Halifax NS
The KAIROS Blanket Exercise™ engages people's minds and hearts in understanding why the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is often broken and how we can take action together. Register
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Nova Scotia Works / Pictou County Job Fair
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April 24, 10:00am – 3:00pm at Pictou County Wellness Centre, 2756 Westville Rd., New Glasgow NS
A long list of employers will be on hand. For more information, call 1-844-344-1369.
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Citizens at the Centre: A Community Engagement Thought-Leader Series
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May 1 at Saint Mary's Boat Club, 1641 Fairfield Rd, Halifax NS
This is a one-day workshop for organizations and communities seeking new, high-impact ways to work together to create social change. Presented by the Tamarack Institute. For more information, contact duncan@tamarackcommunity.ca
Register
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Nova Scotia Works Spring Job Fair
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May 2, 10:00am - 3:00pm at Halifax Forum Multi-Purpose Centre, corner of Windsor and Young St, Halifax NS
Various Nova Scotia Works Employment Resource Centres including Job Junction are holding this job fair. Free Admission, No Registration Required.
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In The News
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Adult Learners’ Week 2019 Celebration
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Krystal Jackson, Paul Whynacht, Shahani Hashim and Malone Sinclaire inspired an audience of teachers, politicians, adult learners and their families at the Adult Learners’ Week Celebration at Halifax Central Library on Monday, April 1.
The province has declared April 1 – 6, 2019 as Adult Learners’ Week in Nova Scotia, a time to celebrate adult learners across the province and the importance of literacy and learning throughout life. Read more
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Call for Nominations for Council of the Federation Literacy Award
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Nova Scotians are encouraged to recognize outstanding contributions to literacy and learning by nominating someone for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Nomination forms are available here or by calling, toll free, 1-877-goNSSAL (466-7725). The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 17. Read more
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Shared Leadership Grows Nova Scotia Economy
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NSCC and the universities are working closely with industry and community partners to help meet the needs of Nova Scotia's economy and to prepare our workforce for the future. The 21st century workplace needs human skills such as problem solving and good communications as well as digital literacy and technical knowledge. Read more
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Comments on the 2019 Federal Budget
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On March 19, 2019, the Minister of Finance released Budget 2019. As news stories preceding the release of the budget had suggested, Budget 2019 has a strong skills component. Read more
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Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award
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Nominations are open for the Lieutenant Governor's Community Spirit Award, which celebrates the power, strength and diversity of vibrant communities across Nova Scotia. It profiles their achievements and increases their visibility through a formal recognition program. Application deadline is April 30, 2019. Read more
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Reading to Your Toddler? Print Books Are Better Than Digital Ones
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New research suggests that print books are the best way to go when reading with young children. Reading print books together generates more verbalizations about the story from parents and from toddlers, more back and forth “dialogic” collaboration. Read more
Plain Language Version
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Resources
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Recent Uploads on the LNS Resource Hub
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LNS Resource Hub is the place for literacy practitioners who teach, tutor or mentor adult learners in Nova Scotia to share and co-develop teaching resources and discuss best practices. Recently uploaded resources:
- 2019 Adult Learners’ Week eBooklet
- Finding My Voice: Halifax Community Learning Network (HCLN) 2018 Yearbook
- Money Basics Tutorial from GCF
- Computer Basics Tutorial from GCF
If you don't already have an account on the LNS Resource Hub, email Elaine Frampton to request an account registration code.
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Frontier College’s National Research Report on Literacy and Essential Skills as a Poverty Reduction Strategy
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The report reveals how increased literacy enables Canadians to move out of poverty and recommends that governments should recognize literacy as a human right. Report
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Newsletters
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