We are thrilled to announce the rollout of our fall fitness classes. We have some very talented instructors and a great variety of programs to help get you moving towards your fitness goals or take your routine to the next level.  

Class Times

• Mondays – 7:00am, 11:10am, 12:10pm  
• Tuesdays – 7:00am, 11:10am, 12:10pm 
• Wednesdays – 7:00am, 11:10am, 12:10pm 
• Thursdays – 7:00am, 11:10am, 12:10pm 
• Fridays – TBD 

Fitness classes will start the first week of October. Stay tuned for a detailed class descriptions next week! Please email Davis Chase with any questions or for more information. 

Extended Gym Hours 

Want to work out later in the evenings or on the weekend? Now you can! Just in time for fall, weekday fitness centre hours have been expanded and weekend hours have been added.

Hours

• Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 8:00pm 
• Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm 

These hours apply at both the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus.

Orientations

Sign up for a fitness centre orientation to receive a detailed walkthrough of the gym. This is a great opportunity to tour the facility, learn how to use & adjust the exercise equipment, and have all your fitness related questions answered. 

These spaces are for everyone, regardless of fitness level or prior experience so don’t be shy and book an orientation today by emailing Davis Chase.

Orientation Schedule

Notre Dame Campus – Mondays & Wednesdays at 11:15am & 12:15pm 

• Sep 14, Sep 19, Sep 21, Sep 26, Sep 28 

Exchange District Campus – Thursdays at 11:15am & 12:15pm 

• Sep 15, Sep 22, Sep 29 

Art has been used for thousands of years as a way to express how we feel. Did you know that art can also be used to de-stress and allow the mind an opportunity to be free from thinking? Some artists have described that creating art puts them into a state of flow, where no space or time seems to exist; a place where art and artist become one. 

Painting isn’t just for those who can pick up a brush and create a realistic landscape. It is a method to connect with our inner self and create something of self-expression. There is no judgement in art, as it is a subjective experience. It is an activity that anyone can do and because we are all artists on some level, we can all create art.  

Come join Campus Well-Being and show off your inner Picasso. Instructor and RRC Polytech grad, Kisa MacIsaac will lead participants through a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas. There is no cost for this event and light snacks will be supplied. All students and staff are welcome to register.

Details

Notre Dame Campus

Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2022 

Time: 4:30-6:30pm 

Location:  The Cave 

Exchange District Campus

Date: Monday, September 26, 2022 

Time: 4:30-6:30pm 

Location:  The Dining Hall, Roblin Centre 

We will be providing painting supplies for the event, but registration is required to book your supply kit. Register early with Mario De Negri as there are a limited number. 

What’s your favorite board game? Are there some games that are nostalgic for you, bringing up fond memories of sitting around the table playing with family and friends? Board games are a great way to share and interact while building lasting memories. 

Board games are an easy ice breaker when meeting new people. It doesn’t matter if it’s a game you’ve played before or one you’re trying for the first time – anyone can sit down and get right into the joy of play.

If you want to re-connect with some of those feelings and find some new friends along the way, come join Campus Well-Being and the Students’ Association for our afternoon of playing a few board games.  We’ll have a variety of games that you are welcome to pull out and enjoy.   

Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 

Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm 

Location:  The Cave, NDC 

Registration: By emailing Mario De Negri. 

Campus Well-being has several volunteer positions we are looking to fill. Are you interested in getting involved on campus? Are you passionate about wellness? Please join our Volunteer Information Session to learn more about some exciting opportunities!  

Info Session Details

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 21

Time: noon – 1pm

Location: Studio “A”, EMP Studios GM33, Notre Dame Campus, or register for the livestream.

Contact Breanna Sawatzky to request an invitation.

Benefits of Volunteering

Upon completion of service, all volunteers will be provided a letter of verification and a certificate of service, and will be invited to an appreciation event. Volunteers who display exceptional service may request letters of recommendation for awards. 

Volunteer Roles

Thrive Ambassador

The Thrive Ambassador will promote Thrive Week in the hallways, library, and cafeteria by distributing print materials and striking up conversations with students. The ideal candidate is friendly in conversation, can communicate clearly, and is conscientious. 
 
The volunteer will complete 10 hours of service, primarily during the month of November. All service is completed on campus with support from the Thrive planning group. Attending a one-hour orientation session is mandatory and is included in the 10 hours of service. 

Resource Promoter

The Resource Promoter will use and enhance their communication skills, increasing student awareness and use of various mental health supports. In this role, the volunteer will promote resources by tabling in hallways, distributing print materials, and striking up conversations with students.  

