Centre for Newcomer Integration

News from the Centre for Newcomer Integration

NEW Winnipeg and Steinbach Learning Labs

November 10, 2022

NEW Monday and Thursday Labs

Language Training Centre (LTC) Student Support Services is now offering two new Learning Labs for LTC permanent resident students.

LTC students seeking additional support can drop-in to any of the labs that are available each week:

  • NEW* Monday Learning Lab from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in room 16 (Grace Mennonite Church).
  • Tuesday Learning Lab from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in computer lab room P403 (Exchange District Campus).
  • Wednesday Learning Lab from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in computer lab room W312 (Exchange District Campus).
  • NEW* Thursday Learning Lab from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in computer lab room P404 (Exchange District Campus).
  • Friday Learning Lab from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in room 16 (Grace Mennonite Church).

Please contact LTC Educational Assistant, Colette Thiessen, at cthiessen46@rrc.ca for more information.

Reflection Rooms at RRC Polytech

November 3, 2022

RRC Polytech is dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals are welcomed, respected, and supported to participate fully. We work every day to recognize the needs of students and employees and ensure the right conditions are in place so that each person can achieve their full potential.

In the spirit of Inclusion Week, we’d like to introduce spiritual support available for students and staff on the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. The Reflection Rooms at RRC Polytech are spaces for personal or spiritual reflection, prayer, meditation, or individual contemplation. The Reflection Rooms are non-denominational spaces open to people of all religions, faiths, and/or spiritual practices.

Here are some important reminders to ensure that the space is used for its intended purpose:

  • Please bring with you any items you may need for prayer, reflection etc.
  • Due to space limitations, storage of these items is impossible. Take them with you when you go.
  • Respect each other if more than one person is using the space.
  • Respect the space. If you move anything, please put it back where it was found.
  • Respect the scent-free policy of the College – use of incense, sage, or other such materials in this room is not permitted.
  • No sleeping or napping in the room
  • No eating or drinking in the room
  • No telephone conversations, texting, attending virtual meetings, visiting with others, or using this space for small group meetings.
  • Enjoy the space. Reflect. Recharge. Renew

LOCATIONS

Notre Dame Campus – Room A233

Exchange District Campus – Room P213

The spaces are open from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday – Friday.

For access after hours, students can contact Security Services at any of the locations and they will the space.

If you have any questions about the Reflection Room, please contact Lauren Dominici at D206 NDC, 204.632.2317 or ldominici@rrc.ca 

Thrive Week – Nov 7 to 11, 2022

November 3, 2022

Thrive Week is a time to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working.

We invite you to take a moment to do something that gets you active, creative, connected or relaxed – whatever it is you need for balance. All events are free and open all RRC Polytech students.

For All Campuses, Students and Staff

Participate in one of our events offered virtually: Keynote Presentation: Nature as Self-Care, Crystal Bowl Meditation, Feel the Beat – Music for Wellness and Cooking Night.

There are also many in-person events: Therapy Dogs, Japanese Drumming, Keynote Presentation: Nature as Self-Care, Crystal Bowl Meditation, The Zen Zone, Movie Marathon and Library Puzzles/Adult Colouring stations and a Birds Hill Provincial Park hike.

Click here to see the schedule of events.

Hosted by Campus Well-Being and the Student Association. For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian

English Conversation Club

November 3, 2022

Attention LTC Students! You are invited to join English Conversation Club (ECC).

ECC meets online every Thursday from 3:00pm-4:00pm. Please join us if you are available and would like the chance to practice your speaking and listening skills.

Click here to join us.

Please email LTC Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian Hoogland (jhoogland@rrc.ca) if you have any questions.

Inclusion Week Events

November 3, 2022

All RRC Polytech students are invited to participate in our first annual Inclusion Week, October 31st – November 4th, 2022. Learn more about Inclusion Week and see the full event schedule.

Thursday, November 3rd from 12:00 – 1:00pm (Online ONLY)

Our Voices, Our Truths: Student Panel on Diversity and Inclusion
  • Understanding how to value and cultivate differences is a way to ensure that each member of our community can bring their whole being into the spaces that we share. This is no easy task, as there are many barriers in place that prevent everyone from feeling valued, respected, and involved in our community. In this conversation, one of our students will share the challenges they have experienced in their lives as well as suggestions for how to create more inclusive spaces within the community.
  • Register now! ASL-English Interpretation will be provided.

November 3rd, 2 – 3pm (GM-33, NDC)

Drag Queen Story Hour with Miss Gender
  • Join us for a dynamic book reading and conversation with Winnipeg Drag Queen: Miss Gender. This conversation, moderated by Ebony Novakowski, will be an opportunity to learn about the lived experiences of this member of the Winnipeg Drag Queen community. Come with your questions, as the conversation will be followed by an interactive Q and A.
  • Register here! ASL-English Interpreting will be provided.

November 4th (GM-33, NDC), 15 minute presentations, every 30 minutes from 9-3pm

Truth and Reconciliation Immersion Room Experience
  • Immerse yourself in an introductory story of Truth and Reconciliation, from the relationship with “Earth Mother” to the experience of Residential Schools. This 10-minute installation is about healing and respect, and provides an opportunity to learn, discuss, and share thoughts and experiences related to Truth and Reconciliation.
  • Register here  (selecting November 4th to register, once in the MS Bookings tool.)

