Electrical Alum Alfred Thompson returns to teach program he took in Fisher River Cree Nation

Alfred Thompson walked into the classroom this past spring for the first time in 11 years – and this time, rather than a student, he was the instructor.

In 2014, Thompson took the Electrical program at the RRC Polytech campus in Fisher River Cree Nation. His interest in the industry grew from the problem solving and independence he gained while working hands-on and the satisfaction of seeing results firsthand. Today, he’s in Peguis First Nation, teaching 14 students in the same five-month Electrical program being offered in community from April – November 2025 with extra time to incorporate student success strategies, including Elder support and Teachings.

Thompson recalls that while taking trades courses in high school, building circuitry and making calculations came naturally to him and he enjoyed seeing how his work could be immediately applied – like setting up a simple motor and watching it spin or building a small circuit board where every connection worked as planned.

As a student at RRC Polytech, he says that the skills he cultivated and the knowledge he obtained contributed to how quickly he was hired after graduation. He gained a strong foundation in electrical safety, mathematics, and residential wiring while developing practical skills in troubleshooting, blueprint reading, and applying the Canadian Electrical Code – skills that prepared him for both industry work and, eventually, teaching.

Thompson worked in Fairford for a local electrical company for a few years before moving on to AAA, where he continued as an electrician. His career progressed to construction, where he traveled hours by car and by plane to work in northern communities installing electrical systems in new buildings and maintaining or repairing existing wiring.

Thompson credits a friend of his for referring him to the job posting with RRC Polytech to teach the very same program that he had taken 11 years earlier.

“[Teaching is] pretty good – I’m myself around the students now. That first day, though, I was practicing before, and I was like, ‘oh man, I’m really gonna just go talk like this in front of other people.’ I was so nervous,” said Thompson.

Thompson recounts that while he was considering how to approach teaching, he realized that it was more than just explaining how to solder wires to a circuit or how to navigate issues within an electrical system – teaching involved an entirely new skillset.

“I had to think back on how my own teachers did it to really get down to it, then it all made sense. I started just laying down that knowledge,” said Thompson.

Thompson shaped his teaching approach to focus on clear, step-by-step instruction, hands-on practice, and connecting theory to real-world applications based on reflection of his own experiences as a student.

He started his first classes with safety basics and moved into the code book, introducing one concept at a time before applying mathematical principles to assignments and projects. Thompson recalls how, in demonstration, he had taken a piece of paper and drawn a step-by-step visual for wiring a plug, which he had the students duplicate in their own drawings. From that simple demonstration to now, when the class is in the full swing of their projects, Thompson says the students have built the skills to tackle their work with great proficiency. Seeing those students succeed in their studies, like he had 11 years ago, fills Thompson with confidence.

Electrical student Christian Guillard said that joining the program in Peguis was a spur-of-the-moment decision when he was considering new opportunities for professional training.

“I have a background in physics so I was more familiar with theory than practice. I’ve found that Alfred’s good at explaining and demonstrating the practical application of electrical systems – the classes started slow at first but now we’re doing weekly tests to assess where we are,” said Guillard.

Earlier this fall, he developed blueprints for a bedroom and closet to map out the wiring and receptacles – a project he worked on while appreciating the convenience of studying close to his home in Peguis.

Thompson is optimistic about the future and noted that he would be glad to continue teaching if the opportunity remains at RRC Polytech. Alternatively, he says that he can envision heading back to construction or potentially opening his own business.

Being close to home is a huge factor in Thompson’s career – he has two young boys, two- and three-years-old, waiting for him at home in Fairford. Thompson says that when he was working construction, he could spend up to ten weeks away from home in remote communities to bring home a pay cheque. These days, he stays in a teacherage in Fisher River Cree Nation after work Tuesday through Friday, and from Friday to Monday, he has the full days with his sons in Fairford.

For Thompson, the journey from student to instructor has come full-circle. It blends his technical expertise, hands-on experience, and personal insight into a teaching approach that equips students with the skills they need and gives him the opportunity to stay close to family. Whether in the classroom or the field, Thompson plans to continue to build on the lessons of his past while helping guide the next generation of electricians.

The BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) at Okanagan College, in partnership with the Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) at RRC Polytech, has been recognized with a national innovation award for excellence in applied research and industry collaboration.

