Health Minds Healthy College

Campus Well-Being

Thrive Week – Nov 6 to 11, 2023

October 19, 2023

Thrive Week is a time to focus on the importance of balance and self-care in developing positive mental health that supports success in learning and working.

We invite you to take a moment to do something that gets you active, creative, connected or relaxed – whatever it is you need for balance. All events are free and open to students and staff.

For All Campuses, Students and Staff

Participate in one of our events offered virtually or in-person: Don Amero – Keynote presentation, Hip Hop Challenge, Self-Defense Demo, Therapy Dogs, Explore the Universe Planetarium show, Mini Golf, Indigenous Infused Yoga, Movie and Popcorn Lunch, Library Puzzles/Adult Colouring stations and a Birds Hill Provincial Park hike. Check out the calendar and listings below for details and registration links.

Door prizes are available at most of our events – register and participate to win!

Hosted by Campus Well-Being and the Students’ Association. For questions or accessibility needs, please contact Kristi Dorian

NDC Calendar at a Glance

EDC Calendar at a Glance

Special Presentation and Mini Concert

Don Amero – Keynote Speaker (EDC and Virtual)

Join us in welcoming local musician, writer and speaker, Don Amero for Thrive Week’s keynote presentation in-person and live-streamed. Light refreshments provided and Don Amero Swag Bag door prize.

Don Amero – Up Close and Personal – Be inspired and read this article to learn more about Don!

REGISTERIn-Person or VirtuallyThursday, November 9, 2023, 12pm to 1pm, in the Roundhouse Auditorium, Exchange District Campus, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.


Throughout the last decade, singer-songwriter, performer and 3x JUNO Award nominee Don Amero has made it his mission to tell engaging and unique stories, tapping into his rare ability to effortlessly and genuinely connect with his audience.

2022 marked a momentous year Amero; he earned a 2022 CCMA Award nomination for ‘Ford F-150 Album of the Year’ for his previously released EP ‘Nothing Is Meaningless’ – which includes his hit single ‘You Can’t Always Be 21’, and later went on to join Tim & The Glory Boys as direct support on their cross-Canada ‘Home-Town Hoedown’ tour. Amero recently shared new music including singles ‘Ain’t Too Late’, ‘Go Girl’ and ‘Wheels Off’, all included on his recently released EP ‘Six’.

His ‘Through The Fire’ podcast has been met with much enthusiasm, featuring engaging conversations with Canadian public figures focusing on the journey one takes to overcome adversity, and he recently added author to his growing resume after sharing the news of his first children’s book “These Roots Of Love”.

Amero, who is of Cree and Métis heritage, has taken the skills he utilizes on stage and applied them to his advocacy work within Indigenous communities and beyond, including his participation as a youth mentor for the Winnipeg Jets and True North Youth Foundation’s ‘Project 11’.

An avid public speaker, Amero created the ‘Music Is Medicine’ workshop, presenting the impact and power music has mentally and physically, and has connected with the TOBA Centre, which helps children and youth seek justice. Amero also serves as the first ever advisor and Chair of the CCMA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.

Ongoing All Week

Wellness Wall: What Makes You Thrive? (Virtual, NDC and EDC)

Sharing the ways you thrive can help others thrive! Pop by in-person to the NDC and EDC libraries to add your answer to our Wellness Wall. Throughout the week, the Wellness Wall will become filled with messages that everyone can see and be uplifted from.

We’ve created an online option for those who aren’t available to post a message in person. Your note will be posted anonymously on your behalf. Stay tuned to the Library webpage for updates and photos as it grows.

Bookmark Making, Puzzles and Colouring Stations (EDC and NDC)

Take a break from reading, PowerPoints, and hybrid classes with puzzles and colouring pages provided for your relaxation. Create an inspirational bookmark with the provided supplies.

Drop-in to the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus libraries anytime.

Physical Activities

Intramural sports provide students and staff an opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational sport activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Choose from our intramural sport of the day or come in anytime between 6:30am and 6:00pm to play a sport of your choice.

All students and staff are welcome to join. Get active and make some new friends at the same time!

REGISTER HERE: All sport activities take place at the Notre Dame Campus


Photo by Yulissa Tagle on Unsplash

Fitness Classes: We have some talented instructors and a great variety of programs to help get you moving toward your fitness goals or take your routine to the next level. Our coaches will provide exercise progressions & modifications to accommodate all fitness levels.

All classes are at the Notre Dame Campus unless otherwise noted. Some fitness & yoga classes are offered virtually and at the Exchange District Campus. 

Class Schedule (September 25 – December 1, 2023)

Monday

Therapy Dog Visits (EDC and NDC)

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.

Session Details:
NDC – Monday, November 6, 2023: 11:30am – 1pm, Campus Store hallway, In-person, Drop-in

EDC – Monday, November 6, 2023: 11:30am – 1pm, Agora in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae, In-person, Drop-in

T’ai Chi and Martial Arts Demonstration (NDC)

Photo by K.Dorian

Join Sifu Josh Schafer as he showcases time-tested health and longevity practices for Yang Style T’ai Chi as well as Northern Praying Mantis Fist. These are principles taught during Campus Well-Being’s T’ai Chi and Self-Defense classes.

T’ai Chi involves the use of daily gentle exercise to improve health with a focus on breathwork. The universal martial arts movements serve as a focus for the development of mind, body, and spirit (Chi). Self-defense training provides tools and concepts to improve defensive responses to a variety of situations. A particular focus is placed upon learning to counter knife and stick attacks.

Drop-By – Notre Dame Campus: Monday, November 6, 2023, 12:00pm to 1pm, in the The CAVE.

