Thrive Week – Nov 4 to 9, 2024
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: Maria Jose Eguigure Torres (Alumni) – Keynote presentation, Amazing Race activity, Massages, Cat Café, Mini Golf, Games and Popcorn Lunch, Library Puzzles/Colouring stations and a Birds Hill Provincial Park walk. Check out the calendar and listings below for details and registration links.
Door prizes are available at some 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
Keynote Speaker
Building Resilience to Overcome Challenges – Keynote Speaker (NDC, EDC and Virtual)
Join us in welcoming Red River College Polytech alumni, Maria Jose Eguigure Torres for Thrive Week’s inspirational keynote presentation in-person and live-streamed. Light refreshments provided and enter to win a door prize.
REGISTER –
Notre Dame Campus: In-Person or Virtual – Thursday, November 7, 2024, 12:15pm to 1pm, in the Emerging Media Production Connected Classroom (G139).
OR
Exchange District Campus: In-Person to watch the live-stream together – Thursday, November 7, 2024, 12:15pm to 1pm in (P107).
Unable to attend? Register for the Virtual option to receive the recording.
Students and employees are invited to join Thrive Week keynote speaker and RRC Polytech grad Maria Jose Eguigure Torres as she shares her five step process to build resilience and overcome challenges. After competing at the national level in basketball and flag football and creating her own event planning business, Maria Jose moved to Canada to pursue her dreams. Continuously learning and applying grit and grind in everything she does, Maria Jose believes that a correct mindset is a powerful tool to remain focused on goals, leading to amazing results. Listen as she shares her journey and the five steps that have helped her thrive in these different aspects of life.
Maria Jose Eguigure Torres – Maria Jose studied Industrial Business and Project Management in Honduras before coming to Winnipeg in 2022 to study Hospitality and Tourism Management at RRC Polytech. Back home in Honduras, after a national level sport career she found her passion was creating memorable experiences through event management.
When she moved to Canada, Maria Jose reaffirmed her commitment to impact and inspire others, volunteering with different events and clubs and starting the Honduran Community in Winnipeg.
After graduating from RRC Polytech she now works as an Event Coordinator with Assiniboine Park Conservancy and is the president of the Honduran Community in Winnipeg. Maria Jose continues playing basketball with a local league and has started a women’s flag football team where she creates a safe place for women to learn, connect and stay active.
Maria Jose also loves dancing and was part of the first Latin American Folklorama Pavilion, were she had the opportunity to dance different rhythms and support Punta choreography, a Honduran dance that was showcased for the first time ever in Folklorama thanks to Latin Roots Company.
Maria Jose believes that everything happens for a reason and no matter how many times we receive a ‘no’ or make mistakes, the most important thing is to continue getting better each day and staying true to oneself, learning from each experience.
Ongoing All Week
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.
Healthy Minds, Healthy College Book Collection (All Campuses)
Check out a book or ebook from the Healthy Minds, Healthy College collection (see display at NDC library).
Including:
- Aki-Wayn-zih : A Person As Worthy As the Earth
- Psychology of physical activity : determinants, well-being and interventions
- The medicine path : a return to the healing ways of our indigenous ancestors
- The gifts of imperfection let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are
- Healing through the dark emotions : the wisdom of grief, fear and despair
- Peace is every step : the path of mindfulness in everyday life
- College students’ sense of belonging : a key to educational success for all students
Monday
Pop-Up Cat Cafe (NDC)
Join Ms. J. La’s Fur Babies Cat Café & Adoption Centre. Sign up now as spots fill up fast! If you would like, you are welcome to bring cat food donations.
Date: November 4, 2024
Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm (sign up here for a 30-minute slot)
Location: NDC – The Cave
No walk-in availability.
Wellness on Wheels – Express Massages (EDC)
Take a moment to unwind with a relaxing 10-minute chair massage, right here on campus.
Licensed Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) will be available to ease your tension, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle your academic challenges.
Registration required, pick only one slot – sign up for you massage today! Exchange District Campus in P107 from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Social Justice Coffee House (NDC)
The Social Justice Coffee house will be a collaborative event where participants are welcome to attend as audience members and/or as performers.