The two Technology Access Centres (TACs) received the Most Impactful Interactive Visit Award at the 2025 TAC Innovate Awards hosted by Tech-Access Canada in Quebec City last month. The award recognizes BC BTAC and PRK’s collaborative work with a Métis-owned microbrewery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which sought to create a high-quality, non-alcoholic craft beer.

“This award highlights how well our Technology Access Centres have worked together with industry,” said Karin Grosstessner-Hain, Manager of the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre. “Both teams demonstrated incredible adaptability, knowledge and impact in applied research. I’m proud of the value our TACs are bringing to the economy — across provinces and sectors.”

The collaboration delivered technical and strategic impact for the microbrewery, helping them move toward commercialization while expanding their internal research capacity. For BC BTAC and PRK, the project also created a replicable model for cross-TAC collaboration, integrating sensory, analytical and process expertise across regions.

“This national recognition underscores the strength of applied research at Okanagan College and the value of collaboration across Canada’s Technology Access Centres,” said Mary Butterfield, Director of Applied Research at Okanagan College. “By combining expertise across institutions, our teams are helping industry partners innovate and grow while creating meaningful applied learning opportunities for students.”

The initiative also provided hands-on research experience for a RRC Polytech Life Sciences co-op student and strengthened BC BTAC’s growing portfolio in non-alcoholic beverage research and development.

“Cross-provincial partnerships are essential for driving innovation and creating solutions for Canadian businesses on a local, national and international scale,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director, Research, Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech. “By combining the complementary expertise of two TACs, we not only collaborated with a Métis-owned microbrewery to explore advanced dealcoholizing technologies but also created a replicable model for national collaboration. This project is an important example of how students bring new energy and ideas to the table while gaining hands-on research experience, expanding their learning through real-world projects.”

Creating partnerships to support local businesses aligns with Okanagan College’s mission to transform lives and communities. The College has several research projects underway designed to help communities and local businesses solve real-world problems.

“I want to congratulate everyone involved in this award, which acknowledges the strong work that went into supporting a local business through research and development,” said Samantha Lenci, Vice President Academic at OC. “Okanagan College is here to work in partnership to find innovative solutions to real world problems.”

Yesterday, RRC Polytech was pleased to host a health press conference with the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, the Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Renée Cable, and the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara, in the Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre.

The event highlighted RRC Polytech’s Primary Care Paramedicine students, and celebrated the program being at capacity this fall thanks to a new stream of students entering the program directly from high school.

RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier spoke about our role to ensure more students have access to training opportunities and support here, so when they enter the workforce they can do so with confidence, knowing they have a solid foundation of skills behind them and they are ready to make an immediate difference.

“At RRC Polytech, we’re committed to removing barriers and creating new pathways so more Manitobans can access the training they need to build meaningful careers in health care,” said Fred Meier, president and CEO, RRC Polytech. “By working with our partners in government and community, we’re expanding programs and delivering education in communities across the province, as well as strengthening the quality of training through the use of our Simulation Centre at our Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg. Paramedics are crucial front-line health workers and we are proud to be able to offer training that prepares them to be leaders across the province; from the classroom to controlled simulations, and then on work placements as they prepare to start their careers.”

Thank you to the School of Health Sciences and Community Services, the Paramedicine program, and the students who helped support the event and visit.

While close to 700 graduates will cross the stage at RRC Polytech’s Fall Convocation ceremonies later today, several of them will be wearing brand-new, meaningful stoles that reflect the voices, teachings and stories of Indigenous Peoples. 

The Polytech is officially unveiling its new Indigenous visual identity today – a project grounded in the institution’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous student success, and shared values of respect, inclusion and belonging. 

“Celebrating our latest cohort of graduates is always an exciting, profound occasion,” says Fred Meier, President & CEO, RRC Polytech. “Today’s ceremonies will carry extra significance, as Indigenous graduates cross the stage wearing new stoles that honour tradition while embracing progress and change.” 

The stoles and new visual identity are the result of extensive conversations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and community partners, led by a steering committee made up of RRC Polytech staff and valued partners. 

“The design on these stoles is rooted in sacredness, seasonality, and interconnectedness, honouring the distinct identities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples while weaving together themes of land, language, and story into a living expression of who we are,” says Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement, RRC Polytech, and steering committee member. 

“The visual identity reflects teachings learned through engagement sessions and a survey that was shared among our community, ensuring that the design is a true reflection of an identity that belongs to all of us.” 

