June 2012    |    Volume 9    |    Issue 10
News From Literacy Nova Scotia
LNS Executive Director Ann Marie Downie is Retiring
Literacy Nova Scotia announces that effective on June 29, 2012, our Executive Director Ann Marie Downie will finally get to enjoy her retirement! For 14 years, Ann Marie has guided this organization with an in-depth knowledge of adult literacy, combined with her down-to-earth Cape Breton wisdom and an unsinkable sense of humour.

The LNS Board and staff are sad to say goodbye to not just a great organizational leader and boss but a wonderful friend and an amazing mentor. Over her tenure, Ann Marie has built a top notch organization and she leaves behind a skilled and committed group of people to carry on the work she loves so dearly. Her dedication and passion have been the fire in the engine of Literacy Nova Scotia, and it is one that continues to burn as we keep working to ensure that all Nova Scotians have access to quality literacy, essential skills, workplace education and lifelong learning opportunities.

2012 Adult Learner Recognition Award Winners
The 2012 Adult Learner Recognition Awards presentation is on June 14 at the NSPGI Golf Tournament. These awards are given to adult learners in Nova Scotia who have shown exceptional progress and achievement in learning and literacy.
This year's winners are:
Kim Barry, PGI Canada Learner Achievement Award. This award recognizes an adult learner attending Levels 1, 2, or 3 of an Adult Learning Program and who plans to continue in the program.
Yolanda Cleaves, Nova Learning Inc. Nova Scotia Learner Award. The 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.
Congratulations Kim and Yolanda! See you at the NSPGI!
Register Now for the NSPGI Golf Tournament and Support Adult Literacy in Nova Scotia!
The 2012 NSPGI Tournament is on Thursday, June 14 at the Glen Arbour Golf Course, Halifax. Enjoy a full day of golf with a motorized cart at Atlantic Canada’s premier golf destination. This uniquely entertaining day includes lunch on the course, a delicious buffet supper with entertainment, and a chance to win great prizes. Your support of NSPGI will make a difference to more than 2,000 adults enrolled in literacy programs across Nova Scotia. Register Now!

Please Renew Your Literacy Nova Scotia Membership!
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.

LNS memberships expire on August 31st each calendar year and renewal fees are due by September 1st. Renew your membership now!
Scholarship and Bursary Awards
It’s not too early to encourage your learners to apply (deadline is October 19th). Learners in an adult learning program should apply for a bursary and learners going on to further education or training should apply for a scholarship. These are decided based on financial need.
Scholarship application form
Bursary application form

Reminders from Literacy Nova Scotia
Community-based literacy networks, take advantage of free computers! Literacy Nova Scotia has allocated two computers (your choice of desktop or laptop) for each learning network under the Computers for Schools program. Get your orders in for the Fall! After November, the option for computers will be opened to other learning groups on a first come basis.

PD Fund for Community-based Literacy Organizations
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.

Assistive Technology Software Fund
PGI Grant Application and Activity reports are available
Raise a Reader Grant Application and Activity reports are available




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What's New
Rural Nova Scotia Braced for Employment Insurance (EI) Impact: Highlighting the Need for Literacy and Essential Skills
Swings in unemployment are 10 times larger in rural Nova Scotia than urban areas due to seasonal industries, a new report from the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council shows. New Employment Insurance changes will affect all of rural Atlantic Canada significantly more than urban areas. Read more

New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP): Call for Proposals
Grants of up to $25,000 per year, per organization are available for projects that encourage seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others to help communities address local issues. Deadline for applications: June 29
Read more

Summer in Smallywood: Free Online Video Game that Teaches Essential Skills
Summer in Smallywood is a fun, unique and innovative approach to educating young adults (ages 15 – 30) about three of the Essential Skills: Oral Communication, Working with Others and Thinking Skills. Players are immersed in a game world where learning about Essential Skills is vital to their progression in the story. Watch the video tutorial
For more information, contact Matt Markowiak markowiakm@thecentre.on.ca

Non-Profit Sector Leadership Program at Dalhousie University
The Improving Non-Profit Governance Program (INPG) can help executive directors and board chairs to transform their board governance practices and enable stronger team leadership. The program starts September 24.
Read more

211 Information and Referral Service Launches in February 2013
Users will be able to call the 211 three-digit phone number or visit the website to access information on Nova Scotia’s community and social services agencies. If your organization provides a human, health, community and/or volunteer service to Nova Scotians, be sure you’re included in the 211 database. Contact info@ns.211.ca
Call for Funding: Rural Innovation Fund Grant Program
The Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia announces the second and final call for funding under the Rural Innovation Fund Grant Program. Applications will be accepted until noon, June 15, 2012.



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Events
RESDAC Annual Forum and 21st General Meeting
Learning Communities, United to Develop Literacy!
Gatineau QC, June 10 - 14
Contact Sérivanh Phonekèo at 613-749-5333, ext 243
or adjointedg@resdac.net

reachAbility Offers Free Legal Information Session on June 20
Disability and the Law
Presented by Professor Archie Kaiser, Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law
Wednesday, June 20, 11:00am-12:00pm
reachAbility
3845 Joseph Howe Drive, Suite 201
Halifax NS

RSVP Andrew Nicol
Phone/TTY (902) 429-5878
Fax (902) 429-5858
Space is limited!

Summer Institute 2012: Workplace, Literacy and Essential Skills
Shaping a New Learning Culture
Montreal QC, June 27 - 29, 2012

7th Atlantic Summer Institute (ASI)
Leadership for Active Communities: Inspiration to Action
Holland College, Charlottetown PE, August 21-24, 2012
For inquiries please contact asi@thequaich.pe.ca or (902) 894-3399
Find them on Facebook

CAPLA's International Recognizing Learning Conference, October 2012
Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, Halifax NS
October 21-23, 2012
Visit www.capla.ca for conference updates. If you are interested in presenting at the conference, please complete the online Call for Presenters form.



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Resources
Occupational Task Profiles: Canadian Literacy and Essential Skills Workforce
This Pan-Canadian Snapshot examines the competencies needed by educators working in the Literacy and Essential Skills field. Read more

Playfort Publishing
Playfort Publishing specializes in quick-read titles for reluctant readers. They also have a selection of books by Canadian authors for children and young adults. View their catalogue

Open Heart Forgery, Farming 2012 Issue
Open Heart Forgery is a free monthly journal of poems by Nova Scotians. Great inspiration for adult learners who like to write! The latest issue celebrates farming and food.

Free Audio Books from Grass Roots Press
Beginning readers love the Grass Roots Readers, and audio books can make their reading experience even more enjoyable. Students can listen to the audio track while they read the book. Read more

Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO): Resources for Literacy Organizations
CLO’s resources cover important topics such as developing financial and HR policies, risk management, marketing, online learning technologies, and digital learning resources for literacy agencies.

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