NSPGI Learner Achievement Awards were presented at the NSPGI for Literacy Gala Dinner and Auction on April 30, 2019. Michael Nicholson (left) is the 2019 Nova Scotia Learner Award recipient. James MacIsaac is the 2019 Maritime Travel Achievement Award recipient. Congratulations Michael and James!

April was full of celebrations! Adult Learners’ Week kicked things off in Halifax. For those not able to attend, you can watch the videos of these awesome learners Krystal Jackson, Paul Whynacht, and Malone Sinclaire.

On April 15, we held a celebration in Barrington at the completion of the first cohort of the Essential Skills for the Atlantic Fisheries project. Seven participants: Kayleigh Antonescul, Dwayne Butler, John Rines, Jade Goulden, Tyler Scott, Brian Hyland, and Patti Harvey impressed the employers during their work placements at Acadian Seaplants and Seastar Seafoods resulting in securing employment in the local fishing sector. We were pleased The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development was able to attend and learn more about this very successful project in rural Nova Scotia. Photos

Last night was the inaugural NSPGI for Literacy Gala Dinner and Auction. A huge thank you to the committee who made this transition from being a golf tournament such a success! Chuck Cartmill, Mayor Mike Savage, Curtis Cartmill, Danny Cavanagh, Mary Clancy, Susan Grant, Paula Minnikin, Mitch Raymond, Ray Ritcey, Patrick Sullivan, and John Young – we couldn’t have done this without you. We were able to raise $74,710.00 to support adult learners across Nova Scotia. The winner of the 50/50 Draw is Linda Campbell - she will receive $890.00. Louise Hawkins is the winner of the Air Canada Raffle. Proceeds from the silent auction are still to come. It was wonderful to have Sheree Fitch as the Poet Laureate again. She is always a big supporter of us. A new addition to the team was Cindy Day who was a big hit and pleasure to work with. We can’t wait for next year!

Congratulations to Michael Nicholson and James MacIsaac who were awarded the Learner Achievement Awards and to Al MacPhee who was presented with the Purdy Crawford Literacy Champion Award!

Congratulations also to Grail Sangster who is retiring from her position as Executive Director at the Guysborough Learning Association. Grail has always been a strong advocate and keen supporter. I’ll miss our calls! She has always been generous with information and never ceases to inspire me with her passion. Happy retirement, Grail!

Literacy Nova Scotia’s Annual General Meeting is June 14th and nominations to the board close on May 24th.

PGI Grant recipients have been asking about the report forms – they are due on July 15th and we’ll have them posted on the website as soon as possible.

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.

October 24 - 25, 2019 at Holiday Inn Truro, 437 Prince St, Truro NS
LNS invites knowledgeable presenters with experience in adult education facilitation to submit proposals for 90-minute workshop sessions allowing for presentation, interactive activities and discussion. Workshops will need to accommodate groups of 12-20 people. We welcome proposals for workshops on, but not limited to, topics ensuring adherence to the theme of Reducing Barriers: Opening Doors.
Workshop proposals must be submitted using the online form.    Read more
Submission deadline: June 11, 2019. Questions? Contact marie.david@nscc.ca

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:

• 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.
• 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

Submission deadline extended: 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 May 31st.

Register now for Practitioner Training Modules offered in May and June:
• Techniques for Teaching Reading, Writing and Spelling : May 6 - 31
• Teaching Math: Keeping It Real : June 3 - 28
• NEW Practicum is now available!
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.

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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May 2, 2019 from 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.

May 2, 2019 from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon at CLARI, Room AT340, 923 Robie St, Halifax, NS
The Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia is hosting this discussion on community-engaged research. This session is open to the public and will be of interest to groups and organizations seeking to address social and economic challenges in their community. Read more

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Seven people in the Barrington area who have been unemployed are on the verge of full-time employment through enrolment in the Essential Skills for Atlantic Fisheries (ESAF) project, which was created to address the labour market and workforce challenges in the fisheries sector in Atlantic Canada. Read more

After 21 years at the helm of the Guysborough County Adult Learning Association (GALA), Executive Director Grail Sangster has decided to retire. Grail is proud of her time as Board Chair of Literacy Nova Scotia, which gave her the opportunity to highlight the concerns of rural Nova Scotian adult learners. Read more

Education subsidies for resources and travel can improve the chances that adult learners will obtain employment. Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County (ALACBC) strengthens individuals, families and communities in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality by meeting the needs of adult learners. Read more

Little extras can make a huge difference. Learning organizations that provide transportation, resources and food to the adults in their programs make learning possible, and make the school day less complicated and more enjoyable for everyone. HCLN provides important resources to their learners with PGI Grants. Read more

Teaching outside the classroom gives students the chance to experience learning in different environments and encourages them to access resources offered by museums, galleries and heritage centres in their communities. Dartmouth Learning Network uses PGI Grants to provide educational field trips. Read more

Tasha Crouse is articulate, funny, outgoing. It hasn’t always been that way. In fact for years it hadn’t been that way at all. She was a homebody held back by confidence and social anxiety issues. A Grade 9 education didn’t unlock any doors. One day, she decided to change all that. Read more

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

The Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award honours innovation in the creation and delivery (or in the development, implementation and delivery) of adult literacy or adult-integrated family literacy programs delivered by a community organization in Canada. Application deadline is Monday, June 10, 2019. Read more

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. 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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ABC Life Literacy Canada News - April 2019
As I Was Saying - April 2019
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia, Central Region - May 2019
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - April 2019
NWT Literacy Council - April 2019
Tamarack Institute - April 2019
Tech Tips - April 2019
Transforming Lives - April 2019
Volunteer Canada News - April 2019