A message from your LTC Counsellor, Larissa:

During this time of not knowing, it’s natural to feel stress. We are always getting updates from the news, social media, our workplace, school and our friends and family.

Our routines are changing quickly. We live every day without knowing what will happen tomorrow. So, our thoughts and feelings will be affected. Some may also have negative memories come back as they live this new experience.

Common ways of feeling stress: 

Everyone is different. Your reaction isn’t right or wrong, it is your reaction. You may be experiencing something else and that’s okay. What matters is that we can do our best to actively manage it. 

What do you normally do to manage stress? If you usually spend time with friends, can you chat on the phone or have a video call? If you usually go to the gym, can you stream an online workout video?

Here are some things to try now:

1. Limit news and social media. Stay informed but be sure to take breaks.
2. Remember the basics. Be sure to eat nutritious food, get fresh air, move your body, and get enough sleep. 
3. Connect with others. Telephone, text, or video calls can be a great way to stay in touch. Remember to laugh as much as possible. 
4. Practice kindness. Everyone around us is likely stressed too. Be kind, be patient. 
5. Breathe. Taking slow, deep breaths that fill you belly. Inhale for 4 long seconds and exhale for 4 long seconds.
6. Reach out for support. Sometimes, in order to be at our best we need to ask for help. There are several people ready to assist you. 

 Counselling and support services for LTC students:  

Larissa Klymkiw: lklymkiw@RRC.CA  

Lauren Joyce: ljoyce@RRC.CA  

Jillian Hoogland: jhoogland@RRC.CA  

William Barr: wbarr@RRC.CA  

We are here. Please email. If you prefer a phone call, we will call you. Just let us know. 

What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?

If you have lost income because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide you with temporary income support of $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

Who should apply? 

You should apply if:

• You live in Canada, and you are at least 15 years old; 
• You have stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits:
• You had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 from employment or EI benefits. You may have earned this income in Canada or in a different country.
• You are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days.

When do you apply?

Applications will be accepted beginning April 6.

How do you apply?

Telephone:  The phone line will open on April 6, 2020

1-800-959-2019   from 6:00 AM to 3:00 AM

You will need your SIN and your postal code.  

Online:  The portal will open on April 6, 2020

www.canada.ca

• If you have a Service Canada account you can apply through this account to CRA

OR

• If you do not have a Service Canada account you can apply through CRA

IMPORTANT: Before you apply for this benefit online, please register for your CRA My Account and direct deposit.

For more information, please click here.

For help, please contact your student integration team:

• Daytime students – Lauren and Jillian
• Evening students – William

Many people have lost their jobs or cannot work because they are ill or taking care of their children.

The government of Canada is offering a financial benefit, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to get money to people who have lost income due to the virus, but cannot apply for Employment Insurance (EI).

This money can be for someone who cannot work for the following reasons:

• You are ill with the virus.
• You are taking care of someone who is ill with the virus.
• You are taking care of your children while they are unable to attend school or daycare.
• You have been laid off because of the virus.

If you are a Language Training Centre student and a Permanent Resident and want to know more about this, or need help to apply for EI or the CERB, email the Student Support team (Jillian or Lauren).

If you are a Language Training Centre student and an International Student and want to know more about available supports, email the Student Support team (Jillian or Lauren).

Jillian Hoogland – jhoogland@rrc.ca
Laurne Joyce – ljoyce@rrc.ca

Daylight saving time 2020 will begin at 3:00 a.m, Sunday, March 8, 2020.

Don’t forget to ‘Spring Ahead’ and turn your clocks ahead 1 hour.

The student support team is giving away free tickets to a special family concert by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

In the concert, Wall-to-Wall Percussion,  the musicians will explore the percussion instruments of the orchestra and the musical possibilities of instruments found in every household.

• When: Sunday, March 8
  • Pre-concert activities begin at 1:00PM
  • Concert begins at 2:00PM
• Where: Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street

For your chance to win, go to rooms 418/419, fill out a ballot and drop it the ballot box. Winners will be contacted on March 3rd.

All students are invited to join the Student Support team for a fun-filled evening at the Manitoba Museum. There will be guides on-hand to provide information to students as well as a place for students to mingle and have some light refreshments and snacks.

• When: Thursday, February 27th (from 4:00pm – 8:00pm)
• Where: Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Avenue
• Cost: FREE!

Students are allowed to bring guests to this event.

Registration is not required. Please visit Lauren (office 418) or Jillian (room 419) if you have any questions.

On the first and last Sunday of the month from January to March, you can try out snowshoeing for free at the Living Prairie Museum (2795 Ness Avenue).

The next event will take place Sunday, January 26, from 10 AM to 4 PM (weather permitting).

*No experience required, and snowshoes are provided.

*Snowshoes are lent out on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to wear winter boots!

For more information, click here.

Are you looking for an exciting volunteer opportunity?

Why not try volunteering for Festival du Voyageur, western Canada’s largest winter festival?

When: February 14th-February 23rd

Where: St. Boniface (Fort Gibraltar)

For more information or to apply, click here.

You are welcome to attend Red River College’s Celebration of Culture Party.

There will be cultural performances, children’s activities, and a dance party. Light refreshments will be served.

When: Friday, January 17, 2020 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Where: Voyageur Dining Room NDC

Advance registration is required online by January 16.

This is a free college-wide event – Everyone is Welcome!

The staff at the Language Training Centre wants to give a warm welcome to all of our new students in the Intensive English for International Students program. We look forward to meeting you and helping you to settle comfortably in Winnipeg. Please check this site regularly for information about special events for students. Have a great term!