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Campus Well-Being

Wellness

2024 March Madness Bracket Contest

March 7, 2024

Campus Well-Being is hosting a 2024 March Madness Bracket Contest for our students & staff. This is a fun and exciting way to follow the tournament, compete with your classmates or colleagues, and potentially win a prize!


What is March Madness?

March Madness is one of the most anticipated and watched events in all of sports with 64 college basketball teams competing in a seven round tournament. On Sunday March 17th, each team will be arranged in a tournament bracket. The games start on Thursday March 21st, and once a team loses, they are eliminated.

To enter this contest, you’ll be asked to predict the winners for each game before the tournament begins. All picks must be made before the games start on Thursday March 21st.

Sign up now to show us how well you know NCAA Basketball, or how good you are at guessing the winners! Entry is free, and no basketball knowledge is required.  


Contest Details

Sign up online and enter your bracket here. You’ll first need to create an account, then you’ll be asked to join the RRC March Madness Contest.

Brackets must be submitted between Sunday March 17th and Thursday March 21st at 10:00am (before the start of the tournament). Live updates will be made to our contest standings as the tournament goes on, so follow along to see where you rank amongst our college community.


Contest Scoring

For each game winner that is correctly chosen, points will be awarded. Higher point totals will be awarded for correct picks as the tournament progresses. The point breakdown for each round can be found below:

  • First Round – 1 point
  • Second Round – 2 points
  • Third Round (Sweet 16) – 4 points
  • Fourth Round (Elite 8) – 8 points
  • Final Four – 16 points
  • Championship – 32 points

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the top three people in the standings at the end of the tournament. Winners will be contacted by email at the end of the contest on April 9th, 2024.

  • 1st place – $100 Sport Chek Gift Card
  • 2nd place – $50 Sport Chek Gift Card
  • 3rd place – $25 Sport Chek Gift Card

Please email Davis with any questions.

March Mindwell Programs

March 4, 2024

Emotions are a part of our mental health! They affect how we react to experiences and how we perform everyday, as well as our relationships in our personal and professional lives.

This March, Mindwell will be focusing on helping you build your Emotional wellness, so you can successfully handle life’s stresses, release negative emotions, adapt to change, and remain grounded.

In alignment with World Sleep Day this month, the program includes a series of classes around simple tactics you can apply to improve the quality of sleep.

Remember to sign up here for your free account before registering for programs!

Release Emotions Through Tapping

A picture of green mountains with a lake in front of them. Clouds are low and the reflection of the mountains can be seen in the water.

Discover how to use Emotional Freedom Technique (aka Tapping) as a tool to help release negative emotions and anchor positive ones!

When: Thursdays at 12:00pm CST – register here

Staying Grounded

A silhouette of a person standing with a blue and orange sky.

Life constantly throws distractions our way. It can be easy to lose focus on your goals when facing setbacks in everyday life. Learn simple tools to help you remain grounded even in tough scenarios.

When: Fridays at 11:00am CST – register here

Emotional Awareness

A blue sky with clouds and a rainbow.

Emotions are powerful signals from our body. Learn to tune into your own body so you can receive their messages and learn to better handle all emotions through the act of loving-kindness.

When: Wednesdays at 11:00am CST – register here

Calm Your Emotions

A picture of someone reaching out both hands with their palms facing up outside. The sun is shining.

Emotions can be strong and powerful. Being able to manage them will help you make good decisions and take positive actions. In Tai Chi, deep breathing helps us calm our emotions so we can take the best step forward.

When: Tuesdays at 4:30pm CST – register here

*please note that the image above is incorrect, the program runs Tuesdays and not Mondays.

Sleep Affects Mood and Emotions

A picture of a two way single lane road with leafless trees.

Not getting enough quality sleep has many implications on mental and emotional health. In honour of World Sleep Day this month, join Jackie to explore the benefits of a good night’s sleep – and simple tactics to improve the quality of your sleep.

When: Mondays at 12:00pm CST – register here

International Women’s Day 2024: Meet the Panelists

February 27, 2024

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Campus Well-Being and the RRC Polytech Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) working group are hosting a panel discussion, featuring distinguished professionals. The engaging discussion will address the topic of student mental health and the achievements and contributions of women in the mental health field.

