May 2016   |   Volume 13   |   Issue 9
News From Literacy Nova Scotia
Executive Director's Message
Literacy Nova Scotia will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Friday, May 27th at 7 pm, Room 335, Forrester Hall NSCC Truro Campus. There is still a vacancy for one of the three learner representative positions on the 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. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact our office.

We are also still looking for learners for the NSPGI 2016 learner awards. Learners in Levels I – III who have shown outstanding achievements should apply to the Gary Mason Achievement Award. Learners who have received the Nova Scotia Adult High School Diploma or the GED and who plan to move on or have moved on to post secondary education should apply for the Nova Learning Inc Nova Scotia Learner Award. The deadline to receive applications is May 13th at 4:30pm.

We are pleased to feature three of our diverse organizational members this month: Cumberland Adult Network for Upgrading, Frontier College and East Preston Empowerment Academy.

We have decided to postpone the Fashion Show for Literacy until the Fall, date TBA. We encourage those who are planning to attend to purchase their tickets in advance.

On June 7th, Connie Kaldor will be performing at the Grace Jollymore Joyce Arts Centre in Tatamagouche for the “Night Before Concert” as part of the NSPGI for Literacy. Let us know if you want tickets!

We are saddened to hear about the loss of yet another provincial literacy coalition. Literacy Partners of Manitoba closed its doors after 30 years of service due to the absence of sustainable funding.

If you would like to support the work of Literacy Nova Scotia, you can get involved in upcoming fundraisers: Bluenose Marathon, Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament or by donating.

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What's New
2015 - 16 LNS Annual General Meeting
Friday May 27, 2016 at 7:00pm
Room 335, Forrester Hall, NSCC Truro Campus

AGENDA
  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Approval of AGM 2015 Minutes
  3. Nominating Committee Report
  4. Setting of Membership Fees
  5. Financial Report
  6. Auditor’s Report
  7. Report of Chair
  8. Adjournment
Please RSVP before May 23 by email.

Opportunities for Learners
Applications for 2016 NSPGI Adult Learner Recognition Awards Available
These financial awards will be presented on June 8th at the NSPGI Golf Tournament for Literacy:
Gary Mason Achievement Award recognizes an adult learner attending Levels I, II, or III of an Adult Learning Program and who plans to continue in the learning program.
Nova Learning Nova Scotia Learner Award recognizes an adult learner who has completed the Nova Scotia Adult High School Diploma or the GED and who plans to move on or has moved on to post secondary education.
Application deadline for these awards is May 13, 2016 at 4:30pm  — Apply Now!

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 May:
Communications: Learners in Transition: May 8 – Jun 3
Learning Challenges: May 8 – Jun 3
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.

Register to Play at the 23nd Annual Nova Scotia Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament for Literacy (NSPGI)
NSPGI 2016 is set for Wednesday, June 8th at the Links at Penn Hills in Shubenacadie. REGISTER NOW! For more information about your sponsorship and to register a team, visit the NSPGI website or call 902-897-2444.

The Links at Penn Hills is an 18 hole, par 72 championship facility. Designed by renowned golf course architect Les Furber, the course features rolling hills, woodlands and spectacular views of the Shubenacadie River Valley.

NSPGI is Literacy Nova Scotia's chief fundraiser. Your support of the NSPGI will make a real difference in the lives of adult learners across Nova Scotia.

Following the tournament enjoy a delicious 3-course meal. All participants will have a chance to win great prizes, meet our celebrity guests and be inspired by the stories of learners who have overcome their literacy challenges.


