Centre for Newcomer Integration

News

Centre for Newcomer Integration Student Support Services Weekly W-O-R-D-S

October 4, 2023

CNI Students- Check your class BINGO card for a chance to win some great prizes!

Here are this week’s 4 words and definitions: 

  1. Resumé
    • A resumé is a document that has information about a person’s qualifications for a specific position. It includes information about work history, education, and job-related skills. It is often needed when applying for a job. 
    • Check out RRC Polytech Career Services resumé tips: https://www.rrc.ca/careerservices/students/employment-resources/resume-development/  
    • For additional information on resumés, contact an LTC- Student Integration Coordinator. Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca) for Winnipeg students or Christy (cdepp@rrc.ca) for regional students. 
  2. References
    • People such as an employer, manager or instructor who can be contacted by an employer to discuss someone’s work ethic and character, or whether they think the person is suitable for the position that is being applied for.  
  3. Associations and Memberships 
    • Joining associations / becoming members of different groups is a great way to network with like-minded people working towards a shared purpose. 
  4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)  
    • A process that identifies, documents, assesses, and recognizes formal study, and informal learning gained through work and life experience. 
    • For more information on RPL, click on the following link:  https://www.rrc.ca/advising/rpl/  
    • To make an appointment with the CNI RPL advisor, click on the following link:  https://www.rrc.ca/advising/rpl/contact/  

Check your class Weekly W-O-R-D-S card and try to complete one of the following patterns for a chance to win a prize:

If your class completes a BINGO, email CNI Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca).

Centre for Newcomer Integration Student Support Services Weekly W-O-R-D-S

September 28, 2023

CNI Students- Check your class BINGO card for a chance to win some great prizes!

Here are this week’s 4 words and definitions: 

  1. Immigrant Centre 
    • The Immigrant Centre provides newcomers with free programs and services including settlement, employment, language, nutrition training, and verification of translations. 
    • For more information, click on the following link:  https://www.icmanitoba.com/  
    • If you need help to connect with the Immigrant Centre, contact an LTC- Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca) for Winnipeg students or Christy (cdepp@rrc.ca) for regional students. 
  2. RRC Polytech Student Accessibility Services 
    • Provide persons with documented disabilities fair and equal access to educational programs, services, and facilities.  
    • These services are available to students with all types of permanent and temporary disabilities including physical, sensory, neurological and learning disabilities as well as persons with medical conditions or mental health disabilities. 
    • For more information on Student Accessibility Services, click on the following link:  https://www.rrc.ca/accessibility/  
    • If you would like to request support from Student Accessibility Services, click on the following link:  https://hub.rrc.ca/Forms/Start/AccessibilityRequest  
  3. Culture 
    • All the ways of life including arts, beliefs, and institutions, that are passed down from generation to generation. It creates a sense of security and safety for individuals as it gives them a united and unified sense of belonging. 
  4. Communication 
    • Good communication isn’t only about how we talk to others; it involves active listening and the ability to intentionally observe others as well. 

Check your class Weekly W-O-R-D-S card and try to complete one of the following patterns for a chance to win a prize:

If your class completes a BINGO, email CNI Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca).

Good luck!

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023

September 27, 2023

All students, staff and faculty are invited to participate in RRC Polytech’s fifth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 25 to October 6, 2023

Through in-person events and self-guided learning offered by departments across the College, you’ll deepen your knowledge and understanding of Canada’s true history, Indigenous cultures, and spark conversations and take action towards Truth and Reconciliation. 

This year’s event has been expanded to two weeks to enhance the opportunities for the College community to participate and includes sessions featuring special guests. 

Click here for a full list of events.

Free Activity for Students: The Dances of India (EDC, NDC and Virtual)

September 27, 2023

India has a rich cultural heritage including a wide range of dance forms. There are many mudras – graceful hand gestures which are significant from Yogic viewpoint too.

Dr. Nandita Selvanathan who was born and brought up in Varanasi, India – a city which saw Indian dance thrive, leads participants through the visual treats of graceful dance postures and shares information about the folk and classical dance forms originating in India. Participants will also learn and try a few Mudras (hand postures).

