Kaycee and Jayne Hunter gave the gift of reading at the Christmas Daddies Telethon on December 1, 2018. LNS donated books through Christmas Daddies to be distributed by the Salvation Army.

As we near the end of the year, we feel very grateful and blessed to be able to continue to provide support to the learners, our members and supporters in the literacy field. We have many wonderful highlights to report, especially from our activities in November.

Thanks to all those who participated in Literacy Action Week.

We had over 70 practitioners attend the two day PD Conference in Truro on supporting learners facing mental health challenges. Despite the weather challenges, we received resounding positive feedback. The new addition of the hospitality suite sponsored by Colchester Credit Union was appreciated by all. We presented certificates of completion to 14 graduates of the NS Practitioner Training Program and heard from two of our scholarship recipients. The conference presentations and resources will be posted on the LNS Resource Hub.
Photos from the conference.

The NSPGI 2018 Learner Celebration was held on November 19 in Annapolis Valley. Learner workshops were held during the day including Money Matters, offered by Hants Learning Network Association. (It was great to see them featured in the ABC Life Literacy newsletter for November). The night was a huge success with 30 learners being recognized for their achievement and 10 guest speakers sharing their perspectives. Peter Gillis capped off the evening with his poet laureate song, Stars. Photos and video from the celebration.

We’re pleased to be working with Acadian Seaplants and Seastar Seafoods on the Essential Skills for Atlantic Fisheries project, as well as our other community partners in Shelburne County.

We’ve produced a new issue of the Learning Beacon which features learners, stories, quizzes and more!

We want to thank our board for their service to both our organization and those we support. At yesterday’s board meeting, they approved to implement an online 50/50 fundraiser which will be drawn on April 30th at the NSPGI 2019, Halifax Marriott Harbourfront. The proceeds of the draw will be distributed as grants to our member community learning organizations who participate through promotion.

Many of our board members will be completing their terms at the AGM in June. We are currently seeking nominations to fill upcoming vacancies.

We are very grateful to 100 Women Who Care Colchester County for being selected as the recipient at last night’s meeting. The proceeds will be used to hold a book giveaway on grading day next June.

This holiday season, give the gift of a book. Through our partnership with First Book Canada, we were able to donate books through Christmas Daddies to be distributed by the Salvation Army. A new study confirms growing up in a home filled with books is good for you.

Happy Holidays everyone! The Literacy Nova Scotia office will be closed on December 21st and will re-open on January 2nd.

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 Annual General Meeting.

Join Literacy Nova Scotia's team for the 2019 Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon being held from June 6-9, 2019 in Halifax NS. Run, jog, walk or stroll. With so many runs to choose from there's something for everyone including a 2km youth run and a virtual run so you can participate wherever you are! Discounted registration fees for a limited time, so join our team at LNS and register now!! Help us to continue our efforts to support literacy programs in your community. For more information email Gina MacCallum or call 902-897-2444.

Learners in Amherst, Dartmouth, Kentville, New Glasgow and Spryfield have participated in our Adult Learners' Week writing workshops this fall. We will be announcing the opportunity to submit learning stories for the #ALW2019 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 2019:
• Learning Challenges: Jan 7 to Feb 1
• Supporting English as an Additional Language Adult Literacy Learners: Jan 7 to Feb 1
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, and tuition schedule. Email Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203.

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 Elaine Frampton to request an account registration code.

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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Tuesday April 30th, 2019, 5:30pm to 9:00pm at the Halifax Marriott Harbourview Hotel Join us for a fabulous evening of fun, entertainment and food, and hear the inspiring stories of adults who changed their lives by returning to learning! Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Order tickets online   For more information, email Marie David or call 902-897-2444.

December 3 - 7, 2018
Computer Science Education Week promotes initiatives and programs to ensure every student can explore where computer science takes them. Read more

December 2018 at 6950 Mumford Road, Halifax Shopping Centre Annex
Job Junction offers workshops on resume building, interview skills, the hidden job market and more. To register for workshops, call 902-455-9675. Calendar

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Congratulations to Dartmouth Learning Network! Their online learning program Moving On Up was selected as one of four innovative programs receiving Honourable Mention at the 2018 Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life Literacy Innovation Awards. They will receive $5,000 to help support their learning programs. Learn more about Moving On Up

Nine years after quitting school, Michael Clyke is finally getting ahead, thanks to a Literacy Nova Scotia scholarship award, money that he can put toward his education. Michael completed the Adult learning Program at NSCC Truro this year and plans to attend university. Read more

Catherine Spike is excited about earning her high school diploma, even if it has taken her a little longer than most to acquire it. Spike was 19 when she decided to leave school before finishing Grade 12. Spike is currently taking three classes a week at the Dartmouth Learning Network, including essential skills, math and communications. Read more

Something doesn’t add up in Nova Scotia mathematics education. Student math scores in Grade 8 took a significant nosedive, but you would never know it from the reaction. According to 2017-18 test results, the percentage of Grade 8 students meeting the Grade 8 provincial standard fell to 56 per cent, a six per cent decline since 2015-16. Resource

The Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County (ALACBC) has received a $10,000 Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund grant that will go towards the Building Resilient Cape Breton Learners program. The program will certify two staff as mental health first aid instructors who will train association learners. Resource

Publishers in Atlantic Canada produce great books of fiction, poetry, memoir, art, history, and stories for young readers. Here is a list of ten locally-published titles featuring authors and stories from Atlantic Canada and beyond. Read more

The latest issue of The Learning Beacon, our interactive enewspaper is now online. Issue #15 has four features: 'The 9 Essential Skills', '2018 Adult Learners' Week Celebration', 'Community Map', which contains ten new stories written by learners across the province, and 'Who Am I'. Resource.

In the spring of 2018, Futureworx Society conducted a survey on the development of a ‘soft skills’ framework from relevant stakeholders, including trainers, educators, service providers and employers across Canada. The survey results provide insights into current stakeholder perspectives on ‘soft-skills’ in Canada. Report.

Volunteer NS links people with organizations throughout Nova Scotia. The free online database lets volunteers narrow the available opportunities by interests, making it simple to find the right match. It’s also free for organizations to post their open volunteer positions. Resource.

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Statistics suggest that as many farmers, fishers, and independent business owners approach retirement, the next generation is not poised to take their place. Canada Research Chair Dr. Karen Foster hopes to interview families in which at least one parent owns a small business, farm or fishing vessel. Contact rural@dal.ca   Read more.

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ABC Life Literacy Canada News - November 2018
Alphaplus - November 2018
As I Was Saying - November 2018
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia, Halifax Region - December 2018
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia, Northern Region - November 2018
NWT Literacy Council - November 2018
Tamarack Institute - November 2018
Tech Tips - November 2018
Transforming Lives - November 2018
Volunteer Canada News - November 2018