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In The News
Council of the Federation Literacy Award
This national award recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. It is given annually in each province and territory for outstanding achievement in the field of literacy. Deadline to submit nominations is May 9, 2016. Read more

Literacy Should Never Be Taken For Granted
It’s amazing how a seemingly small, fun exercise can grow into a movement that crosses borders and spurs education among young people. The Wow! Reading Challenge has done that in the decade it has operated since its kickoff at a single rural school in Pictou County. Read more

Rural Newfoundland and Labrador Residents 'Just Devastated' by Library Closures
No more library books, programs, free internet and computer access for 54 communities in Newfoundland and Labrador has left some saying government is taking away a vital service. The province is adopting a regional library model in which more than half the provincial branches will close. Read more

Reading is Not a Luxury
If anything drives home the fact that books are in a category all their own, it’s a phenomenon called bookcrossing. If you’re finished with a book, why not share it with a total stranger? Read more

Study Shows Canadian Teachers Very Positive About Technology in Their Classrooms
Networked technologies can contribute to a rich learning environment for students; however, we need to carefully examine the relationship between pedagogy, curriculum and technology, and find ways how new technologies can support daily teaching practice for student learning. Read more

Syrian Refugee Support Fund
Canadian Council for Refugees has established a Syrian Refugee Support Fund to help support the settlement of Syrian refugees in Canada. Funds will be distributed through refugee-serving organizations with charitable status in Canada. Organizations willing to take on this role must submit this form.

New Ways to Think About Treating ADHD
Recent neuroscience research shows that people with ADHD are actually hard-wired for novelty-seeking. Compared with the rest of us, they have sluggish and underfed brain reward circuits, so much of everyday life feels understimulating.
Read more    Plain Language Version

The Lifesaving Power of Books
A new survey finds that parents and caregivers aren't reading to children early or often enough. What's more, technology is too often an obstacle, rather than an enhancement, to reading aloud. Read more

How People Learn to Become Resilient
If you are lucky enough to never experience any sort of adversity, we won’t know how resilient you are. It’s only when you’re faced with obstacles, stress, and other environmental threats that resilience, or the lack of it, emerges: Do you succumb or do you surmount? Read more


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Events
Overcoming The Immunity To Change
Tuesday, May 10 from 6:00 to 8:30pm
CEED, 7071 Bayers Road, Suite 225, Halifax NS
Learn how people have moved beyond awareness of their immunity to change to overcoming it and achieving their goals. Register

Workshop Series: Building Intercultural Competence
Tuesday, May 10 from 9:30am - 4:30pm
ISANS, 6960 Mumford Road, Suite 2120 Halifax NS
Learn how Nova Scotians can welcome and work with immigrants to build a better community together as our province becomes more culturally diverse. Register

Webinar: Gearing up for Social Impact
Wednesday, May 18 from 1:00 to 2:00pm AT
Complex problems require a different set of skills, leadership style and thinking in order to properly appreciate the dynamic factors that contribute to an issue in a community. How do we gear up effectively for social impact? Register

Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) Conference
Saturday, May 14 from 9:15am to 4:00pm, Patterson Hall, Acadia University
All are welcome, including volunteers and community members. Topics will include volunteering with refugees, cultural competency, Canadian Language Benchmarks, and much more. Register

Webinar: Money Matters
Thursday, May 19 from 3:00 to 4:00pm AT
Money Matters programs help adult learners improve their knowledge and confidence around finances and money management. Learn how to get a program running at your organization. Register

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

Social Media Seminar
Tuesday May 31st, 1:00 - 4:00pm at Melville Heights, Halifax
If you’re over 50 and have wondered about how to effectively use social media to keep in touch with colleagues, friends and family, this seminar is a good place to start. It will cover the basics of effectively using popular social media sites. Register

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
Something For All of Us: A Reading List on Literacies
literacy enquirer has put together an excellent reading list of publications on the subject of literacies. Resource

TED Talks for the Family
TED has created a playlist of 10 videos for families to watch together. The talks range from nature to the best kindergarten you’ve ever seen to what adults can learn from kids to why we laugh, and more. Resource

TechSoup Canada
TechSoup Canada offers donated software and technology resources for Canadian charities, nonprofits and libraries at a discount. Resource

Seven Complex Lessons in Education for The Future
This is UNESCO's most read book on education. It addresses how we must adjust our way of thinking to meet the challenge of an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. Resource

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