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Campus Well-Being

News and Events

Campus Well-Being April Programs

March 28, 2023

Spring is here and for many students, that means exams and final projects. While making time to study and complete course work is certainly important, the Campus Well-Being team encourages you to carve out some time for a healthy break.

Whether that means joining a fitness or movement class, playing your favorite sport, petting a therapy dog, relaxing in the Zen Zone, cooking yourself a nourishing meal, playing a board game with friends or joining one of our creative activities – these moments of self-care can refresh you, helping you to reach your goals.

Register and mark your calendars today; make that commitment to yourself.

Sport & Fitness

Movement Classes

Wellness

Recreation

Student Movie Showcase in the Immersion Room

March 21, 2023

Campus Well-Being and Emerging Media Production (EMP) transform the NDC Immersion Room into a movie-viewing experience. We’ll be showcasing RRC Polytech Digital Film & Media Production student creations. Drop in and stay a while or come for a quick viewing. 

DROP-BY: Notre Dame Campus, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 between 1 and 4pm in the Immersion Room (GM33) near the North Gym.

Meet and Greet Popcorn Party – from 1:30 to 2:30pm – munch and mingle with the movie makers.

Read on for more information on the student filmmakers and their films.


ᒪᐢᑭᓯᐣ: A Moccasin Creation Story 

In tribute to filmmaker, Fawnda Neckoway’s late grandmother, Irene, “ᒪᐢᑭᓯᐣ: A Moccasin Creation Story” showcases a modern making behind the traditional art. In this generational short film we see Isabel Neckoway, who for the first time creates her own moccasins and a Cree message by Moccasin Knowledge Keeper, Susan Wood. (Run time: 5:30 mins)

Written, Directed and Cinematography by Fawnda Neckoway Assistant Editor/Sound – Myrem Phillips

Fawnda Neckoway

She’s Not There

A film noir for the modern age. A local detective struggles to find out what happened to a promising young woman. (Run time: 7 mins)

Director name: Daphne Finlayson 

Daphne Finlayson

Please Handle with Care

This short Documentary follows Liway, a permanent resident living in Canada as she prepares to send a balikbayan box to her family back home in the Philippines. This film takes a deeper look into how a tradition for many OFWs (Oversea Filipino Workers) and immigrants became a billion-dollar industry. Balikbayan, meaning “to return” has changed meaning over the years. As we follow Liway’s journey and what it means for her to be able to send back her wealth, we also gain historical insight into these boxes and the business behind them. (Run time: 9:54 minutes)

Director: Angeline Javier

Camera Operator & Assistant Editor: Chris Ayson
Camera Operator, Assistant Editor, Sound & Colour: Ewan Gordon

Angeline Javier
Chris Ayson
Ewan Gordon

MindWell Challenge Winners

March 21, 2023

Congratulations to all the MindWell 30-day mindfulness challenge participants!

All students and staff can register for a MindWell account to access the Take 5 Daily program any time. For this 30-day program, all you need is five minutes a day, anytime, anywhere and on any device. Evidence shows that it lowers stress, increases resilience, improves teamwork, and strengthens leadership skills.

This opportunity teaches ‘mindfulness-in-action’, helping participants become calm, present and focused during daily tasks and work. MindWell also offers many other workshops, classes and training resources to assist you on your path of well-being.

Winners:

Float.Calm gift certificates: Kunwar Aditya and Marcelo Tiago Lopes Shimizu

Marcelo Tiago Lopes Shimizu

“I am an extremely anxious person and finishing the 30 day challenge of the Take 5 Daily course made me reconnect with myself, my family, and everything around me. Now I am more relaxed, feeling more alive in the now and practicing Take 5 every day. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and remember attitudes that make my day better.”

Marcelo Tiago Lopes Shimizu

Halfmoon Yoga Mat and Block: Heidi DeFehr and Bea Bernardo

Bea Bernardo

“It’s easy to get sucked into what’s happening everywhere else and fail to see what’s around us. Spending 5 minutes for 30 days focusing on the present moment made me realize how much I’ve been missing out on right in front of me.”

Bea Bernardo
Heidi DeFehr

“I really enjoyed the MindWell series. It was manageable (requiring less than 5 min/day) and relatable. The Take 5 program gave me great tips that I continue to use, even after the program has ended – Notice the Cue, Notice the New, Notice the Body, Notice the Breath, and Notice the Now.” It is a great program to help reduce stress and increase focus.”

Heidi DeFehr

Halfmoon Meditation Cushion: Sam Lee and Mufidat Musa

Mufadit Musa

“In my experience with the MindWell Challenge, I developed a habit of self-care. The program provided sophisticated instructions on how to practice daily meditation. As a result, I now meditate for 5 minutes each morning and can focus on tasks for longer periods than before. I highly recommend this challenge to other students. “

Sam Lee

March Madness Bracket Contest

March 8, 2023

Campus Well-Being is hosting a 2023 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 12th, each team will be arranged in a tournament bracket. The games start on Thursday March 16th, 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.

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 March 12th to 16th 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.

  • 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.

Campus Well-Being March Programs

February 28, 2023

As winter begins its transition to spring, this can be a perfect time to try new things or reconnect with activities you enjoy. The Campus Well-Being March calendar includes many opportunities for students and staff to get active, social, creative or relax – whatever it is you need. All programs are offered at no cost with a valid RRC Polytech identification card.