​RRC Polytech convocation ceremonies 

Kate Rudnyk, a spring 2025 graduate from the Digital Media Design program, will be awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal – the highest award that may be obtained upon graduation from RRC Polytech – at the Fall Convocation ceremony this afternoon. 

The recipients of these medals are selected by a standing committee comprised of representatives from Polytech management, students and instructors. This outstanding graduate has been selected in recognition of her academic and technical achievement, involvement in Polytech and/or community activities, and overall good character. 

Read more about the 2025 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Recipient here. 

Convocation ceremonies will take place in-person at the RBC Convention Centre, Ozhaawashko-Giizhig (formerly known as the City View Room), 375 York Avenue, and live-streamed at rrc.ca/convocation: 

Tuesday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. 

• School of Business, Information Technology and Creative Arts 

• School of Health Sciences and Community Services 

• School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts 

Tuesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. 

• School of Continuing Education 

• School of Education, Arts and Sciences 

• School of Indigenous Education 

• School of Skilled Trades and Technology 

Close to 1,700 students are graduating this fall, with nearly 670 of them registered to attend their ceremony. 

Kate Rudnyk, a graduate from the Digital Media Design program, will be awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal – the highest award that may be obtained upon graduation from RRC Polytech – at the Fall Convocation ceremonies next week.

The recipients of these medals are selected by a standing committee comprised of representatives from Polytech management, students and instructors. This outstanding graduate has been selected in recognition of their academic and technical achievement, involvement in Polytech and/or community activities, and overall good character.

Kate Rudnyk, who specialized in Interactive Design and Development, is a passionate community builder whose journey has been shaped by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others.

After years of searching for direction, she found purpose at RRC Polytech, where collaboration replaced competition and belonging came naturally. Kate now leads student tours and draws from her own experience to mentor others through uncertainty.

Her Ukrainian heritage inspires her desire to make a difference – from volunteering at Holy Family Home to working with MBHelpsUkraine, a grassroots initiative that has raised more than $5,000 for humanitarian aid.

Whether through quiet acts of kindness or bold community action, Kate leads with heart, proving that success is found not in having all the answers, but in showing up, listening, and lifting others along the way.

For the first time ever, RRC Polytech has earned a Gold rating in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System known as STARS. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS is the most widely recognized framework for measuring sustainability performance in post-secondary institutions, with over 1,200 participants across 52 countries. 

Improving by more than 20 points in the comprehensive scoring system from the previous submission, Gold STARS status acknowledges RRC Polytech’s deep commitment to sustainability across academics, operations, engagement, planning, and innovation. It’s a testament to the Polytech’s collaborative, campus-wide efforts to embed sustainability into every facet of its mission. 

“This achievement represents much more than just a framed certificate to be proud of – it’s a reflection of the collective effort across our campuses to build a better tomorrow and the real, positive impact we’re making in our community,” said Giselle Martel, Vice President, Finance and Administration at RRC Polytech. “From tangible results, like our ongoing efforts to reduce water and energy use in our buildings and applied research partnerships in clean energy technologies to the long-term investment to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into our daily actions, the sustainability principles we champion today will shape the innovators and decision-makers of tomorrow.” 

Submitted every three years, the STARS ratings motivate organizations to assess how they approach the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability and develop methods and programs to address the global challenges that we’re all facing.

RRC Polytech was the first post-secondary in Manitoba to sign the SDG Accord and commit to pursuing and delivering the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals – measuring and reporting progress is critical to success.   

“We have a shared responsibility to take better care of our planet, people, and community and every effort makes a difference,” said Stephanie Fulford, Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal at RRC Polytech. “Opportunities to do more in both our personal and professional lives are everywhere, we just need to look for them and decide we’re going to lead by example and do something about it.”    

The list of sustainability efforts at RRC Polytech is long and varied and connects all areas – Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, Operations, Culture and Community, and Leadership, across all campuses.  

Every academic department at RRC Polytech offers sustainability-focused or inclusive courses. Programs like Environmental Engineering Technology, Nursing, and Social Innovation & Community Development integrate sustainability into their core. Applied learning opportunities – such as the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Co-op and Indigenous Diplomacy Forum ensure students gain real-world experience in creating positive change. 

Programs like SDG Month Canada, the SDG Student Competition, and events such as Bike to Work Day and the Commuter Challenge foster a culture of environmental and social responsibility among students. Staff engagement is equally robust, with additional offerings like the Homeowners & Renters Workshop Series, Diversity Champions network, and promotion of online learning courses. 