Event Details

Location

In person: Red River College Polytechnic Notre Dame Campus – Room G139 – register here

Virtual: MS Teams – register here

Time

11:30am to 12:30pm – The panel discussion

12:30pm to 1:30pm – Lunch and networking

Meet the Panelists

Dr. Natasha Ali, C. Psych.

Dr. Natasha M. Ali has been a Registered Psychologist in Manitoba since 2016. She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Islamic Psychology through Cambridge Muslim College in the UK. She runs a private practice in the city, works at the University of Manitoba as a psychologist and Muslim spiritual care provider, and also offers her services to the local Muslim community through Manitoba Islamic Association.

For nine years, she was the counsellor assigned to the Indigenous Student Centre at the University, working closely with Indigenous students. She therefore brings a unique lens to women’s issues, one shaped by her own experience of being a racialized woman, studying and working in predominantly White institutions, of listening and learning from Indigenous women, and from her faith tradition, Islam.   

Natasha was born in Montreal to immigrant parents from the Caribbean. She has lived most of her adult life in Canada but grew up in the Caribbean. She discovered the protections that came with practicing her faith when she was completing her doctorate in the US. 

Taylor Kerelluke

Taylor is a mental health professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for driving meaningful change in the mental health field. She has a blend of clinical expertise, hands-on advocacy experience, and a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology that uniquely equips her to understand the complex intersections of mental health, trauma, and community support.

Her journey into the mental health field began early, fueled by a genuine desire to create change in her community. Taylor’s experience spans various domains, including subsidized housing, women’s equality, mental health and addictions, victim support, career guidance, student accessibility, inclusivity, and mental health advocacy within governmental, private, academic, community-based, and non-profit sectors.

Currently serving as the Director of Operations at Candace House, a pioneering non-profit organization that provides comprehensive support to family survivors of homicide in a home-like environment, Taylor is deeply committed to holistic care and community support. Her role allows her to address the complex emotional needs of those affected by trauma through fostering healing and resilience.

To balance her own self-care in the midst of supporting others, Taylor enjoys indulging in her hobbies – whether that’s diving down a research rabbit hole, knitting among her collection of candles, or whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen.

Rita Chahal

Rita Chahal is the Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. Traveling from Northern India to Pier 21 on Canada’s east coast at the age of nine, Rita and her family were the second East Indian family to settle on PEI during the mid ’60s. She would later graduate from Dalhousie University with honors and eventually settle in Manitoba. Building her career on the prairies for over 42 years, Rita’s work spans academia and corporate sectors, however most prominently she has served the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years.

As a champion of change, Rita has held key leadership roles serving as Executive Director for: The Women in Media Foundation, Employment Projects of Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC). Her vision and leadership played a key role in leading the province through the resettlement of refugees during the Syrian Refugee Crisis, and the influx of US claimants during the Trump administration.

As the General Manager of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, Rita was the first person and woman of color to take on the role. Major cornerstones of her initiatives addressed labor skills shortage issues, foreign-trained credential recognition, and HR services to address the impact of domestic violence in the workplace. Her community work includes serving on numerous local, provincial, national committees, and Crown Corporation boards as a chair or executive member.

Joanna White

Joanna is Anishinaabe from Huron Tract Territory and a member of Aamjwinaang First Nation. Joanna has been with RRC Polytech since 2015 and has held two positions in the Department of Community of Services – faculty and most recently as the Indigenous Curriculum and Cultural Advisor. With a background in counselling and social work, Joanna approaches her work from a holistic and relational perspective which is rooted in Indigenous cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial practices. Joanna brings 30 years of diversified experience in the human and social services field providing services and leadership to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and organizations throughout Canada and the United States.

In this new role, Joanna’s focus will be Indigegogy where she will be working with faculty to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and ways of teaching and learning into curriculum and instructional practice. Joanna is passionate about creating holistic and relational learning experiences for faculty and staff to learn about Indigegogy and how to approach Indigenizing curriculum and practices.

