Welcome Fall! We have many exciting things happening!

LNS and LSI (Labour, Skills, and Immigration – formerly Labour and Advanced Education) are offering a series of webinars as an alternative to the usual face to face provincial PD Conference again this year. The lineup and registration information are included in this eNews.

We are offering three online Practitioner Training modules this month which can be used towards certification or as stand-alone professional development. For many, the sharing within the community of practitioners is a much-appreciated bonus. For those who are hesitant or less confident teaching math, we’re offering the Teaching Math: Basic Principles.

A reminder that NSSAL PD Fund applications are for groups only and we will no longer be accepting individual applications. The NSSAL Community Grant applications will be reviewed next week.

Literacy Action Week will be held on November 1 – 5th. We’ll be celebrating by holding our NSPGI as a virtual event on November 3rd at 7 pm. We’re thrilled to have Rick Mercer as our national host and Mayor Mike Savage as our local host. Registration is free, watch for more information will be sent within the next few weeks. Do you have a learner that’s been in your program for at least 6 months and could use support financially? They are eligible to apply for a bursary. Those who have completed the ALP or GED and have moved on to post-secondary can apply for a scholarship. We appreciate your help in ensuring that learners aren’t missing out on opportunities for support. You’ll also notice a heating rebate program in this eNews.

Have you renewed your LNS membership? Memberships expired at the end of August. Individual membership is $10 and learners are free. The LNS board met on Sept 24th.

LNS Board of Directors Opportunity - There is a vacant position for a learner representative. If you have a learner who may be interested, please send an email to info@literacyns.ca for more information.

I’d like to highlight a couple of other opportunities. The first is the Wellness Grants (deadline October 15th). This is a great opportunity to receive funding to supplement programming and supports (nutrition, mental health) for your learners. Literacy is an explicit determinant of health. I would also highly recommend participating in the Community Sector Council education programs or Workplace Education programs – I am currently taking Microsoft 365 training with Jeff Brown and learning a lot about securing our data.

Congratulations to Karen Blair, Executive Director, Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County, on her presentation as a panellist on the national ABC Life Literacy Canada webinar yesterday.

Webinar Wednesdays: October 20 - December 8, 2021- Registration Open!
Labour, Skills, and Immigration and Literacy Nova Scotia are pleased to offer eight 90-minute webinars allowing for presentation, interactive activities and discussion. These sessions are funded by the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration and support the NSSAL system. Webinar descriptions are on the LNS website. Questions? Contact Marie David.

Literacy Nova Scotia is providing an opportunity for you to support learners through the A New Beginning- Scholarship/Bursary Fundraiser. Learners tell us how important these scholarships and bursaries are in supporting them to embark and continue on their learning journey. They want to go to community college, university, or enrol in technical/trades programs. When going back to school, they may have a hard time managing family responsibilities, travel, and other costs. For those currently in upgrading programs or those who are moving on to post-secondary, there are many learners who need support to reach their full potential. Your donation will be pooled with others to ensure we can support Nova Scotians returning to school. All proceeds will go towards creating adult literacy scholarships and bursaries.

LNS Scholarships and Bursaries for Adult Learners
Literacy Nova Scotia provides scholarship and bursary awards each year for adult learners who are upgrading their education.

To qualify for the LNS Bursary Award, you must be a Nova Scotian who:

• left the public school system before completing grade 12 and has not yet completed grade 12
• will be attending an adult learning program in the fall of the year the bursary is available

To qualify for the LNS Scholarship Award, you must be a Nova Scotian who:

• left the public school system before completing grade 12
• has received the GED or High School Diploma through an approved adult learning program
• has been accepted or is returning to university part-time or full-time OR a community college program OR a certified technical, trade or private trade school program in the fall of the year the scholarship is available. The program must be at least eight (8) months long

Those applying for the scholarship or bursary have to also send in a Teachers Recommendation. Application deadline for LNS Scholarship and LNS Bursary: Monday, November 29, 2021 @ noon  Read more

