Hosted by the Academic Success Centre (ASC), Centre for Newcomer Integration students are invited to join the weekly English Conversation Circles to strengthen speaking skills and build connection and confidence through communication practice.

No registration required, just drop in and join the conversation!  Sessions will run weekly for the duration of the term, starting the week of January 12th. 

• Tuesdays, 12:00-12:50pm at Exchange District Campus (EDC), Room P-204
• Thursdays, 12:00-12:50pm online, visit the ASC website to find the links.

  Each week participants will practice different conversational speaking skills, including:

• Starting a Conversation
• Closing a Conversation
• Interrupting
• Resuming after an interruption
• Giving opinions
• Asking personal questions
• Keeping the Conversation Going
• Checking Comprehension

Conversation skills will be practiced around topics of interest to the group, including:

• Getting to know one another
• Family & Friends
• Winter activities
• Cultural practices
• Getting to know Winnipeg

To learn more, contact ealsupport@rrc.ca.

The spirit of the holiday season was felt across RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) as students and their families received Christmas Cheer Board hampers filled with care, generosity and community support. 

On Monday, November 24, over 200 hampers were distributed to CNI students at the Exchange District Campus. The event brought together CNI students, staff, volunteers and community partners, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere during a busy and often challenging time of year for many newcomers. 

If you are an internationally educated nurse planning to work in Manitoba, strong communication skills are key to better patient outcomes and successful professional working relationships. Communication for Professional Practice for International Educated Nurses (CPP-IENs) is a fully online, for-credit course designed to help you build skills and feel more prepared for working with patients as part of collaborative healthcare teams in Canada.

Through participation in lectures, discussion in case studies, and applied practice in role-plays, you will gain communication skills and confidence for interacting with a diverse group of patients and colleagues to gather and share information, provide culturally safe care, advocate for patients, and manage challenging interactions and conflicts.

On December 3, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) in partnership MANSO welcomed approximately 70 newcomer-serving organizations from across Manitoba for an Open Doors event.  

The Open Doors series is a new initiative designed to strengthen connections across Manitoba’s newcomer-serving sector. This series invites newcomer servicing organizations to open their doors, share their work, and build relationships that support collaboration and innovation. Hosting the event at CNI provided an opportunity for participants to see the programs and spaces where newcomers build the language and communication skills they need to move forward in education, training and employment. 

Red Talks took place on November 19 at the Exchange District Campus and brought CNI students together for an evening of learning, conversation and inspiration. The atmosphere was positive and welcoming, and many students said the event helped them feel more confident.  

The evening opened with remarks from event organizer Jesse Friesen, who encouraged students to see Red Talks as a chance to learn with and from one another while strengthening real-world communication skills. After that, three 20-minute presentations were delivered by inspirational speakers. They spoke on a range of topics including personal stories, career journeys, honest reflections about the challenges and successes they experienced as newcomers or professionals working with newcomers and artificial intelligence. 

The Connection Spot – Where campus meets community

Volunteer Manitoba is visiting CNI!

• Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• Location: Outside the CNI Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building

Volunteer Manitoba connects people who want to volunteer with organizations that need their support. They provide resources, training, and opportunities for students and community members to get involved, develop skills, and make a meaningful impact in Manitoba.

From one-time opportunities to long-term commitments, Volunteer Manitoba helps you find the right volunteer role to match your passions, interests, and career goals. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and strengthen your community.

Stop by on December 2 to explore volunteer opportunities, connect with staff, and discover how you can make a difference in Manitoba!

Discover how you can get involved by visiting: https://www.volunteermanitoba.ca

The Connection Spot – Where campus meets community

West Central Women’s Resource Centre is visiting CNI!

• Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• Location: Outside the CNI Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building

The West Central Women’s Resource Centre (WCWRC) provides programs and services to build community, support families, and empower women from all walks of life. With a strong focus on newcomer settlement, WCWRC offers support in housing, employment, health, language learning, and community connections.

Through drop-in services, mentorship, and culturally safe programs, WCWRC works alongside women and families to navigate challenges and take steps toward building a thriving life in Manitoba.

To learn more about WCWRC programs and services, visit their website: https://wcwrc.ca

The Connection Spot – Where campus meets community

Manitoba Possible is visiting CNI!

• Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Outside the CNI Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building

This Week at The Connection Spot – Where Campus Meets Community

Connect with Manitoba Possible!

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Outside the Manitoba Possible Office, 2nd Floor – Manitou a bi Bii daziigae Building

Manitoba Possible is dedicated organization to supporting newcomers in their journey to settle, thrive, and connect with the community. They provide programs, resources, and opportunities that help individuals access education, employment, and social connections in Manitoba. Its team is here to guide, mentor, and empower newcomers, helping them build a strong foundation for success and belonging in their new home.

Come meet the team, get your questions answered, and discover how Manitoba Possible can support you!

Further information about Manitoba Possible can be found on their official website: www.manitobapossible.ca

The Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) is introducing RED Talks — a new, student-focused event that helps learners build confidence using English in real-world settings. 

RED Talks features short, live presentations followed by small-group discussions. The event introduces students to content-based, lecture-style learning in an interactive environment where they can share ideas, explore new perspectives, and connect through meaningful communication. 

Event Details 

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM 
Location: Dining Hall, Exchange District Campus (160 Princess St.) 
Cost: Free for CNI students and staff 

Thrive Week is aimed at cultivating an environment of support that provides a sense of well-being, belonging, and connectedness for students and employees. 

During Thrive Week, members of the RRC Polytech community will discover simple, everyday ways to care for their mental health and feel their best — at school, at work, and beyond.

Activities, hosted by Campus Well-Being and the Students’ Association, include:

·       Feast and Friends: Forge new social connections with guided conversation over a shared meal

·       DIY Fidget Making: Learn basic woodworking techniques crafting your own custom fidget – a simple tool that helps with focus and stress relief

·       The Amazing Race: Experience teamwork and physical activity while competing in six fun-filled mini games

·       FortWhyte Alive Wellness Walk

·       Mini Massages

·       Pop Up Cat Café

·       Mini Golf

·       Library Puzzles and Colouring Stations

Folks can register here to save a spot in many of the events.