Nadine Powell

Nadine is currently working as an instructor at RRC Polytech’s micro credential Shelter Support Worker program for housing and intimate partner violence. She draws on the experience and training gained from more than 10 years working in the social service field with youth and women, a master’s degree in Social Work from the school of Social Work at McGill University and an Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg with majors in Religion and Culture and Conflict Resolution Studies. Nadine is also a PhD candidate in Sociology at Carleton University. where she has explored food culture in relation to transnational identities, race and ethnicity in Canada, disability studies and capitalism and economic stratification.

She has worked in the health care setting at Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department and has a strong interest in social policy that aligns with the health and wellbeing of an inclusive society. She believes strongly in the value and power of community knowledge and community building.

Campus Well-Being March Programs

February 27, 2024

Grey stones stacked in the foreground with soothing blues and greens in the background. White text reads Campus Well-Being Events

Fitness and Movement

Muscle and Mobility (NDC)

Join Coach Justin Ross to build strength, flexibility, and training knowledge in this self-paced class that focuses on movement quality over quantity. All fitness levels are welcome & exercise progressions and modifications will be provided throughout each workout to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Mondays and Wednesdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

T’ai Chi (NDC & Virtual)

Group of college staff learning tai chi movements in a gym

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. Sifu Josh Schafer teaches this longevity practice that is easy to access and yet profound enough for a lifelong engagement.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Mondays, 12:10 to 12:55pm, in the A103. All experience levels welcome.


For a virtual Tai Chi option and other online movement classes, create or sign in to your free MindWell account.

Strength and Conditioning (NDC)

These fun and high energy sessions utilize bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, bands and more for a compete total-body workout. Coach MG welcomes all fitness levels, providing exercise progressions and modifications to accommodate everyone.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus, North Gym: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:10 – 12:50pm

Breakdancing and Hip Hop Culture (NDC)

Group of students and staff learning how to breakdance in a gym

Learn about the foundational movements of Breaking, and their connection to Hip Hop culture with instructor, Mooki. Classes will be focused around learning steps, and terminology which will provide students a knowledge base to take the dance into their own hands.

REGISTERNotre Dame Campus: Wednesdays, 12:10 to 12:50pm, in the A103. All experience levels welcome.

Yoga (NDC & Virtual)

Holly Pluchinski guides participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels; mats are provided for in-person sessions.

In-Person

  • Wednesdays – REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, GM33, near North Gym.

Virtual

  • Wednesdays REGISTER – 12:10 to 12:50pm *Includes access to recording for one week post-class.
  • FridaysREGISTER – 12:15 to 12:45pm

Note: Links for virtual sessions will be emailed to registrants separately.

Learn Self Defense Skills (NDC)

Learn practical self defense techniques in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Gain confidence and fitness while adding tools and techniques to the martial arts toolkit. Taught over five independent workshops, a person can attend all or any single class, and gain benefit.

Thursdays, March 7 to April 4, 2024, 4:15pm to 5:15pm, in North Gym side court.

Find out more class details and registration link.

Wellness

Making Sense of Sugars and Food Cravings (NDC & Virtual)

Registered dietician, Hao-Yi sitting at a desk with keyboard and monitor.

Cravings are a natural part of the human body. However, when these cravings become persistent and intense, they can be a source of stress and change our relationship with food. Additionally, what sugar is good? What sugar is bad? How do I reduce my sugar intake? Join Registered Dietician Hao-Yi Sim to learn about why cravings occur and how to manage sugar intake.

REGISTER – In-Person or VirtualNotre Dame Campus: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – 12:00 to 1pm, Connected Classroom in EMP – G139, near North Gym.

Tiny Terrors: Exploring the Biting Insects of Manitoba (Virtual)

Photo of mosquito hanging upside down on a leaf
Photo by Syed Ali on Unsplash

Anyone who has spent time in Manitoba knows that the province’s mascot is the mosquito, closely followed by ticks hitching a ride. And in our homes could be other insects waiting for us, like lice and bedbugs.

