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!

The following message was written by Melinda Yanick, Business Administration student and Vice President, Internal, of the RRC Polytech Students’ Association.

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, a time that reminds us to stop, think, and talk about the importance of mental health. While it’s a time to have conversations, it’s also about taking action to create positive change.

Leading up to Bell Let’s Talk Day, eight organizations, including RRC Polytech, were recipients of critical funding for mental health initiatives from Bell. Through the investment from the Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund, we will soon be able to expand our student well-being and mental health services with a Peer Support program.

Because, in dealing with and working through any mental health challenges, it’s important to have the right support. Knowing that you have someone – a peer – to confide in, to talk with, is so important for your mental health. It’s critical for students – and for everyone – to know that they are not alone and there are people who can provide the support needed.

The Peer Support Program became part of my portfolio when I started my position with the Students’ Association last spring. And even though my position is only a year-long, I told myself that I wouldn’t budge until we made progress on the program’s launch.

I didn’t budge because myself and a vast majority of students deal with mental health. In experiencing mental health challenges and knowing friends and family also in the same place, I understand how much of a positive impact the Peer Support program will have. 

With a student-helping-student program, you are gaining a friend, someone to confide in, an ear to listen, and a smile. I know that this program will be the support many people need. I look forward to seeing the program flourish, and in turn, watch students thrive in their studies and future careers.

We anticipate the Peer Support program will launch in early 2025. Until the program’s launch, there are many resources and supports available to students and employees at the College through Campus Well-Being, including sport and fitness, mental wellness, counselling services and recreation activities.

Especially right now, with these short winter days we are experiencing, there can often be a lot of darkness – both in relation to daylight, and the way many may be feeling. But like the changing of seasons, there will be a time with more light.

Students, staff and faculty can find more information about the supports and resources available, here. If at any time you are experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 9-8-8 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline, where support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Further external resources available to all, include:
Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line

• Phone: 1-877-435-7170
• Text: 45645

Klinic Crisis Line

• Phone: 204-786-8686
• Toll-free: 1-888-322-3019
• TTY: 204-784-4097

Step up & Win!

Go toe-to-toe with your classmates and colleagues. Move your way to improved health, and a chance to win some amazing prizes!

Keep track of your steps (& other physical activity) during the month of February. To qualify for the prize draw, 7000 steps per day is required for a minimum of 10 days during the month.

The more days you reach 7000 steps, the better the prizes!

• Register Here before Wednesday, January 31st (*extended until Monday, February 5th 11:59pm)
• Submit Your Results by Tuesday March 5th – after completing the challenge
• Winners will be announced on Friday March 8th

Tracking Movement And Submitting Results

How do I track my steps or physical activity? (4 options)

1. Use your fitness tracker or smart phone to determine how many steps you achieve each day.
2. Download the free ‘Google Fit’ app or other tracking platform to allow your smart phone to track your step count.
   • Google Fit – iPhone
   • Google Fit – Android
3. Enter your daily physical activity into this Activity to Steps Converter to convert various movement activities into a step total.
4. Exercise for 30+ minutes at the gym, pool, spin studio, or at home to achieve the equivalent of 7000 steps (for the purpose of this contest).
   • Sports, weights, aerobics, it all counts!

For each day that you reach 7000 steps, use your phone or notebook to track your total number of days.

At the end of the month, submit your results here.

Hitting Your Goal

Here are some ways to achieve 7000 steps (or the movement equivalent):

Check out our Campus Well-Being Program Calendar for more information on movement opportunities and to sign up for free fitness classes, intramural sports, and more!

Prizes

How do I win prizes?

• Reach 7000 steps for 10 or more days for a bronze prize entry.
• Reach 7000 steps for 15 or more days for a silver prize entry.
• Reach 7000 steps for 20 or more days for a gold prize entry.

Bronze Prize List – 12 Winners 

• Yoga Package (Yoga mat & Mini band pack) x 3
• Fitness Package (Weighted jump rope & Mini band pack) x 3
• $25 Gift Card (Sport Chek, Lululemon) x 3 each

Silver Prize List – 5 Winners

• JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker x 2
• $50 Gift Card (Sport Chek x2, Lululemon x 1)

Gold Prize List – 3 Winners

• $100 Gift Card (Sport Chek x1, Lululemon, x1)
• JBL Endurance Peak Wireless Headphones x 1

Please email Evelyn Carriere ⁠with any questions.

Fitness and Movement

T’ai Chi (NDC & Virtual)

Breakdancing and Hip Hop Culture (NDC)

Yoga (NDC & Virtual)

Wellness

Cupcakes and Condoms: A Sexual Health and Consent Workshop (NDC & EDC)

Food Fads and Facts (NDC & Virtual)

Cooking for Wellness (Virtual)

Home Maintenance Series – Roofing (NDC)

Recreation

Monthly Board Game Nights (NDC & EDC)

Mental Well-Being

Cat Café NDC

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.

Therapy Dogs will be visiting Notre Dame Campus at the end of January!

Animal and human interactions can offer many positive health benefits including the reduction of stress and anxiety, improvement in mood, lowering of blood pressure, and improvement in overall mental health. Come say hello to some furry friends from the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.

Notre Dame Campus

Date: Monday, January 29th, 2024

Time: 11:30am-1:00pm

Location: Campus Store Hallway

Do you have children with an in-service day on Friday February 2nd? Have them join us for a full day of fun at our In-Service Day Camp!