The volunteer will complete 10 hours of service, ideally one hour per month, October to April. All service is completed on campus with support from the Campus Mental Health Specialist. Attending a one-hour orientation session is mandatory and is included in the 10 hours of service. 

Advisory Group Member

The Advisory Group Member will use and enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, providing thoughtful critiques and formulating ideas for our Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy. In this role, the volunteer will attend three two-hour meetings (November, January and March) where members share their perspectives, brainstorm ideas, and develop strategies to make RRC Polytech a health-promoting college.  

The volunteer will complete 10 hours of service. All service is on campus with support from the Campus Mental Health Specialist. A one-on-one orientation meeting is mandatory and included in the 10 hours of service. 

Student Intramural Coordinator

(Various Positions Available: Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal or Other) 

The Student Intramural Coordinator(s) will use and enhance their leadership and event-management skills, by facilitating monthly intramurals in their sport of interest. The volunteer(s) will promote events by distributing print materials and striking up conversations with students. They will also facilitate event registration, game play, event set-up and take-down.   

Each volunteer will complete up to 12 hours of service: approximately six hours in the fall term (Sept-Dec) and six hours in the winter term (Jan-Apr). A group orientation session is mandatory for all intramural coordinators, at which they will receive support and direction from the Sport and Fitness Supervisor.  

For many of us, moving into September means getting back into routines and preparing ourselves for the months ahead. Thankfully, MindWell is offering several programs to help you do just that while simultaneously improving your well-being. All workshops and classes are free to Red River College Polytechnic faculty, staff and students. Sign up for a Free MindWell Account to access and find a class that is right for you!

New for September:

• Learn to Meditate II: Mindfulness for Busy People

• Finding Motivation

• Exercise at Your Desk

4 Week Learn to Meditate Program

If you’re like most people, you think you don’t have time to meditate. Or, it simply falls off your ‘to-do’ list when things get busy. Makeda is back teaching you simple ways to integrate meditation into your life so you can experience less stress and more joy – no matter how busy you are.

Begins Thursday, Sept. 8 at noon Central

Register Here

Finding Motivation

Motivation comes and goes. Learn how to use mindfulness-based practices to cultivate motivation at any time so you can be more productive at work, getting into a workout routine, eating healthy or any other area of your life where you could use some extra motivation.   

Every Friday in September at 11am Central

Register Here

Exercise at Your Desk

Sitting for long hours each day pays a toll on our bodies. As we get back to school and work this September, join Lucia every Monday for simple and effective exercises that can be done at your desk to boost your energy and help keep your body in shape – no mat or special equipment required.  

Every Monday in September at noon Central

Register Here

Don’t yet have an account? Sign up here >>>

For any questions about MindWell please contact Breanna Sawatzky.

Recreation and Wellness

CFL Weekly Winning Teams Pick 

Every Monday, select the teams you think will win this week’s games and submit them to be entered for a prize. This contest will be running until the Grey Cup so you can submit for each week. Registration and team picks can be submitted by email to Mario De Negri  

Pop Up Ping Pong

Come drop by for a couple rounds of ping pong. All skill levels welcomed and all equipment is provided. No registration required, but you can email Mario De Negri to say you’d like to stop by. 

EDC (Elgin Plaza) Wednesday, September 7th,  noon-1:00pm

NDC (North Gym) Monday, September 12th,  noon-1:00pm

Board Game Night

Come for an afternoon of board games and meet some new friends. There will be a selection of games to choose from and good times had by all. Email Mario De Negri to register.

NDC (The Cave) Thursday, September 15th, 4:00-6:00pm

Paint Night

In this paint night activity you will be guided through the steps required to create a masterpiece. Supplies and materials will be provided but are limited. You must register early to secure your spot by emailing Mario De Negri.

NDC (The Cave) Tuesday, September 20th, 4:30pm-6:30pm

EDC (Dining Hall) Monday, September 26th,  4:30pm-6:30pm

In-Person Yoga

Come move, stretch, breathe and feel good. These drop-in classes are suitable for all levels. Mats are provided.

NDC (North Gym) Tuesday, September 6, 13, 20, and 27, 4:00- 4:30pm

EDC (P107) Thursday, September 22 & 29, 12:15-12:45

Special Immersive Experience

Yoga in the Immersion Room (GM32) – Wednesday, September 14, noon – 1pm (Register by emailing Mario De Negri)

Virtual Yoga

Join Holly for a lunch hour practice in your own space from 12:15-12:45pm.   Register for each class that works for you.