Syd Shukla-Bergen

Join presenter, Syd Shukla Bergen, BSc and Master of Science in Entomology student to learn to recognize common Manitoba pests, identify the diseases they carry, and discover ways of limiting exposure.

REGISTERVirtual, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 12pm to 1pm.

Home Maintenance Series – Landscape Horticulture (NDC)

Seven different types of indoor plants in decorative pots, lined up on a counter.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Elevate your indoor jungle with Landscape Horticulturists! This hands on session will guide you through the nuances of repotting tropical plants and sowing seeds, ensuring your green companions thrive. Learn to select the right soil, understand pot sizes, and master timing for planting seeds.

REGISTERWednesday, March 20, 2024, 4:30 to 6:30pm

Location: NDC Greenhouse, Building S

If you want to properly repot one of your own house plants, bring that along too. Please wear covered footwear.

Introduction to Six Healing Sounds (Virtual)

Pink lotus flower blooming
Photo by kazuend on Unsplash

Discover an ancient, effective and simple practice to calm and align the whole system of body, mind and spirit. Utilize the power of breath, posture, intent and voice to activate an inner self-healing guidance system. The session will be led by Jolie Lesperance, multidisciplinary performer and teacher in the areas of dance, theatre and martial arts. No prior experience or training is required.

Jolie Lesperence

REGISTER Thursday, March 28, 2024, 6:30pm to 7:30pm (NOTE: Recording will be made available after the class to all registrants).

Recreation

Paint Nights & Fairy Gardens

Campus Well-Being welcomes you to tap into your creative side, connect with new people and take some time for your wellness. Click for more information and registration.

Free Flow Paint Night

REGISTER – EDC: Tuesday, March 5, 4:15 to 6:30pmin the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – NDC: Tuesday, March 12, 4:15pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Virtual Paint Night

REGISTER – Virtual: Thursday March 7, 6pm to 8pm. Link will be emailed to registrants closer to the event.

Make Your Own Fairy Garden

REGISTER – EDC: Thursday, March 14, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – NDC: Tuesday, March 26, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Birds Hill Park Walk

Spend some time in nature – join fellow students and staff for a guided walk through the Chickadee Trail at Birds Hill Park. We will spend some time bird watching and walking through the trails.

Birds Hill Park Walk – Nov 2023

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Roundtrip by Chartered Bus – 9:45am to 1pm. REGISTER – Seating is limited. You may also register family members to attend (space permitting).

The bus will stop at NDC at 9:45am and then at EDC at 10:00am.

OR provide your own transportation and meet the group at Chickadee Trailhead at 10:40am in Birds Hill Provincial Park.

Monthly Board Game Nights (NDC & EDC)

Group of college students playing taboo around a table

Bring yourself, your friends or family for an “all welcome” board game night.

DROP-IN – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, March 19, 4 to 7pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

DROP-IN – Notre Dame Campus: Thursday, March 21, 4 to 7pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Contact Kristi if you’d like to reserve a specific game for your group of friends, classmates or staff team.

Mental Well-Being

International Women’s Day: Women in Mental Health

Hear from a panel of distinguished women who will address student mental health challenges and the achievements and contributions of women in the mental health field! Join us for lunch right after to connect with others!

Walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability.

Date: March 6, 2024 register here

Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm

In-person location: NDC G139 – Connected Classroom

Virtual location: MS teams

Cat Café (EDC)

Join Ms. J La’s Fur Babies on March 21, 2024, to meet some adorable feline friends and enjoy light refreshments.

You are welcome to register here or walk in.

Cat food donations are encouraged.

Introduction to Mental Health Workshop

Learn the basics about mental health and how you can be proactive in managing yours this semester. If you attend, you have a chance to win a prize!

You are welcome to register or join the day of.

March 18th on MS TEAMS 12:00pm – 1:00pm (virtual) Register here! Email Fizza for the link.

Sport

Intramural sports provide students & staff an opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational sport activities on campus in a safe and supportive environment.  All students and staff are welcome. Registration is not required.