Sport & Fitness

Movement Classes

Wellness

Recreation

Get Movin’ Challenge

February 8, 2023

Step up & Win!

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

Keep track of your steps (& other physical activity) during the month of March. 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 Monday March 13th
  • Submit Your Results by Tuesday April 4th – after completing the challenge
  • Winners will be announced on Friday April 7th

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.
  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):

  • Walk / Run / Cycle
  • Take a fitness class
  • Lift weights
  • Active transportation
  • Have a walking meeting
  • Set movement reminders
  • Play sports
  • Take the stairs
  • Choose activities you enjoy

Check out our Campus Well-Being Program Calendar for more information on movement opportunities and to sign up for free fitness classes, intramural sports, walking groups, 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
  • Mobility Package (Foam roller & Mini band pack) x 3
  • $25 Gift Card (Sport Chek, Lululemon) x 3 each

Silver Prize List – 6 Winners

  • Fitness Package (Yoga mat, Foam roller, Mini bands, Water bottle) x 3
  • $50 Gift Card (Sport Chek x2, Lululemon x 1)

Gold Prize List – 3 Winners

  • $100 Gift Card (Sport Chek x2, Lululemon, x1)

Please email Davis Chase ⁠with any questions.

Check Out What’s Happening on MindWell in February

January 31, 2023

A peaceful sunset over a lake with a wooden dock and the MindWell logo.

This February, we encourage you to work on the most important relationship you can have in your lifetime: The Relationship with Yourself. 

The way you feel, think and perform each day is part of this relationship. When you feel good, it shows – at work, in your relationships with colleagues, friends, and family members and everywhere else in your life too.

MindWell has put together new class themes and programs that will help you develop this positive, healthy relationship with yourself.

These programs include:

  • The 4 Aspects of Love
  • Making Difficult Conversations Easier
  • Meaningful Breaks through Movement 
  • Tai Chi: Reduce Stress & Increase Mobility

All workshops and classes are free to Red River College Polytechnic faculty, staff and students. Sign up for a Free MindWell Account to access and find a class that is right for you.


Making Difficult Conversations Easier

Conversations with colleagues or loved ones can feel difficult when you know the person might not like what you have to say. Unfortunately, difficult conversations are a part of life. 

Join Coach Jackie every Monday in February to learn how to apply the skill of mindfulness and compassionate communication to make those difficult conversations easier.

Mondays at noon (virtual)

Learn More


Rejuvenate with Movement Breaks

Whether you’re sitting at your desk or standing all day at work, your body (and mind) will benefit from short breaks of varied movement. 

Join Lucia every Tuesday in February to learn how to incorporate shorts bursts of movement into your day to improve your posture, alleviate achy muscles and feel your best.

Tuesdays at 11:30am (virtual)

Learn More


Tai Chi: Relieve Stress & Increase Mobility


Tai Chi classes will help you discover simple movements to improve your physical and mental health, balance and relaxation through the ancient art of Tai Chi. Safe and accessible for all – even those recovering from illness or injury. No special clothing or equipment needed.

Join Peter every Monday to learn the foundations of Tai Chi to decrease stress and improve your mobility.

Mondays at 2:00pm (virtual)

Learn More


The 4 Aspects of Love

When most people hear the word ‘love’, they automatically think about ‘intimate’ love – the love you have for a romantic partner. However, there are actually 4 types of love: Intimate, Self, Family/Friend and Universal love. 

Join Ross each Friday in February to discover how to deepen your capacity to give and receive love in all areas.

Fridays at 11:00am (virtual)

Learn More

Campus Well-Being February Programs

January 31, 2023

Movement Classes


Recreation


Wellness


Sport and Fitness

The Dimensions of Wellness: A Habit Building Workshop Series

January 24, 2023

Have you ever tried to build a new wellness habit? Without support and other effective strategies, it’s hard to make the habit stick.

Join this 7-week, step-by-step wellness workshop to create a personal plan tailored to your needs and goals. You’ll also interact with others who are building healthy habits, giving and receiving support and encouragement.

All RRC Polytech students and staff are welcome to attend. For questions or to register, please email Kristi Dorian. Everyone who completes the program will receive a certificate.

Workshop Dates

Date: Seven Tuesdays from February 7 – March 28 (*no class on February 21)

Time: 6-7pm

Platform: MS Teams


Dimensions of Wellness

You will learn about these eight dimensions of wellness:

  • Physical
  • Intellectual
  • Emotional
  • Social
  • Spiritual
  • Occupational
  • Financial
  • Environmental

Topics

  • Creating daily routines
  • Setting goals
  • Using checklists
  • Keeping track
  • And more!

Your Facilitator

All sessions will be facilitated by Dan Saltel. Dan is an instructor in RRC Polytech’s Business Information Technology program and is also a member of the Workplace Safety and Health Committee. Dan is passionate about both the importance of wellness and the value of habit building strategies. Dan has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science as well as a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Master of Science in community health sciences. You can learn more about him at Daniel Saltel | LinkedIn

For questions or to register, please email Kristi Dorian.

Intramural Sport – Winter 2023

January 17, 2023

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

Choose from our sport of the day or drop in to play a sport of your choice. You can sign up as a team or register as an individual and get placed on a team at the time of the event. All skill levels are welcome!   

Want to add another sport? Or another timeslot? Email Davis to become a volunteer Intramural Coordinator and assist in delivering more sports!  Additional Information about the Intramural Coordinator position can be found here

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

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, 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.