REGISTERExchange District Campus: Tuesday, Oct 3, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, P107, The Roblin Centre, Exchange District Campus

REGISTER – In-Person or Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023 – 4:30 to 6:30pm, Connected Classroom in EMP, near the North Gym.

Centre for Newcomer Integration Student Support Services Weekly W-O-R-D-S

September 20, 2023

CNI Students- Check your class BINGO card for a chance to win some great prizes!

Here are this week’s 4 words and definitions: 

  1. Newcomer Employment Hub
    • The Newcomer Employment Hub matches newcomer jobseekers with employers committed to inclusive workplace practices. 
    • Newcomer job seekers who get a job through the Newcomer Employment Hub can apply for free childcare spaces for one year. 
    • To learn more about the Hub, click the following link:  https://winnipeg-chamber.com/neh/  
    • For additional information on the Hub, contact an LTC- Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca) for Winnipeg students or Christy (cdepp@rrc.ca) for regional students. 
  2. Computers for Schools
    • Computers for Schools is an organization that provides free refurbished computers to eligible clients who may not otherwise have access to affordable technology.   
    • For additional information about Computers for School, click the following link:  https://www.c4smb.ca/  
    • If you need help to request a free desktop computer from Computers for School, contact an LTC- Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca) for Winnipeg students or Christy (cdepp@rrc.ca) for regional students. 
  3. Academic Success Centre 
    • Offers a variety of free services to help students understand and study new material, prepare for tests, and develop study skills and intercultural competence. 
    • For more information on the Academic Success Centre, click on the following link:   https://library.rrc.ca/ASC
  4. Mindfulness
    • Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment.  
    • Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.  
    • RRC Polytech students have unlimited access to the MindWell platform, which includes online mindfulness training, live guided mindfulness practices, monthly webinars with experts and a resource library.  
    • Click on the following link for more information: https://www.rrc.ca/well-being/mental-wellness/mindwell/  

Check your class Weekly W-O-R-D-S card and try to complete one of the following patterns for a chance to win a prize:

If your class completes a BINGO, email CNI Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca).

Good luck!

Fall Market: October 11

September 16, 2023

  • Wednesday, October 11th
  • Fall Market – 10:00AM to 3:00PM
  • Showcase – 10:00AM to 6:00PM
  • Exchange District Campus – Roblin Centre and Manitou a bi Bii daziigae

The Fall Market will showcase a range of handcrafted items, artwork, crafts, and innovative products, all created or curated by our talented Students, RRC Polytech Staff, and Industry Partners. In addition to shopping, there will also be music, creative workshops, and various activities, ensuring a day of fun and festivity.

In keeping with our commitment to education, the Fall Market isn’t just about buying and selling goods. It’s also an opportunity for students and RRC Polytech Staff to learn new skills and participate in community engagement.

For visitors, entry is free, and all are welcome.

Welcoming Week – Celebrating the people, places and values that help to build strong communities

September 14, 2023

I am an international student here in Winnipeg, Manitoba at Red River College Polytechnic. I am Latin.

 I am Israel Sanchez, and this is my story.

Several years ago, I was living in my home country, Mexico, and I felt sad about the situation that my country was going through. That situation helped me to decide to leave my home country to look for a better place to live with my wife and the future children that we planned to have. That led me to do exhaustive research on places to live around the world; places with good levels of security, good lifestyles, a firm government and currency, and a high sense of belonging for immigrants. When I found all the benefits and multicultural opportunities that Canada offers for newcomers in its immigration programs, I decided that it was the right place for me and my family.

After deciding to come to Canada, it was time for me to look for the best place to complete my studies. With the help and unconditional support of my wife, we found RRC Polytech in Winnipeg as the best option for me to get a diploma. We saw that RRC Polytech offers its graduates opportunities to work in high-demand professions in Manitoba while making a positive impact in our society as active members.