Participants can sign up to share readings (poetry, fiction, non-fiction), sing songs, engage in discussions, or have cultural exchanges about social justice topics.
The goal is to have a safe space to voice thoughts and feelings on social justice matters, connect with peers, and learn and grow.
Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 from 12-1pm in Prairie Lights at Notre Dame Campus. Light refreshments will be served.
Amazing Race – Mini Game Competition: Get Ready for Sports, Fun, and Friends! (NDC)
Calling all students! Join us for an exciting Mini-Game Competition where fun meets fitness. This event is designed for teams of three, but you can register as an individual, duo, or trio—it’s up to you! You’ll compete in six fun-filled mini-games, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and more.
At each station, teams will earn puzzle pieces after completing a challenge. Collect all the pieces, complete your puzzle, and race to the finish line at the South Gym stage! The first team to finish wins their choice of a club t-shirt or a $15 Tim Hortons gift card.
And it doesn’t stop there! All completers enter a draw for more prizes!
Ready to have fun, make friends, and compete? See you in the library hallway for the start of this unforgettable event!
When: Nov 4, 2024, 3:45 PM to 5:30 PM
Where: Start at the Library Hallway, Finish at the South Gym Stage
Prizes: Club T-shirts, Tim Hortons gift cards, and more!
Don’t miss out—register today!
Latin Dance Class (EDC)
Come and enjoy the vibrant rhythms of Latin music in this fun, laid-back dance session with Diana Correa. No dance experience is required—just bring your energy and a smile! This class is all about having fun, relaxing, and connecting with the music and each other.
REGISTER – Exchange District Campus, P107: Mondays – 21, 28 and Nov 4, 2024 from 4:30pm to 5:15pm. All welcome to join us for one class or all.
Tuesday
Pop-Up Cat Cafe (EDC)
Join Ms. J. La’s Fur Babies Cat Café & Adoption Centre. Sign up now as spots fill up fast! If you would like, you are welcome to bring cat food donations.
Date: November 5, 2024
Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm (sign up here for a 30-minute slot)
Location: EDC – P107
No walk-in availability.
Wellness on Wheels – Express Massages (NDC)
Feeling overwhelmed with your studies? Take a moment to unwind during Thrive Week with a relaxing 10-minute, chair massage, right here on campus.
Licensed Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) will be available to ease your tension, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle your academic challenges.
Registration required, pick only one slot – sign up for you massage today! Notre Dame Campus in Prairie Lights from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Make Your Own Finger-Labyrinth (NDC)
This hand’s-on Carpentry/Cabinetry and Woodworking activity teaches participants how to create their very own portable, wooden finger-labyrinth.
You may have seen the large scale labyrinths created in gardens, parks and fields. A spiral-type design that people slowly walk around for meditation and peace. These are mini labyrinths that you can carry around with you, ready for a quick calm down or meditation on the spot.
REGISTER for only ONE of three possible sessions:
- Session one – from 1pm to 1:45pm
- Session two – from 2pm to 2:45pm
- Session three – from 3pm to 3:45pm
Notre Dame Campus in B1-19A. Please wear runners or boots (closed-toed footwear) and long pants. All other materials supplied.
National Inuit Day – Movie Screening (EDC)
In honour of National Inuit Day on Thursday, November 7, 2024 – Join us in watching Ever Deadly, this movie weaves concert footage with stunning sequences filmed on location in Nunavut, seamlessly bridging landscapes, stories and songs with pain, anger and triumph—all through the expressions of Tanya Tagaq, one of the most innovative musical performers of our time.
This film discusses topics of trauma and abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.
REGISTER for a calendar reminder, drop-ins welcome and light snacks provided. Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 4:15 to 6pm in the Multipurpose Room E155.
Community Open Mic Night (NDC)
Join us on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 in The CAVE (NDC) for our a Community Open-Mic: Thrive Week Edition!
Nahuen Music be there with the mics, lyrics and lights. Browse the Karafun Catalogue and decide which songs you’ll be singing.
