The holiday season is approaching, and, as they say, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Our fall activities have slowed down and we are able to catch up, reflect, and prepare for the New Year. It’s rewarding to see all that’s been accomplished. We’ve captured some highlights of our last strategic plan (Sept 2014 - March 2017) in a one-pager infographic. We reviewed the evaluations from our PD Conference and will be debriefing with the planning team next week. We are pleased with the results; you can read some of the positive comments here. Resources from the conference will be posted on the website.

We are grateful for the support from the literacy field, we received many new memberships both at the conference and at the learner workshops. Membership fees are waived for learners in programs.

A special meeting for members is being held to approve changes to the bylaws on December 11 at 12 noon. Having a strong membership base is very important, especially when communicating with government.

On behalf of the Atlantic Partnership for Literacy and Essential Skills, I presented to the Federal Standing Committee on Finance in October to request designated funds for the Atlantic literacy coalitions. This funding provides the capacity to take on various projects which is the bulk of our work. A New Brunswick MP informed NB Coalition that we have been approved for a 33 month project in Atlantic Canada in the Fisheries but have yet to receive a contract.

LNS met with Minister Kousoulis and Deputy Minister Montgomerie of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education in November. One of the recommendations we made was for more promotion of the free adult learning programs offered through NSSAL. LNS has radio ads which advertise our toll free learn line – feel free to download and use or distribute. We refer callers to their local programs.

Thanks to everyone who participates in our 2-minute surveys. This is a quick way to receive input that helps with our planning and identifying needs. This month we’ll be asking about Family Literacy Day. In January, we’ll be interested in what research or statistics you need when writing grant proposals or raising awareness.

The LNS Resource Hub is up and running. We encourage you to upload your resources. If you need an account or help to get started, please contact Elaine.

Congratulations to Colchester Adult Learning Association for their winning presentation to 100 Women Who Care.

We’re looking forward to a break for the Holidays and will be closed from December 22nd through January 1st. We wish you peace and joy and we’ll see you in the New Year!

Take our 2-minute survey on Family Literacy Day, January 27, 2018. Your name will go into a draw for a prize.
Draw will take place at 2:00pm on Friday December 8, 2017.

Learners in Amherst, Halifax, New Glasgow, Shelburne, and Yarmouth have participated in our Adult Learners' Week writing workshops this fall. We will be announcing the opportunity to submit learning stories for the #ALW2018 ebooklet in January. All eligible submissions will have the chance to win an iPad Mini.

Register Now for Practitioner Training (PT) Modules offered in January 2018:
• Integrating Information Technology (IT) Skills into Your Teaching
• Learning Challenges
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for more details on the program, modules, and tuition schedule.

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. Email frampton.elaine@gmail.com to request a registration code and create your account!

IT Fund: $16,000 is available. 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.

The PD Fund has approximately $350 remaining for this year.

Are you a learning organization that needs refurbished computers? We offer our LNS members laptops, computers, printers, monitors, keyboards, cables, etc. Place your orders today.

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December 6, 6:30 - 8:30pm at Keshen Goodman Public Library, Halifax
Learners aged 16 to 28 are invited to drop in to see Frontier College tutors who can provide support in all high school subjects, EAL support, and individual learning needs. Read more

There's lots of holiday parties, workshops, book readings and seasonal fun for families happening at Pictou-Antigonish Regional Libraries in December. Calendar

Sunday December 17 at 3:00pm, Captain William Spry Library, Halifax
Enjoy some seasonal BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Delicious punch will be served. Registration required. Read more

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Free literacy programs are available to adults in HRM wanting to acquire more literacy, numeracy and digital skills. The HRM learning networks (located in Dartmouth, Lower Sackville and Halifax) are just three of 30 literacy initiatives found in communities all over Nova Scotia delivering literacy programs. Read more

A locked, darkened library is sending the wrong message on literacy to students at a Mahone Bay school, according to a parent at the school. Bayview Community School, which serves students in grades Primary to 9, has not had a full-time librarian since 2013. A librarian is at the school just two days a week. Read more

The amount of money Nova Scotians are borrowing from payday lenders has jumped nearly 50 per cent in the last five years. Data posted on the Nova Scotia government’s website shows the value of payday loans has risen from about $62.8 million in 2011 to $94 million in 2016, an increase of 49.8 per cent. Read more
Payday Loans and You: Learning Beacon

The Canadian Foundation for Economic Education surveyed more than 6000 youth aged 12 to 17 to gauge what they wanted to learn about and how they wanted to learn it. Earning, managing, monitoring, saving, and investing money topped the list, and they want to learn all that at home and at school. Read more

The Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia (CSCNS) is seeking applicants for Regional Convenor positions in the Cape Breton and the Cumberland-Colchester-Pictou Counties (Northern) regions. The positions begin January 15th, 2018 and will end on March 30th, 2018. Apply by December 15th. Read more

In a new report from the C.D. Howe Institute, author Parisa Mahboubi compares results of international surveys from 2003 and 2012 and finds Canadians’ skill levels declining across all age cohorts studied. Report

These resources are provided by Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS). Resource

ABC Life Literacy Canada is offering free new downloads for celebrating Family Literacy Day on January 27, 2018, including a poster, activity sheet, bookmark and promotional materials. Resource

How to add and subtract mixed numbers with regrouping Video
Using touchpoints to multiply one digit numbers Video

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ABC Life Literacy Canada News - November 2017
As I Was Saying - November 2017
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia, Northern Region - December 2017
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia, Valley Region - December 2017
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - November 2017
NWT Literacy Council - November 2017
Tech Tips for Teachers - November 2017
Transforming Lives - November 2017
Volunteer Canada News - November 2017
World Education / US - November 2017