Greetings from Jacqueline

When you received the last newsletter, Pam Johnson was the Tutor Coordinator, having replaced me during a maternity leave. Many thanks and good wishes go to Pam for all the work she did to keep the program humming by training tutors and supporting the tutor and learner pairs.

I am very pleased to be back coordinating the tutor program. There is never a dull moment in this job; meeting and working with such dedicated and interesting tutors and learners is one of the greatest perks.

Farewell and thank you to Admin Assistant Valerie Hannan for keeping our program running so efficiently, and keeping the tutors and learners happy. We wish her well in her new life as a full time student. As sorry as we are to see her go, I am very pleased to welcome tutor Linda Oman to the position. If you haven't already met Linda, please stop by and introduce yourself. She is an important part of the Literacy Central VI team.

New Tutors

I would like to welcome a new group of tutors who completed their training this fall. They bring to the program a strong commitment to literacy and a wide range of skills and backgrounds. Congratulations and welcome to: Kathy Downs; Helen Godolphin; Ann Goodwin; Joyce Hedges; Julia Jenkins; Tim Mackness; Jamie Moore; Jason Nathan; Shamsun Niazi; Dennis Olson; Suganthy Pragasam; Jeannine Rowe; Tad Sears; Karen Smith; Marlene Stokes; Pat Whiteaker.

Christmas Party

It's that time again! We would like to invite you to join in the festivities and come to our holiday gathering at Malaspina U-C on December 12 from 6-9 p.m. Tutors, learners, bookstore and BEARS and BEAMS volunteers are all welcome. As in previous years, finger foods will be shared, and donations of children's (including teens') books will be accepted for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive. More details on the invitation enclosed. Please RSVP.

Workshops

Fifteen of our tutors attended an inspiring workshop on October 18 entitled "The Never Fail Method of Writing". This was facilitated by Kate Nonesuch, a literacy instructor from Malaspina's Duncan campus. The tutors came away with many excellent ideas that they could apply easily to help their learner with his or her writing.

I am always looking for ideas for workshop ideas. Ideally these would be topics to help you in your job as a tutor. Do you have any pressing needs? Do you know of any resource people who would be willing to give an hour or two to share their expertise? Please let me know.

Office Hours

I can be found at Literacy Central VI on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9– 4. I am at Malaspina U-C on Thursdays from 9 – 4 (Building 205, Room 228)