Wednesday
Games and Popcorn Lunch (NDC)
Drop by – take a break in The Cave student lounge to play some giant games, eat your lunch with some popcorn and drinks provided.
Notre Dame Campus, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 11am to 1pm, The Cave, DM30
The Coca-Cola Hug Machine will be onsite near the Campus Store. You hug it, it returns the favour with a Coke. Because vending machines have feelings too.
(Cancelled) Breakdancing Dance Class (EDC)
Unfortunately, we had to cancel this session.
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.
Gentle Flow Yoga (NDC and Virtual)
Take some time to unwind and reconnect with your body with yoga instructor Jaimie Bristow. A class for all levels focusing on slow rhythmic movements and long gentle stretching to explore opening all areas of the body. Class begins and ends with varying forms of pranayama (breathwork), and/or mindfulness based stress reduction techniques.
Suitable for all levels, mats are provided for in-person sessions.
Self Defense (EDC)
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. While this is the last class of five independent workshops, a person can still attend and gain benefit.
Come to this class and learn something new. Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 4:15pm to 5:15pm, in P107.
REGISTER or find out more class detail.
Thursday
See KEYNOTE section above “Building Resilience to Overcome Challenges” for information and to register for NDC, EDC and Virtual Options.
National Inuit Day – Movie Screening (NDC)
In honour of National Inuit Day today – Join us in watching Ever Deadly, this movie weaves concert footage with stunning sequences filmed on location in Nunavut, seamlessly bridging landscapes, stories and songs with pain, anger and triumph—all through the expressions of Tanya Tagaq, one of the most innovative musical performers of our time.
This film discusses topics of trauma and abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.
Drop-in, Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11:30am to 1 pm in the NDC F209.
Hatha Yoga (EDC)
Join Chaley Martens after school or work for a 45-minute hatha yoga class to unwind from your day. This class will build on mindful movement and breathing to gently challenge the mind and body, but leave you feeling relaxed. No experience is necessary. Suitable for all levels and mats are provided. Registration required.
REGISTER – Exchange District Campus, P107: Thursdays 4:15pm to 5pm
Community Open Mic Night (EDC)
Join us on Thursday, November 7, 2024 in room P107 (EDC/Roblin Campus) for our monthly Community Open-Mic: Thrive Week Edition!
Nahuen Music be there with the mics, lyrics and lights. Browse the Karafun Catalogue and decide which songs you’ll be singing.
Friday
Games and Popcorn Lunch (EDC)
Drop by – take a break in to play some giant games, eat your lunch with some popcorn and drinks provided.
Exchange District Campus, Friday, November 8, 2024, 11am to 1pm, in the Dining Hall near Tim Hortons.
The Coca-Cola Hug Machine will be onsite as well. You hug it, it returns the favour with a Coke. Because vending machines have feelings too.
Mini Golf Scavenger Hunt (NDC)
This year mini-golf meets campus-wide scavenger hunt! Explore Notre Dame campus scouting out the different mini-golf holes hosted by RRC Polytech’s support services and executives.
Start your tour in the Library, get your scorecard and complete the first hole! When you’ve completed the course, return to the Library with your filled-out scorecard to enter the prize draw.
Never played before? You’ll still have loads of fun. End your thrive week with a hole-in-one!
Drop-in: Come as a group or on your own.
Notre Dame Campus Library: Friday, November 8, 2024 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga (Virtual)
A dynamic class adapted for all levels that builds heat moving through postures with more continuous movement. Poses are linked together with the breath in a flowing sequence. Various ideas and themes are explored with instructor Jaimie Bristow.
REGISTER – Virtual: Fridays 12:15 to 12:45pm
Note: Links for virtual sessions will be emailed to registrants separately. Friday classes are not recorded.
Saturday
Birds Hill Provincial 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.
Session Details:
Saturday, Nov 9, 2024: Chartered Bus (Limited Seating) OR Meet at Chickadee Trail.
Roundtrip Chartered Bus – 9:45am to 1pm
Registration is OPEN – REGISTER for a spot on the bus (limited seating available).
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.