RRC Polytech’s sustainability leadership is also helping to drive Manitoba’s growing green economy. The province’s transition to net zero requires a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of emerging industries, and RRC Polytech is playing a key role in that effort. From supporting innovation through applied research partnerships to providing training and upskilling opportunities, RRC Polytech ensures students gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. 

This is reflected by a perfect score in the STARS category of Innovation and Leadership, citing examples such as:  

• Climate-Resilient Nursing Education Initiative: curriculum development on climate-related health impacts. 

• Electric School Bus Conversion Project: applied research with industry partners on low-emission transportation. 

• Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah and Pow Wow Pitch Partnership: entrepreneurship support for Indigenous learners and community members. 

“Students are learning sustainability in the classroom and seeing it in action on campus, and when they graduate, they take those values into their careers, amplifying the impact we make,” said Fulford. 

State-of-the-art buildings like Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, part of the Exchange District Campus, featuring integrated solar panels and a rooftop rainwater capture and re-use system demonstrate that energy efficiency approaching net-zero is possible. The strategic enhancement of operational sustainability also includes the development of a socially responsible procurement policy, prioritizing environmentally certified products, and Indigenous, diverse, and social enterprise suppliers – aligning purchasing power with RRC Polytech’s values.  

Finally, STARS is designed to support continued improvement by helping RRC Polytech’s internal sustainability leadership network, led by Environmental Stewardship and Campus Renewal, to identify strengths and next steps in teaching, research, engagement, and operational practices. 

The Gold rating is a tremendous milestone but also serves as a starting point for new strategies and practices that can be adopted to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for everyone. 

“As an organization committed to innovation and excellence, we’re not only going to work hard to maintain our top-performing areas but to improve our scores in every area,” said Fulford. “We’re excited to continue leading with purpose and driving even greater impact in the years ahead by learning from others, exploring new ideas, and finding creative ways to embed and advance sustainability in everything we do.” 

As shared on the WPC Team Canada website:

Let yourself be inspired by the extraordinary exhibition of photographs that represented Team Canada on the world stage in this year’s World Photographic Cup – an Olympic-style team competition. This stunning collection will be exclusively on display at the Roundhouse Auditorium at Manitou a bi Bii daziigae from November 21 to December 4, 2025.

Featuring 30 stunning images from the current Canadian entry, along with 15 award-winning images from past Canadian medalists, this collection is a testament to the country’s talent, creativity and artistic excellence.

The collection also features local photographer, Jocelyne Hebert, whose image endured three rounds of curation for the opportunity to represent Canada. Her haunting natural portait titled “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was created to capture the deep struggles faced by youth and the challenges of living with mental illness.

WPC Team Canada would like to invite you to the opening reception on Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. where Jocelyne Hebert will present “Behind the Story – A Journey from Concept to Creation” about the process and inspiration of image competition.

Public Viewing

The exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, November 21, to Thursday, December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae at RRC Polytech Exchange District Campus. Make sure to present your Eventbrite ticket to enter the building.

Tickets for the opening reception and the exhibition are free and can be reserved using the button below.

This is exhibit supported by RRC Polytech’s Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts. The Schroeder Institute supports creative industries and Manitoba in reaching the next level in this period of growth by ensuring that a pipeline of newly skilled local talent continues to flow and fill crucial industry roles, while engaging more deeply with industry partners and undertaking exciting opportunities to foster innovation through applied research.

Manitoba is increasingly becoming more competitive in creative areas across the prairies, the country and beyond. More productions are being filmed in Winnipeg and throughout the province, and more creative businesses are opening their doors while local companies are making their mark beyond our borders. Local training and talent are crucial to the success of the businesses that choose to operate here, and that is where RRC Polytech — and the Schroeder Institute — come in.

A recent graduate of RRC Polytech’s Creative Communications program was named 2025 Student Journalist of the Year last month by J-Schools Canada. The following was posted on the Creative Communications LinkedIn page:

He’s curious, hard-working and thoughtful.

And now, he’s Canada’s student journalist of the year.

Matthew Frank (Creative Communications class of 2025; journalism specialization) has been selected for the top honour by J-Schools Canada for their inaugural student journalism awards.

Judges praised Matt for his “outstanding reporting and deep storytelling ability.”