When I came here to Winnipeg, I came with many dreams to accomplish as a newcomer and international student. However, one of the first challenges that I had to face was coming alone. Due to immigration laws in October 2021, my wife had to stay in Mexico. That pushed me to make an extra effort to improve my English and complete my term successfully.

As the days went by, I was getting used to my new community, looking for new ways to adapt to the Canadian culture and customs. As an outgoing person, I tried to motivate my classmates and friends that I was making in college to adapt to our new home. Doing things like going out to the park, sitting on a bench and talking to Canadians, shopping for groceries or going to the mall and talking to people and making new friends while practicing my English. I was doing those kinds of things every single day. I really experienced the ‘friendly’ in “Friendly Manitoba” and that is one of the reasons that I love Winnipeg so much.

I was alone for 8 months until my wife could come to Winnipeg. It was a hard time for me. However, it was also a beautiful period for me to become a better person. I became more emphatic and aware of the ways that I can support others in my international community, especially my Latin community within the College. What I love the most is learning from others’ experiences and passing the recommendations to other newcomers to avoid the same situations. Being directly involved in the international community, I was able to understand more and more every day about the struggles that not only I, but many newcomers face when moving to another country.

As a student of the Social Innovation and Community Development program, I made great personal progress. Through this program, I connected with exceptional instructors and classmates from different backgrounds with lots of knowledge and with the same wishes and feelings of contributing something to our community. This led to us creating the first Latin club under the umbrella of the Students Association within Red River College Polytech. By creating the Latin Identity Club, we were able to reach many students at the College and make alliances with other clubs to help others.

Coming to Canada has been a life changing experience for my family, and we appreciate the opportunities that Canada has given us. To my loved college, I feel very proud and grateful to be allowed to perform as a student here. The best part of this dream coming true is having the chance to give something back to my beautiful community and feeling useful to those in my new home. I would love to be able to help as many people as I can by providing needed information, assisting when the situation arises, and giving advice based on our own and others’ experiences.

What I love to say is, if I can plant the seed in one person and if that person can affect ten more people in a positive way, we could be surrounded by good people in a short period. Good people always attract good people. Everyone working together towards an amazing and strong community.

Centre for Newcomer Integration Student Support Services Weekly W-O-R-D-S has begun!

September 14, 2023

CNI Students- Check your class BINGO card for a chance to win some great prizes!

Here are the first 4 words and definitions:

  1. Campus Well-Being: 
    • Health is not only about our bodies but also about our minds, emotions, spirit and relationships. Campus Well-Being provides programs, services, and resources to support the holistic health of students, staff and faculty.  
    • Check out some of the exciting sport, fitness, recreation, and mental wellness events and activities that Campus Well-Being offers here: https://www.rrc.ca/well-being/news/ 
  2. NOC Codes:
    • The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s national system for describing occupations. You can search the NOC to find where an occupation is classified or to learn about its main duties, educational requirements or otzher useful information. 
    • For additional information on NOC Codes, click the following link: https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/  
    • If you need help to find your NOC code, contact an LTC- Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca) for Winnipeg students or Christy (cdepp@rrc.ca) for regional students.   
  3. Library Services:
    • Red River College Polytechnic has two Library locations – one at Notre Dame Campus and one at the Exchange District Campus. The libraries have large eBook, print title, streaming, physical DVD and video collections.  They also have equipment that students can borrow, including laptops, data video projectors, visual presenters and digital cameras. Both Library locations feature open access computers, study space and knowledgeable staff. 
    • For more information on Library Services, click on the following link:  https://library.rrc.ca/home  
  4. Voluntering:
    • Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, help the community and feel happier and healthier. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and learn about Canadian workplace culture. 
    • To look for volunteering opportunities in Manitoba, click the following link: https://www.volunteermanitoba.ca/  
    • For additional information on volunteering, contact an LTC- Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca) for Winnipeg students or Christy (cdepp@rrc.ca) for regional students. 

Check your class Weekly W-O-R-D-S card and try to complete one of the following patterns for a chance to win a prize:

If your class completes a BINGO, email CNI Student Integration Coordinator, Jillian (jhoogland@rrc.ca).

Good luck!

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 ›