Volleyball

Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:30pm North Gym

Futsal (Indoor Soccer)

Fridays 3:00 – 4:00pm North Gym

Cricket

Fridays 4:00 – 5:30pm North Gym

Badminton

Mondays 4:00 – 5:30 pm North Gym

Basketball

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 – 5:30 pm North Gym

In-Service Day Camp – Friday March 15, 2024

February 27, 2024

Four young campers kneeling behind pink and purple sidewalk chalk art that reads RRC

Do you have children with an in-service day on Friday March 15th? Have them join us for a full day of fun at our In-Service Day Camp!

Camp Details

Date: Friday, March 15, 2024

Time: The camp runs from 9am – 3pm with flexible drop-off and pick-up times before and after camp.

  • Drop-Off: Anytime between 8 – 9am
  • Pick-Up: Anytime between 3 – 4pm

Location: 2055 Notre Dame Avenue

Age Range: 6 – 12 years old

Cost: $35 + GST

Registration: Click Here to Register


Camp Overview

From team-building challenges to creative arts and light physical activities, our In-service Day Camp promises a day filled with fun and enriching experiences! Our camp is led by qualified and experienced staff who are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Throughout the day, campers will engage in a variety of hands-on activities, educational workshops, and recreational games on-campus.

From guided experiences in our Immersion Room to an hour of gym-floor curling hosted by Rocks & Rings, our In-Service camp offers a variety of engaging activities that are sure to provide lots of fun and an unforgettable day!


Additional Information

Lunch – Lunch will not be provided. Please prepare your children with a packed lunch & water bottle. Campers will have time for lunch & snack breaks throughout the day.

Clothing – Please bring indoor shoes that will be comfortable for light physical activity and walking throughout the day. We don’t have outdoor activities planned, but we will be taking a bus to the bowling alley, so make sure your children have suitable clothing to be comfortable on the bus.

Late Pick-UpContact Davis to arrange late pick-up until 4:30pm. This comes at no additional charge, but we’ll need to be notified prior to the camp.

Cancellation & Refund Policy – Cancellations & refunds will be available until Friday March 8th.


Please email Davis, our Youth Initiatives Supervisor with any questions about this In-Service Day Camp. Additional camp information, an online waiver form, and our code of conduct will be sent to you by email after registration.

February Mindwell Programs

February 20, 2024

This February, Mindwell has something new to offer to all its members. This is an opportunity for you to engage in what Mindwell has to offer! Remember to sign up before registering for the programs.

The 4 Aspects of Love

Butterflies of different colors and sizes fluttering in a field of flowers and grass.

‘Intimate’ love isn’t the only love that brings joy to our lives. Discover how to deepen your capacity to give and receive love in all 4 areas: intimate, self, family/friends and universal love!

Time: Fridays at 11am CST. Register here!

Releasing Difficult Emotions

A woman in a black vest and hiking boots jumping in the air with her arms up. A mountain landscape.

We can’t change what happens around us – but we can change how we respond to it. Learn how to experience difficult emotions more effectively and offer forgiveness (to self and others) to feel calmer and joy each day.

Time: Wednesdays at 11am CST. Register here!

Developing Community

Two elderly women practicing Tai Chi outside.

Tai Chi builds community as we learn this ancient art together, becoming ‘Comrades of the Same Discipline’ and working together to grow and develop as individuals and as a group.

Time: Tuesdays at 4:30pm CST. Register here!

Nurturing and Deepening Social Connections

Water droplets falling from fingertips on to small plants of different sizes sprouting from the soil.

Making strong social connections are an important part of life. Join Jackie to understand just how important they are and how to develop authentic, supportive relationships now.

Time: Mondays at 11:30am CST. Register here!

For Staff: Leaders Live Cohort

Smooth grey rocks lying in shallow water.

This program is back to help leaders and employees alike to learn the skills they need to drive growth and engagement in their organization. You will have the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills (at work and beyond) through Mindwell for Leaders.