Now a full-time reporter for The Carillon in Steinbach, Matt produced a number of news and feature stories for the Winnipeg Free Press, the Globe and Mail and CBC Manitoba while in school.

J-Schools Canada will host a networking event for award winners later this year. Selections of their winning work will be featured on the j-source website.

A great example of journalism Matt produced for the Winnipeg Free Press in conjunction with his CreComm studies, looks closely at Manitoba’s lack of options for inmates leaving prison.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be awarded Student Journalist of the Year from J-Schools Canada!” he said on his own LinkedIn page. “I would’ve never gotten this recognition without my supportive colleagues, instructors and friends. Them and so many others have helped me grow into the journalist I am now.”

With the fall term underway, there are important updates to share, to ensure the safety, health and security of our campus community. RRC Polytech is committed to keeping you informed and connected with helpful resources and information, so that you can feel supported throughout the semester and into the winter term.

Campus hours

A reminder that campus hours for the Exchange District Campus (EDC) and Notre Dame Campus (NDC) are as follows:

• Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and student and staff access only from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday – swipe card or buzz-in access only at EDC and enter through Building C at NDC.
• All RRC Polytech campuses are closed in observance of Remembrance Day, Tuesday, November 11.

Changes to entry at the Exchange District Campus

As of January 2025, we made the shift to requiring students and staff to present their valid RRC Polytech-issued ID upon arrival. Alongside this new requirement, we added additional card readers for accessing elevators and spaces above the first floor.

These changes ensure that students and staff have the access to the spaces they need, while balancing the need for people to access public spaces on campus, including Tim Hortons, the Campus Store, and Student Services.

As shared in previous safety updates, changes are coming to the entry process at EDC to best support the safety and security of everyone on campus. The new barcode entry process is an evolution of how students, staff and visitors enter campus and access its spaces.

Starting November 10, 2025, RRC Polytech will be moving to card scan access at EDC. Students, staff and visitors can access campus through the designated entrances:

• The Roblin Centre – North and South Atrium doors
• Manitou a bi Bii daziigae – Elgin Plaza doors
• Paterson GlobalFoods Institute – Main Street and King Street doors

What to expect when arriving at EDC

Upon arrival at a designated campus entrance, please ensure you have your valid RRC Polytech ID available. Students and staff will scan their IDs at card readers similar to the fitness facility at EDC, or how you scan a membership card at Costco.

Security personnel will remain stationed at campus entrances to welcome you and provide any guidance as needed.

During the week of November 10, there will be a grace period while everyone gets familiar with the new process. During this time, if you forget your ID card or do not have one yet, you will be asked to report to the Security Desk, and a member of the security team will look up your student or staff ID for verification.

Everyone is encouraged to get or replace their RRC Polytech ID card in advance of November 10, to avoid any delays. To learn about how and where to get your student or staff ID, visit rrc.ca/ID.

Visitor and contractor access

Members of the public must have a stated reason for visiting the campus such as going to Tim Hortons, Student Services, the Campus Store, Culinary Exchange, or Jane’s. All visitors must check in with security upon arrival.

Approved visitors, such as service personnel, guests, contractors and people accessing the campus in support of our programs, will continue to be permitted on campus. A member of the security team will direct them to their destination on campus.

Accessing the Notre Dame Campus

To access NDC during regular weekday hours, students and staff can enter through available building entrances. Contractors and visitors must check in with Security Services in Building C upon their arrival.

For campus entry between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, students and staff members are permitted to enter through Building C, using the doors on the east side. On weekends, campus is only accessible through the Building C doors.

Update on the Health Centre at the Exchange District Campus

As shared in the last update, a new health centre space is coming to EDC. While the initial opening date was slated for late fall, we are experiencing some delays. The anticipated opening date is now early 2026.

Services will include mental health support, sexual health education, injury and illness assessment, student medical plan development, and connections to internal and external resources like Student Support Services, Klinic, and the Crisis Response Centre.

In the interim, students and staff at EDC seeking health centre services, please call 204-632-2238 or email HealthServices@rrc.ca.

We welcome your feedback

RRC Polytech continues to work collaboratively to proactively introduce safety and security measures to best support our campus community. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact the Safety, Health and Security Services team at safety@rrc.ca.

Organized, attentive and eager to help students, family members, faculty and administrators – administrative assistants routinely score top marks for effort, especially in the offices of thriving schools. Recognizing the critical role that these friendly and helpful faces play in creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment, Winnipeg School Division (WSD) chose the position as a natural starting point for a training partnership with RRC Polytech.