Friday, November 4th, 12:00 – 1:00pm (online)

Anti-Racism Speaker Series: Addressing Systemic Racism and Ableism
  • The first step in removing barriers to access and participation for all people is to identify and address the obstacles they are facing. Systemic racism exists in entrenched practices, beliefs, laws, and policies that produce, condone, and perpetuate widespread unfair treatment and oppression related to race. Ableism, or discriminating against people with learning and living challenges, is a deep-rooted construct that often unintentionally makes it more difficult for individuals with physical and neurological differences to succeed. 
  • Join RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee for the third in a four-part virtual speaker series featuring champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a post-secondary setting, accompanied by a moderated panel discussion designed to inspire change.
  • Register here!

Get Job Search Ready

October 24, 2022

Career Services is providing an interactive workshop series on the development of employment documents and skills for students!

The Get Job Search Ready series will be a combination of presentations and workshops on the following topics:

·       Job Search Strategies and Networking

·       LinkedIn Profile Development

·       Resumes and Cover Letters

·       Interview Strategies and Practice Opportunities

LTC students are welcome to attend. CLB 7-8 is recommended as the workshops are fast paced. All workshops will be recorded so that participants can review the information if desired.

DATES/TIME

The workshops will be delivered virtually during October and November, from 12pm – 1pm.

TO REGISTER

1.       Log in to your RRC Polytech Career Bridge account here: Career Bridge – Students

2.       Select “Events & Workshops

3.       Select “List View” to see upcoming Get Job Search Ready sessions

4.       View the session you’d like to register for

5.       Click the blue “Register for this event” button

Career Services strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. If anyone requires any virtual accommodations including ASL-English interpretation, please email careerservices@rrc.ca no later than 5 days before the session and include which sessions they will be attending.

For more information, please contact Career Services at careerservices@rrc.ca.

Métis History and Beading Workshop

October 24, 2022

Flower beadwork is a living tradition for the Métis people. This cherished art form has become well known as a skill of the Métis Nation.

colorful floral bead work


In this fun, interactive, in-person workshop, participants will be guided through a traditional Métis beading project while simultaneously being enriched with knowledge about Metis history and culture.

  • Date: Tuesday, November 1st
  • Time: 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: RRC Polytech, Notre Dame Campus (2055 Notre Dame Ave.), Indigenous Student Support Centre, Room F209
  • Cost: FREE!

Workshop supplies will be provided for participants. Registration is limited to 30 individuals.

Click here to register.

Click here to see the full schedule of Inclusion Week events.

Diwali Celebration at RRC Polytech

October 20, 2022

RRC Polytech College Community is proud to present a come-and-go Diwali event at the Exchange District Campus on October 24th.

Learn about Diwali and celebrate the festival of lights with us.  Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in India.

Where: Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae (Roundhouse Auditorium – 2nd floor)

Date: October 24th

Time: 11 am – 2 pm (come-and-go)

We encourage all guests (students and staff) to come dressed in their authentic Indian clothing.   

Poster about Diwali Celebration

LTC Learning Labs

October 13, 2022

Language Training Centre (LTC) Student Support Services is now offering two new Learning Labs for LTC permanent resident students:

  • LTC students seeking additional support with their LinkedIn profiles and informational interview practice can drop-in to the Tuesday Learning Lab from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in computer lab room P403 (Exchange District Campus).
  • LTC students looking for general support in their English studies are welcome to participate in the Wednesday Learning Lab from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in computer lab room W312 (Exchange District Campus).

Please contact LTC Educational Assistant, Colette Thiessen, at cthiessen46@rrc.ca for more information.

Free Activities on Thanksgiving Weekend

October 5, 2022

Friday, October 7th, 4:00pm-9:00pm

  • Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Avenue
    • Get free general admission to the museum’s three main attractions – the Museum Galleries, the Planetarium, and the Science Gallery.
    • Click here for more information.

Saturday, October 8th, 12:00pm-11:55pm

  • Hargrave Street Festival, Carlton Street
    • Hargrave St. Market presents a cultural festival that invites you to enjoy some of our city’s best music, food, and art in “Heart of the City” on October 8th. There will be activities for people of all ages. Enjoy performances by local dancers and entertainers all day long! Performances by Cassidy Mann, Fontaine, Sierra Noble, Boogie the Beat, Mariachi Ghost, and Dirty Catfish Hot + Dirty Dance Party! DJs Anthony OKs, Hunnicutt, Zuki, Swift and Dad will keep you dancing all night long!
    • Click here for more information.

Sunday, October 9th, 11:00am-5:00pm

  • Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Boulevard
    • Enjoy free admission to the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)
    • Free admission includes Qaumajuq, an innovative new museum dedicated to Inuit art and culture that’s connected to the WAG on all levels. Discover the 185,000-square-foot cultural campus that is WAG-Qaumajuq, including the stunning Visible Vault showcasing thousands of carvings and much more.
    • Click here for more information.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›