Register now for Practitioner Training modules scheduled for October 2021:
• Integrating IT into Your Teaching: October 11 - November 5
• What's Your Message? Relating to the Adult Learner: October 11 - November 5
• Teaching Math: Basic Principles: October 11 - November 5
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, tuition schedule, and how to register for modules. Questions? Contact Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203. These modules are funded by the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration to support the NSSAL system.
Registration Form for NSSAL Participants
Registration Form for Non-NSSAL Participants (Tuition Payers) 


This Fall, AED is launching two Professional Development opportunities for NSSAL practitioners, including tutors, using the D2L Brightspace Learning Management System. Two courses will be available for enrollment: Teaching and Learning Online and Instructional Design Strategies. These will be online-only, asynchronous, module-based courses where practitioners can work at their own pace. Those interested can begin their course work starting October 15th, when the courses officially go live, but can be started at any time during the academic year. About the courses:

Teaching and Learning Online 101 (TLO 101) - Course objectives / Learning Outcomes:

• Discover techniques that promote a robust community of online learners
• Develop strategies for online teaching and learning, including course planning, development, implementation, and both digital resource creation/curation
• Explore tools, resources, and best practices for engaging learners in the digital landscape

Instructional Design Strategies 101 (ID 101) - Course objectives / Learning Outcomes:

• Discover a set of systems for planning and personalizing Adult Learning instruction
• Explore assessment strategies for both learners and for professional development
• Implement scaffolded learning with measurable learning objectives using Bloom’s taxonomy
• Examine and apply principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to design learner-centred activities that target strengths and address barriers

Anyone interested can contact their Executive Directors for more information.

NSSAL IT Fund: There are funds available for community-based learning organizations to purchase equipment and resources necessary for the delivery of NSSAL’s Adult Learning Program. Read more information on criteria and application process. The NSSAL IT Fund is funded by Labour, Skills, and Immigration to support the NSSAL system.

Is there a PD opportunity that would benefit your learning organization?
Apply to the NSSAL PD Fund. Online learning opportunities are eligible. A new learning narrative template has been added. The NSSAL PD Fund is funded by Labour, Skills, and Immigration to support the NSSAL system.

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November 3, 2021 at 7:00pm AT
This year’s NSPGI will present powerful, personal accounts from adult learners whose lives have been changed for the better because of the work of Literacy Nova Scotia and its partners. We have an all star line up with Rick Mercer, national host, Mayor Mike Savage, local host, author and artist Jenni Blackmore, as Poet Laureate, and special appearances will be made by Twin Flames, Louise Penny, Ashley MacIsaac, and Stephen Fearing. And you are all invited!! To show our appreciation for your past and present support, we would love to invite you to this year’s complimentary 2021 NSPGI for Literacy Virtual Extravaganza! Watch for your invitation to register to receive the zoom link. Read more

October 6, 2021 at 2:00 - 3:00pm AT
As workers re-enter the COVID-19 recovery workforce or transition to new, post-pandemic careers, literacy skills play an important role. The National Forum is a free virtual event moderated by Frontier College President & CEO, Stephen Faul. Register   Discussion paper

October 6, 2021 at 2:00 - 3:30pm AT
Transformative facilitation is a dynamic approach that is both structured and creative. It cycles between a series of five pairs of outer moves and five inner shifts that lead groups to achieve breakthroughs. Read more

October 7, 2021 at 2:00 - 2:45 AT
This is an information session on ABC Life Literacy Canada's free financial literacy program Money Matters. Participants will learn about the program and how it can be used to celebrate Financial Literacy Month this November 2021. Register

October 6 - 7, 2021
In this live, online national conversation, Tamarack’s Learning Community will gather to discuss how to rebuild social connection after the COVID pandemic. Registrants will join others in conversation through one of four Masterclass streams. Register

October 14, 2021 at 2:00pm AT
During this webinar, the award winners will be congratulated and they will answer questions on their winning programs, including their challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Register

October 21, 2021 at 2:00 - 2:45pm AT
Learn more about ABC Life Literacy Canada's free digital literacy program, Youth Teaching Adults including new elements of the program, and how you can offer it to your community. Register   French webinar on October 28