Determined to shape a stronger, more vibrant community, one learner at a time, WSD and RRC Polytech teamed up last summer to make post-secondary training more accessible. Together, they developed a specialized program that removes barriers for under-represented and Indigenous learners to acquire the technical skills needed to accomplish an administrative assistant’s ever-evolving list of tasks and requests – while working toward their shared goal of inspiring and elevating underserved communities.

“The partnership between Winnipeg School Division and RRC Polytech has made post-secondary education both attainable and accessible for our students, right within their own community. It opens doors and reinforces the belief that higher education is within reach for everyone,” said Sylvia Martin, Divisional Principal of Career Lab at R.B. Russell Vocational High School. “We are deeply grateful for this opportunity, which has made a profound difference in the lives of our learners and their families.”

By offering RRC Polytech’s Administrative Assistant training free of charge to employees and area residents and making it available in local schools, WSD is addressing the ongoing challenge of attracting and training new support staff while cultivating a path to a better life for the citizens it serves.

“Many of our students live nearby and were able to walk to class — a significant factor in their ability to participate,” added Martin. “The familiar environment, proximity to their children’s school, and access to essential supports such as food and community connections all play a vital role in their success.”  

The 8-month program’s collaborative learning activities and real-world practicums in WSD schools emphasize communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that result in a well-rounded professionalism that sets up future employees to succeed, regardless of their career path.

“Using RRC Polytech’s vast network of expertise, we work with industry partners to develop customized training that provides workers with the applied skills and experience they need to achieve both the organization’s objectives and their own personal goals,” said Emmanuel Abba, Business Development Manager for Corporate Solutions at RRC Polytech. “In this case, WSD serves learners with diverse needs, so we augmented the traditional curriculum for our Administrative Assistant Program with academic, social, emotional, and cultural supports to encourage greater success.”

Karyss-Leigh Beaulieu took advantage of the opportunity and completed her work-integrated-learning experience at École LaVérendrye in June. Her improved public speaking and communication skills led to a newfound confidence that recently helped her navigate WSD’s hiring process for a substitute clerk position and she is currently looking forward to orientation for new hires.

“Happy and proud of what I accomplished, for sure. Although the first few weeks were rough, it was hard to adjust to the schedule and adapt to the new environment at first, but I was determined, and my instructor was super supportive,” said Beaulieu. “Soon I was answering phones, doing filing, helping substitute teachers to print their lessons, getting kids snacks and ice packs if they needed.”

Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, a deepening connection to her culture and a renewed purpose. A proud member of Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, she moved away from home at 17, facing homesickness and the emotional challenges of adjusting to a new environment while transitioning to life in the city, first in Brandon and then in Winnipeg.

 She occasionally reached out to RRC Polytech’s Indigenous support navigators and counsellors but eventually found free access to the Mindwell app (offered to all staff and students at RRC Polytech) was enough to ground her when she felt overwhelmed.  

Beaulieu says she looks forward to becoming the supportive presence that she remembers from her school office growing up and continuing to explore and re-connect with her heritage. 

“I started wearing a medicine pouch every day and I found that it helped me get through the day,” said Beaulieu. “Working in the school inspired me to be more involved and support Indigenous youth, to help them feel connected, supported, and proud of who they are. As an Indigenous person who has felt a sense of disconnection living away from home and feeling that loneliness is the worst feeling. So, now I want to help prevent that feeling for others, by creating spaces of connection and belonging.”

Beaming with pride in the success of the program so far, Sylvia Martin and her WSD colleagues are eager to increase participation and continue building future opportunities. She says it was deeply moving to witness the motivation and determination of every student working toward the goal of creating a better life for their families.

“This transformative partnership has provided a pathway to stable, meaningful careers and empowered students to overcome personal and systemic barriers. The ripple effect on their families and the broader community is immeasurable.” said Martin. “We welcome the chance to collaborate further, expand outreach and celebrate the positive impacts of the program.”

RRC Polytech is hosting information sessions for its next intake at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on November 13 at R.B. Russell Vocational High School (364 Dufferin Ave.) and is planning to welcome a new cohort of eager WSD learners to its Administrative Assistant program in January. Other programs being offered through the partnership include Library & Information Technology and 5th Class Power Engineering.

For more info: rbrussell@wsd1.org