MindWell for Leaders, accompanied by weekly live classes to further develop and integrate the following skills: 

  • Becoming a more Mindful Leader
  • Developing and Leading with Empathy
  • How to have Thoughtful Conversations
  • Setting Expectations that Will be Met
  • Thriving through Difficult Conversations
  • Giving Good Feedback
  • Noticing Signs of Struggle
  • Responding to Mental Health Challenges

Register here!

Paint Nights & Fairy Gardens

February 13, 2024

Campus Well-Being welcomes you to tap into your creative side, connect with new people and take some time for your wellness.

Go Wild, Free Flow Paint Night (NDC, EDC)

When it comes to making art, it’s all about the process! Let your imagination and intuition flow – we supply all the materials and you bring your creativity.

Kisa MacIsaac, paint night instructor extraordinaire, will be on hand to offer guidance, help with techniques, tips and tricks to make your painting come alive.

Materials for this unique paint night experience include: various sizes of paint canvases, sponges, variety of stencils, pencils, acrylic paint, variety of brushes, cardstock, scissors (to create custom stencils), and some different “loose parts” to use to create your unique and wild artwork to take home!

Note: This paint night is NOT a guided step-by-step painting. Instead, you will be shown some ideas on how to use the materials, with some visual ideas of wild kinds of art you could create, and you will be encouraged to be brave, let your stress melt away and just create, following your intuition along the way)

REGISTER – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 4:15 to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 4:15pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Virtual Paint Night – Guided

“Art is a powerful form of medicine – with the power to heal, to find insight, stillness and growth, to de-stress and feel in balance. Making art is a safe space to be wild and free.” Kisa MacIsaac

Colourful flower painting
March’s Virtual Paint Night Picture

Join Campus Well-Being, the Students’ Association and instructor Kisa MacIsaac, for an evening of painting and creative discovery. Participants follow a step-by-step process to create a unique painted canvas.

There is no cost for this event. All students and staff are welcome to register. Limited number of spots.

REGISTER – Virtual: Thursday March 7, 2024, 6pm to 8pm. Link will be emailed to registrants closer to the event.

NOTE: The first 20 RRC Polytech students may request a paint kit to pick up from NDC or EDC. You will receive email confirmation. Student kits are limited, so register early.

Make Your Own Fairy Garden (EDC and NDC)

Group of three participants making fairy gardens.

Escape from our wintery world for a couple of hours and relax with some greenery. Pick a container with plant and add some accessories to create your own “fairy garden” to take home with you.

All materials and plants provided. Register early, seating limited.

A student fairy garden creation.

Session Details:

REGISTER – EXCHANGE DISTRICT CAMPUS: Thursday, March 14, 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTERNOTRE DAME CAMPUS: Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave, DM30.

Paint a Pot or Butterfly (EDC and NDC)

Group of students painting plant pots at the Exchange District Campus.

Join the RRCSA and Campus Well-Being for a night of pottery or wood painting! Enjoy some relaxing, unhurried creative time by picking a small terracotta ready-to-paint flowerpot or a wooden butterfly and transforming it into your own amazing work of art.

All materials supplied!

REGISTEREXCHANGE DISTRICT CAMPUS: Thursday, April 4, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons.

REGISTERNOTRE DAME CAMPUS:  Tuesday, April 9, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, in The Cave.

Learn Self Defense Skills: New Class at NDC

February 5, 2024

Learn practical self defense techniques in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Gain confidence and fitness while adding tools and techniques to the martial arts toolkit.

Topics to be explored include effective movement and striking theory, range strategy, defense against weapons, neutralizing the grappling attack. Come for one class, come for them all or drop in when you can. No previous experience necessary to join. This class is open to all students and staff and is free of charge.

REGISTER – Notre Dame Campus: Thursdays, March 7 to April 4, 2024, 4:15pm to 5:15pm, in North Gym side court.


Taught over five independent workshops, a person can attend any single class and gain benefit. However, cumulative attendance yields synergistic benefit with the goal of improving confidence in multiple self defense situations after five (5) hours of classwork.

Full physical participation is encouraged, but observer-participants are also welcome. Observers can add to the discussion and improve the mental component of self defense without engaging physically or while sitting out specific exercises.

