Welcome back to a new year of learning!

I’ve been part of a national group that has developed a statement to be issued on International Literacy Day along with a backgrounder paper. Afterwards, the statement, backgrounder and a list of questions will be sent to each of the political parties in advance of the federal election. The statement (Choose Success) and backgrounder (The State of Literacy in Canada) have great information that you may find useful.

The NSSAL grant review committee are meeting today to review applications. Applicants will be contacted by October 1st with the results.

Don’t miss the deadline of September 16th to register for the Professional Development Conference for Practitioners: Reducing Barriers, Opening Doors, to be held on October 24 — 25, 2019 in Truro! Would you like to take an active role in the PD Conference? We are looking for a presenter for the ice breaker activity. If you are interested, please contact Marie David.

Please note our email addresses have changed. To contact the office staff: info@literacyns.ca ; Heather.Lauther@literacyns.ca ; Marie.David@literacyns.ca ; Jayne.Hunter@literacyns.ca

We are looking forward to working with you over the coming year and to continuing to support the literacy field in Nova Scotia.

LNS membership fees were due on August 31, 2019. Renewal notices were emailed to members over the past two months. If you haven’t already renewed, please renew your membership or become an LNS member to retain access to our programs and services. These include supports to learners, practitioners, and organizations, printed resources and subscribed informational emails. Your support helps Nova Scotians access quality literacy and essential skills programs. It also ensures paid and volunteer practitioners have the skills they need, supports adult learners’ participation and promotes the value of literacy and essential skills to all Nova Scotians. Thank you for your support!

Reducing Barriers: Opening Doors
October 24 - 25, 2019 at Holiday Inn Truro, 437 Prince St, Truro NS
Once again, LAE and Literacy Nova Scotia are pleased to offer this professional development conference for practitioners within NSSAL’s community learning organizations. Through the informational presentations and practical workshops, the conference aims to have an impact on reducing the barriers for diverse adult learners across the province. We are fostering a culture of safe spaces where individuals walking through the doors of our community learning networks feel seen, heard, and valued.
Registration Form (CLOs)      Conference Agenda       Website
Deadline for registration: September 16, 2019
Questions? Contact Marie David
The conference is fully funded by LAE and supports the work of the NSSAL Review.

LNS Scholarship and Bursary Awards are available for adult learners. Application deadline is September 30, 2019.
 

Register now for Practitioner Training modules scheduled for Fall 2019:
• What's Your Message? Relating to the Adult Learner: Sept or Oct, Location TBA
• Literacy, Adult Learners and YOU!: Oct 7 – Nov 1
• Teaching Math: Basic Principles: Oct 7 – Nov 1
• Integrating IT Skills into Your Teaching: Nov 4 – 29
• Techniques for Teaching, Reading, Writing and Spelling: Nov 4 – 29
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, tuition schedule, and how to register for modules. The new schedule of modules for September 2019 – June 2020 is available. Questions? Contact Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203.
 

Creative Writing Workshops: Jenni Blackmore is available for creative writing workshops. We have funding to offer four workshops in the fall. If you want to host a workshop for your learners, contact Marie David.

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.
 

September 8, 2019
International Literacy Day is celebrated worldwide to promote literacy as part of the right to education, as well as a foundation for individuals’ empowerment and inclusive and sustainable development. This year's focus is Literacy and Multilingualism. Read more
 

September 11 from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at CLARI, 923 Robie St., Halifax NS
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. Register
 

September 17, 2019
This important forum will focus on how civic engagement is vital to our everyday lives, as it is the vehicle through which we are able to change and improve the quality of our society. The forum will be available via webcast. Register
 

September 17, 2019 from 9:00am - 1:00pm at 5450 Cornwallis Street, Halifax NS
This workshop shows you how to recognize and use the skills already in-house and the gaps you may have to increase retention and become a magnet for talent. Register
 

September 26, 9:00am - 3:00pm at 73 Tacoma Drive, Suite 302, Dartmouth NS
Regular evaluations and reviews of your board and its practices, as well as regular board education and updates, will ensure your board and organization is operating in compliance with best practice and effective stewardship of the assets of your organization. Register
 

October 16, 3:00 - 4:00pm at 73 Tacoma Drive, Suite 302, Dartmouth NS
This webinar includes a Q & A with the winner of the 2019 Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award, Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV). Their winning program Caring Neighbours combines health, food and financial literacies and creates social connections among vulnerable and socially isolated people. Register
 

October 17 - 19, 2019 at Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax NS
This year's conference "Creating Learning Spaces that Encourage Inclusion and Respect Diversity" will provide an opportunity for professionals and researchers working in all areas of adult education to share and explore current research and issues. Conference Website
 

November 20 - 22, 2019 at the Radisson Hotel, Richmond BC
Literacy practitioners, outreach coordinators and anyone interested in literacy, this is your opportunity to network, share ideas, and learn promising practices. Contact mkehler@decoda.ca    Website

NSCC has received federal funding for its Pathways to Shipbuilding for African Nova Scotians project, funded in part through the new Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness program, which encourages more Canadians, particularly those facing barriers, to pursue careers in the skilled trades. 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. Recently uploaded resources:

• All Good Things: Halifax Community Learning Network Yearbook 2019
• Tips for Designing an Effective Presentation
• Reading Skills: Breaking Them Down to Build Them Up
• Denver Reading Attitude Survey

If you don't already have an account on the LNS Resource Hub, email Elaine Frampton to request an account registration code.
 

The new Anna Sweet Mystery Series is ideal for adult learners and anyone who loves to read! Order books
 

This resource guide was created to provide research-based information about Gaels in Nova Scotia, facilitating the inclusion of Gaelic language, culture, and history in our public school curriculum. Resource
 

The Money Matters for People with Diverse Abilities program was designed for those with various intellectual, verbal, physical and nonphysical capabilities. The course offers three modules to start, including opening a bank account, ways to pay, and spending plans. Read more
 

ABC Life Literacy Canada News - August 2019
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia, Central Region - September 2019
Tamarack Institute - Summer 2019
Transforming Lives - September 2019
Volunteer Canada News - September 2019
World Education / U.S. - August 2019