October 27, 2021 at 2:00 - 3:00pm AT
The Collaboration Spectrum recognizes the different forms and functions of collaborative efforts. As the intensity of the collaborative effort increases, so does the need to focus on intentionally building relationships and trust across the collaborative partners. Register

November 3, 2021 at 2:00 - 4:30pm AT
Learn why theatre is the perfect vehicle for bringing your diverse group of stakeholders together to peel away the layers of the issues you’re working on so that you can focus your time, energy and resources on the areas that matter most. Register

November 8, 2021 at 9:30pm AT
This virtual event hosted by Meghan Yuri Young starts 30 minutes before the live broadcast of the Scotiabank Giller Prize. Gather online with other lovers of literature across Canada and enjoy a fun evening filled with games, contests, exciting prizes, and an amazing virtual auction. Read more

November 17, 2021 at 2:00 - 5:30pm AT
This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to support the decision-making processes needed to bring participatory evaluation practices into your community change work. The workshop includes 1 hour of pre-learning, the 3.5 hour workshop and a 1 hour coaching session on December 9. Register

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Canada's Premiers have announced the recipients of the 17th Annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Presented in each province and territory, the Award celebrates exceptional achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. Read more

Debra Toney is the 2021 recipient of the Nova Scotia Council of the Federation Literacy Award in recognition of her strength, resilience and dedication to improving her literacy. “Debra’s commitment to learning and her community, and her ability to overcome obstacles is truly inspiring,” said Premier Tim Houston. Read more

Halifax Community Learning Network is looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, flexible instructor to provide instruction to GED students. Please send your cover letter and resume by email to info@hcln.ca. Application deadline: October 8, 2021. Job Posting

Community groups can apply for Wellness Fund amounts of up to $5000. Eligible organizations include non-profit organizations, municipalities, schools and First Nations communities. Applications are available on the Community Health Board website. Deadline for applications is October 15, 2021 at 5:00pm.

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. This resource is fully funded by Labour, Skills, and Immigration to support the NSSAL system. If you don't already have an account on the LNS Resource Hub, email Elaine Frampton to request an account registration code.

Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services and the Salvation Army can provide rebates to low income Nova Scotians struggling with heating or electrical costs due to financial loss from Covid-19. Those eligible could receive up to $1,000 to help with their heating/power costs in 2021-22. For more information, contact Heyg Nazaryan.
Home Energy Assistance Top-Up (HEAT): $400 rebate for emergency home heating or power bills
Nova Scotia Covid Relief Fund (NSCR): $400 rebate to help households impacted by Covid-19 with their home heating or power bills
Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP): $200 rebate for home heating costs

This guide outlines big ideas for advancing Sustainable Development Goals locally. It includes inspiring stories of communities that are leading the way, helpful resources, ways to get started, and more. Resource

The Safety Branch of the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration would like to inform you that Health Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) have partnered to produce a toolkit of resources called Substance Use and the Workplace: Supporting Employers and Employees in the Trades. For more information, email SafetyBranch@novascotia.ca   Health and Safety Courses

AED is offering to purchase testing site licenses for the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment Platform for all interested organizations. If you are interested in your organization becoming a Northstar testing site, please contact Courtney MacMullin by October 15, 2021. Read more

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a useful framework for communities to make progress on issues that matter to them. This webinar explores promising approaches for Canadian communities to advance and localize SDGs. Video

This course is designed to build a foundation of knowledge and practice for community engagement work. Participants learn at their own pace while building community engagement toolkits. They will be guided through reflective questions and exercises to help make the most of the course materials and content. Read more

Making a Difference By Making Connections features the accomplishments over the past year of staff, volunteers, partners, and learners at Frontier College, Canada's national literacy charity. Report

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ABC Life Literacy Canada - September 2021
As I Was Saying - October 2021
CALP Connections - September 2021
Decoda Literacy Solutions - September 2021
Volunteer Canada News - September 2021
Working in Adult Literacy - September 2021
World Education / U.S. - October 2021