• Friday, Sept 9th 
• Friday, Sept 16th 
• Friday, Sept 23rd 

Fitness

Fitness Centre Orientation (15-20min)  

• Receive a detailed tour of the fitness centre 
• Learn how to use & adjust exercise equipment 
• Have your questions answered about the gym, membership access, etc.,  
• Email dchase2@rrc.ca to sign up  

NDC

EDC

• Thursdays at 11:15am & 12:15 pm with Davis  
• Sep 8, Sep 15, Sep 22, Sep 29 

Drop-In Sport

Come by the NDC North Gym to join a game.

Basketball – Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11am-1pm

Pickleball – Tuesday & Thursday 11am-1pm

Mental Well-Being

World Suicide Prevention Day: Promoting Life Through Building Connections

• EDC, Friday, September 9, 11:30-2:30
• Learn more here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Information Session

Learn all about the different student volunteer roles that are available through Campus Well-Being. Attend in person, catch the live stream, or watch the recording.

NDC (GM32), Wednesday, Sept. 21, noon – 1pm in the eTV studio A. Catch the live stream at rrc.ca/streaming. Contact Breanna Sawatzky for more information.

A Note

Please note that for the month of September all Campus Well-Being programing is offered at no cost to RRC Polytech students, staff and faculty. We hope our programming can help support personal wellness and ease the transition back to busier hallways and more populated spaces. In future months, some programming may have a cost attached.

Each year over 4000 Canadians die by suicide. With each loss, families and communities are left to grieve and ask questions about what may have prevented the tragedy. World Suicide Prevention Day is observed each year as a chance to promote understanding of suicide, bring people together, and create hope through action.

All community members are invited to join the Winnipeg Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and Campus Well-Being to observe World Suicide Prevention Day at RRC Polytech. Together we will explore how to promote life through building connections.

Keynote speakers Will Landon and Taylor Behn-Tsakoza of the Youth Action Group for Life Promotion will share with us their life promotion toolkit. Strengthening Our Connections to Promote Life: A Life Promotion Toolkit by Indigenous Youth was developed as a youth-focused and youth-led response to suicide, mental wellness, and substance use in Indigenous communities. We’re happy to welcome Taylor and Will to campus.

Event Details

Date: Friday, September 9, 2022

Time: 11:30am – 2:30pm

Location: Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae 319 Elgin Ave.

Hosted by Ace Burpee, the event will feature:

• Art making activities by Art Beat,
• Light refreshments, and
• ASL interpretation

Register here

Come in person or contact Breanna Sawatzky for information on how to catch the livestream. For accessibility needs please also contact Breanna.

Therapy Dogs are back at Red River College Polytechnic for the Fall Welcome! Come say hello to dogs from the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. They will be attending campuses in Winnipeg, Steinbach and Portage. 

Animal and human interactions can offer many positive health benefits. For example, animals can help decrease our cortisol levels (a stress hormone), lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help boost our mood. They are also fun to have around and offer us to chance to form unique and intimate bonds.  

Join us for the Fall Welcome, and ease into the term with a visit from a furry friend.  

The Details 

Notre Dame Campus  

Date: Monday, August 29^th
Time: 11:30-1:00pm 
Location: STTC Lobby 

Exchange District Campus 

Date: Wednesday, August 31^st  
Time: 11:30-1:00pm  
Location: Roblin Centre and Manitou a bi Bii daziigae 

Steinbach Campus  

Date: Thursday, September 1^st  
Time: 11:30-1:00pm  
Location: The Fishbowl 

Portage Campus  
 
Date: Wednesday, August 31^st  
Time: 11:30-1:00pm  
Location: Student Lounge Area  

If you have any questions about the visit feel free to reach out to Pamela Villafranca.  

Drop-in Sports 

Enjoy the opportunity to play some of your favorite sports at our weekly drop! Our North Gym is open for lunch hour basketball and pickleball drop-ins! See below for more information:  

Basketball

Monday, Wednesday & Friday, NDC, 11:00am-1:00pm 

• August 3^rd 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 5th 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 8^th 11:00am-1:00pm
• August 10^th 11:00am-1:00pm
• August 12^th 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 15^th 11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 19^th  11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 22^nd 11:00am-1:00pm
• August 24^th 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 26^th 11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 29^th 11:00am-1:00pm
• August 31^st  11:00am-1:00pm  

Pickleball

Tuesday and Thursday, NDC, 11:00am-1:00pm  

• August 2^nd 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 4^th 11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 9^th 11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 11^th  11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 16^th  11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 18^th  11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 23^rd 11:00am-1:00pm 
• August 25^th  11:00am-1:00pm  
• August 30^th  11:00am-1:00pm 

Check back later in the month to find out more information about the fun events we are planning for the fall!