Camp Details

Date: Friday, February 2nd

Time: The camp runs from 9am – 4pm with flexible drop-off and pick-up times before and after.

• Drop-Off: Anytime between 8 – 9am
• Pick-Up: Anytime between 4 – 5pm

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

After lunch, campers will take a field trip to Uptown Alley for 90 minutes of bowling. The day will finish back at 2055 Notre Dame with more creative and recreational activities.

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.

Cancellation & Refund Policy – Cancellations & refunds will be available until Friday January 26th.

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.

Bell Let’s Talk is a mental health campaign initiated by Bell Canada that focuses on destigmatizing, building awareness, acceptance, and action in mental health.

Dedicated to moving mental health forward in Canada, Bell Let’s Talk promotes awareness, acceptance and action with a strategy built on 4 key pillars: fighting the stigma, improving access to care, supporting world class research and leading by example in workplace mental health. Bell Let’s Talk is reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and improving access to mental health care with support for organizations in every province and territory!

Join the Movement

RRC Polytech will be hosting Bell Let’s Talk Day stations on January 24, 2024, between 11:00am-1:00pm at all campuses! Hearing people’s stories about their experiences overcoming and navigating mental health barriers can help normalize and minimize the stigma surrounding mental health. Bell Let’s Talk Day represents a community coming together to learn and create dialogue about what it means for us to support our mental health and wellness, come and join the movement!

Visit the Bell Let’s Talk Website

Click the link to learn more about organizations that are creating real change and some ideas for ways each of us can take action on mental health.

Resource Reminders

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider exploring resources at RRC Polytech and in the community.

For Students

• Student Counselling Services
• Early Assist
• Indigenous Student Supports
• Student Accessibility Services

For Staff

• Staff Forum

For All

• Campus Well-Being
• Community Resources
• Crisis Resources

Embrace 2024 with Mindfulness-in-Action!

This year MindWell is going to provide new ways for RRC staff and students to improve their health and well-being with mindfulness-in-action at the core.

One proven way to enhance overall health and well-being is regular physical activity. In January, MindWell’s wheel of health lands on physical health – offering a variety of classes to help you all get active and keep you motivated!

If you haven’t already done so, sign-up for your free MindWell account.

Mindful Boxing

Mindfulness and boxing have a lot in common. They both require presence, attention to breath and inner strength. Learn basic boxing moves that not only leave you feeling strong physically – but mentally too.

Join Ross Robinson on Thursdays at 12pm CST for a 30 minute session! Register here!

The Power of Mindful Movement

Did you know our body stores stress even after the mind has moved on from the stressful situation? Learn simple movements from your chair to release stored stress so you can feel and perform better each day.

Join Ross Robinson on Fridays at 11AM CST. Register here!

Whole-Being Physical Health

We often see physical health as separate from our mental health. However, they are inextricably related. Learn to get physically healthy through body and mind so you can achieve well-being in all areas.

Join Dr. Ellen Choi on Wednesdays at 11AM CST. Register here!

Tai Chi: Improving Balance

Improving your balance is a key benefit of practicing Tai Chi. Learn simple strategies to straighten your posture and increase your awareness of gravity to improve balance in all areas.

Join Peter Hodes on Tuesdays at 4:30PM CST. Register here!

Creating and Keeping Habits in Exercise and Beyond

Set yourself up for a great 2024 by learning how to create habits that actually stick by understanding the reasons behind why so many start off strong and then lose momentum.

Join Jackie Roberge on Mondays at 12:00PM CST. Register here!

The beginning of the year is a great time to reflect on your growth. What are you doing today that your future self will thank you for?

It is time to take that next step, and we are here to help! Book a free 45-min consultation with one of our certified fitness professionals. Your coach will work with you on improving habits that will lead to better sleep, fitness, and nutrition.

[Note: Fitness and lifestyle consultations are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Staff and students should consult a medical professional if they are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.]

How to Book a Consultation

To book a consultation, please follow this link and select from the available sessions. Virtual or in-person sessions available. Available until the end of February.

Questions? Email recreation@rrc.ca

Starting the new year with the goal to learn mindfulness and stress management strategies is a great idea! You are invited to join the RRC Polytech community in a 30 day Mindfulness Challenge. The Challenge will begin on January 15th and end on February 29th.

Stress Management Skills

Can you receive difficult messages with openness? Can you reverse the stress response and calm your nervous system? Are you able to step back from your thoughts and watch them come and go? All of these skills are key to building good mental health and all are part of the Take 5 Daily curriculum.

Take 5 is MindWell’s central mindfulness-in-action practice. Whether you practice all 5 steps or just the one or two you like best, Take 5 can be used anytime or anywhere to lower stress, increase focus and get you back into the present moment.

This opportunity teaches ‘mindfulness-in-action’ so people don’t need to stop what they are doing to become calm, present and focused.

Registration

All RRC Polytech students and staff can register for a MindWell account and then sign up for Take 5 Daily. We encourage you to register with a peer or friend to keep you motivated!

Prize Draw

When you complete all 30 days of Take 5 Daily, you unlock a certificate that will get you entered into a prize draw! Prizes include Good Local gift cards, Halfmoon Yoga mats and blocks and passes to Float Calm.

Even if it takes you more than 30 days to complete the challenge, you can still enter to win. So if you miss a day, don’t fret, just get back at it.

Send your certificate to Fizza before February 29th, 2024 and you will be entered to win!

Please contact Fizza Rashid, our Campus Mental Health Specialist with any questions.