Each class will cover a range of self defense theory and concepts. Previously-trained or untrained individuals can add mantis tools to the toolbox. A portion of each class will incorporate self defense questions from the group.

Class Outline:

  • Class 1 Introduction to: “Finding Safety” “Range” “The Fence” – Warm up, breath work, basic movement practice, escape training, wrist escape skills, knife skills 1, knife disarm 1.
  • Class 2 Introduction to: “Duck & Dodge” “Cross Block” – Warm up, breath work, basic movement practice, escape training, knife skills 2, knife disarm 2.
  • Class 3 Introduction to: “Circle-Line” “Universal Block” – Warm up, breath work, knife skills 3, knife disarm 3.
  • Class 4 Introduction to: “Roman Numeral V” – Warm up, breath work, stick dodge, stick skills 1, stick disarm 1.
  • Class 5 Introduction to: “Strike-Block” – Warm up, breath work, basic movement, strike-block, stick skills 2, stick disarm 2.

Introduction to Mental Health Session

January 30, 2024

Woman in a blue shirt looking down while hugging herself.

Mental health is an integral part of our overall wellbeing, yet it is often shrouded in myths, misunderstandings and stigma. To address this aspect of student life, Campus Well-Being is thrilled to announce an engaging and informative “Introduction to Mental Health” session designed specifically for students!

This session is a steppingstone towards understanding the basics of mental health, debunking common myths, and learning effective strategies on how to manage mental health as a student.

Prize Draw

As an added incentive, students who join the session will be entered into a prize draw! It’s not just an opportunity to gain valuable insights into mental health, but also a chance to win some great prizes.

Open for All

This session is open to all students. Whether you have previously taken an interest in mental health or are just beginning to explore this vital aspect of your life, there is something valuable for everyone. We believe in making mental health knowledge accessible and inclusive, which is why we are offering this session both in person and online.

February 13th in person: You are welcome to register here or simply walk in.

February 22nd virtual: register here or simply join using this MS Teams link.

Join Us

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of mental health in a friendly, supportive environment. Your mental well-being is as important as your academic achievements, and this session is a step towards acknowledging and nurturing it.

Remember, attending to your mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity. We look forward to seeing you at the session!

Cupcakes & Condoms 2024

January 30, 2024

A vanilla cupcake in a pink cupcake liner with a red bow wrapped around it. The cupcake is decorated with light pink frosting with white pearls, two brown and white chocolate straws and a pink condom. White text reads, cupcakes and condoms: prepare for a healthy and positive valentine's week.

Campus Well-Being in collaboration with the Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC), is hosting the annual Cupcakes and Condoms event. This is a delightful and informative session dedicated to promoting safe sex practices, understanding sexual health, and learning about consent.

Take Home Goodies!

In addition to the knowledge you will gain, attendees will also have the chance to take home contraceptives like condoms and delicious red velvet cupcakes! There will be vegan and gluten free options available too.

Open to ALL Students

Whether you are someone who is well-versed in these topics, or just starting to learn, this event is for you! We encourage all students to join us, regardless of their knowledge or background. You can register below in advance, or simply walk in – we are happy to welcome you either way.

Event Details

NDC: February 14th, 2024 – register here

Location: F205

Time: 11:00am to 1:00pm

EDC: February 15th, 2024 – register here

Location: P107

Time: 11:00am to 1:00pm

About SERC

We are excited to collaborate with SERC! SERC is a community-based, non-profit, pro-choice organization that is dedicated to promoting sexual health through education.

SERC’s origins go as far back as the suffragist movement, when the Winnipeg Birth Control Society was founded in 1934 by three visionary women: Mary Speechly, Olive Patton, and Margaret Hillsman. In 1952. they were named the “Family Planning Society of Winnipeg” and eventually became “Planned Parenthood Manitoba Inc.” in 1976. SERC has sister organizations in Brandon and Portage La Prairie. In 1997, Planned Parenthood Manitoba was renamed the “Sexuality Education Resource Centre”.

SERC’s mission is to “promote sexual health through education” and their vision is “a diverse society that celebrates sexuality through life”. To learn more about SERC visit their website!

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.

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