Tuesday

Explore the Universe (Virtual)

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash

Take a virtual trip from the Earth to the edge of the known Universe by the Planetarium. Viewers will tour the solar system, explore the Milky Way Galaxy, and see how even our galaxy is only one of billions in the cosmos.

REGISTERTuesday, November 7, 2023, 12 to 1pm, Virtual

NOTE: Link will be sent separately to registrants closer to the event via email.

Games and Popcorn Lunch (NDC)

Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

Drop by – take a break in The Cave student lounge to play some giant games, eat your lunch with some popcorn and drinks provided. (Note: This activity changed from a movie to games.)

Notre Dame Campus, Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 11am to 1pm, The Cave, DM30

Spices of India (EDC)

This workshop explores the wonderful flavors and health benefits of spice-laden Indian cuisine.

Photo by Akhil Chandran on Unsplash

Dr. Nandita Selvanathan, an avid cook and scientist with a specialty in biological sciences, will teach participants about the preparation techniques used in Indian cuisine and the benefits of incorporating traditional spices.

During Thrive Week – REGISTERExchange District Campus: Tuesday, Nov 7, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, P107, The Roblin Centre, Exchange District Campus

After Thrive Week – REGISTER – In-Person or Virtual – Notre Dame Campus: Tuesday, Nov 28, 2023 – 4:30 to 6:30pm, Connected Classroom in EMP, near the North Gym.

Wednesday

Red River Breakers Crew Cypher with Special Guests – Hip Hop Dance Demo (NDC)

We’ll be hosting the first ever Red River Breakers Crew Cypher

Photo by Anna Frizen on Unsplash

A “Cypher”  is an event that orients the crowd in a circle as breakers go into the circle and deliver their best moves! This years Cypher will include students and staff from RRC Polytech, however we will also be featuring members from our local breaking community such as, The Gago Brothers, Mooki, of Challenger Deep, BreakMB, and many more!

Prepare to experience dance like you’ve never seen it before!

Drop-by – Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 12pm to 1pm, The CAVE, DM30.

Immersion Room Yoga (NDC, Virtual)

Holly Pluchinski guides in-person yoga participants in a room surrounded by soothing sounds and panoramas. Stretch and relax! Suitable for all levels and mats are provided.

Wednesdays till December 6, 2023, 12:10pm to 12:50pm, Notre Dame Campus, GM33, near North Gym.

REGISTER: In-person OR Virtual option available, all registrants will have access to the recording as well for one week after the class.

NOTE: Link will be emailed to participants after registration. No food is allowed in the room. Click here for more information about the Immersion Room.

Indigenous Infused Yoga (NDC, Virtual)

Are you looking for new ways to engage your body? Join Indigenous Yoga instructor Dawn Chartrand as she leads a meaningful full body yoga flow with pranayama (breath work). The class targets all fitness levels and is very beginner friendly. Dawn utilizes an assortment of calming music mostly by Indigenous artists. The Immersion Room adds panoramic, relaxing scenes to enhance your experience.

REGISTERIn-Person or Virtual, Notre Dame Campus: Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:00pm, The Immersion Room, GM33 near the North Gym.

Dawn Chartrand: After 10 years of practicing yoga and driven by the low representation of Indigenous people in mainstream yoga classes, Dawn studied to become a yoga instructor and completed her training in May 2022. She has now launched her own yoga business, “OM-Digenous Yoga & Wellness”, and teaches several yoga classes per week with special focus on drawing Indigenous participants. Dawn’s intention is to create a safe and accessible environment where Indigenous people can feel welcome to participate, learn, and benefit from regular yoga practice.

Thursday

See Special Presentation and Mini Concert: Don Amero above for information and to register.

Painting on Rocks (EDC and NDC)

Join Campus Well-Being and the Student Association for an evening of creativity and connection by painting on rocks. All materials supplied.

REGISTERExchange District Campus: Thursday, November 2, 2023, 4:30 to 6:30pm in the Dining Hall in The Roblin Centre near Tim Hortons. (Just before the official Thrive Week events).

REGISTERNotre Dame Campus: Thursday, November 9, 2023, 4:30pm to 6:30pm in The CAVE, DM30.

Friday

Mini Golf (NDC)

Mini-golf, a classic Canadian pastime, is now happening in the Library! Even if you haven’t played golf before, you’ll have loads of fun.

Drop-in: Come as a group or on your own and finish the week off on a high note!

Notre Dame Campus Library: Friday, November 10 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

Friday Yoga (Virtual)

From the comfort of your home or office, Holly leads a 30-minute yoga class allowing participants to stretch, breathe and feel good. Suitable for all levels. 

REGISTER – Fridays, 12:15 to 12:45pm, link will be emailed to registrants separately.

Saturday

Birds Hill Provincial Park Hike

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.

Session Details:
Saturday, Nov 11, 2023: Chartered Bus (Limited Seating) OR Meet at Chickadee Trail.

Roundtrip Chartered Bus – 9:45am to 1pm
*BUSES ARE FULL – thank you for registering. Registration is CLOSED

Round trip transportation to Birds Hill Park is provided free of charge.

Meet at the Notre Dame Campus bus loop at 9:45am where we will be transported together by chartered bus. You may also register family members to attend (space permitting).

The bus will also stop at the Exchange District Campus after NDC. Please be ready outside the Manitou a bi Bii daziigae front doors for pick up around 10 am.

We will drop off in reverse order, EDC then NDC and should return to the NDC bus loop by 1pm.

OR

Meet at Chickadee Trailhead at 10:40am in Birds Hill Provincial Park.

Dress appropriately for the weather. The walk will be cancelled in the event of heavy winds, rain or hail.

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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