ELSA Classes

ELSA classes are in full swing with the onset of fall and the halls are once again full of laughter and new friendships.
We are pleased to announce that in October a new ELSA LEVEL 4/5 class has been added to CVIMS. The primary focus of this class is employment.

Level 1
Mon to Thurs, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Level 2 & 3
Mon to Thurs, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Level 4/5
Mon to Fri, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Childcare is available on site for students.

Sports & Games Evening

This is a cross cultural opportunity for people and families to get together, play games, and socialize.  Sports & Games Evening continues to run on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Fairview School .  Sports & Games Evenings are held every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Fairview School (corner of 2nd St and Howard Ave).  Everyone welcome!! Free!!
Newly added activities:  Kung Fu Master Jacki Li is offering introduction to Kung Fu. We want to provide opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds, new or long time residents, to network and to learn about other cultures while participating in recreational activities.

5 Sessions starting
Monday, January 21, 2007

Class time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Fee: $30 dollars

This free session is offered by a student in first year university who would like to help other high school students to prepare ahead of time.

Date of Workshop: December 18 at 3:30 pm
Place: Multicultural Society office
Please register with Rim 753-6911 ext 5 or Cecilia at 753-6911 ext 1

We have a number of 6’ brown folding tables for sale, excellent condition. $20. contact Rim 753-6911 ext. 5

Kyoung Rim Shim : Settlement Assistant

I immigrated to Canada from Korea in 2003. Studying abroad and living in a foreign country were my dreams, and these awaited dreams finally had come true . As soon as I settled in Nanaimo, I started to take ESL courses and finished Social Service Diploma program at the Malaspina University in 2007. I am currently taking Sociology for my interest now. Through the intensive courses, I learned theories and practical approaches for community development and interpersonal skills, which are solid foundations for my career. I did my practicum at the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society few months ago, and I joined in the society as a settlement service assistant on Sept. 16, 2007. Since I am working at the reception desk, I have many opportunities to meet new people and learn something new every day. Never dull moment! These days, I am trying to explore different ethnic and religious festivals, such as Ramadan and Diwali, and they made me think about things from different perspectives. Learning different cultures is one of my interests at this moment, and I am very lucky to work at the Multicultural Society.

Suzy Nachtsheim/ELSA Teacher Level 4/5
I have been teaching the new ELSA level 4/5 together with Karen Whyte since this October. This is my first time to teach a class of English learners who are all immigrants, but I feel right at home because I am also an immigrant to Canada. I am a US citizen, but soon I hope to have dual citizenship (if I pass the test!) I have been teaching ESL at Malaspina University-College since 2002. Before that, I spent 20 years working in Japan as an Associate Professor at Tamagawa University in Tokyo, an editor for a publishing company, and as a language consultant for the Yokohama City Board of Education and a teacher-training company called Matsuka Phonics Institute. This year I started my own business. It is “Clear English Editing Services” and it is an editing, language-consulting, and online tutoring service that specializes in helping non-native speakers of English express themselves in clear, accurate, and natural English. Check out my website when you have a chance! www.clearenglish.net. I live on Gabriola Island with my partner and our two cats. In my free time, I like to take walks, read, cook, and watch movies. And, I do enjoy a good martini when I can.

Karen Whyte/ELSA Teacher Level 4/5
My husband and I have only lived in Nanaimo since August 2007. We moved here from Calgary, Alberta where we left behind three of our four children and our eight wonderful grandchildren. I do have one daughter who lives in Nanaimo so I am very happy about that. I have been teaching for more than forty years and I continue to enjoy my profession. It is a pleasure working with the ELSA 4/5 class at the Multicultural Society. When I am not teaching, I love to read, walk and play cards.

Do you work for a business, government office, non-profit society, or other organization that wants to take a leadership role in making Nanaimo welcoming and inclusive? Are you are shopper who believes we should give our business to stores which share our values?

We all benefit when shops, offices, organizations and organizations in our neighbourhoods commit to:

• Equitable treatment of all their customers or clients
• Being a place of safety for people who are the targets of racism and hate
• Prepared staff

If you know of a place that is prepared to show its commitment to the inclusion and safety of all members of this community by becoming a Safe Harbour location, please contact Terre Flower, the Diversity Coordinator for Society at 753-6911 local 102 or tflower@cvims.org. Terre will be offering monthly Safe Harbour orientation sessions as well as in house training.

Looking for a job? We can help!

- Computers, Internet, Job Postings
- Help with Resumes, Interviews and Job Searching skills
- Employment Counselling
- Credentials Evaluation Assistance
- and much more

Contact: (250) 753-5503 or hcote@cvims.org

Monday to Friday: 8:30 am- 4:30 pm

The concert which was held on July 26, 2007 at St. Andrews Church was a great success!!! The concert raised well over $4,000.00. Thank you to all who supported us by attending and to our volunteers for all their help in making this a memorable event. A veru special thank you to our guest performers Helena Hyun-Sook Kim, Meijuan Li and Jacqueline Droz for an evening of inspiring music.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to our patrons including St. Andrews Church, Johnston Franklin, A Step Ahead, Fang Tearoe Ent. Ltd., Lloyd MacIlquham, Shanghai City Restaurant, Sucha Ollek, Stanley Chong, Dr. & Mrs. Tang and many members of CVIMS and the local community.

Do you have a penny jar at home?

DONATE YOUR PENNIES and we will give you a tax deductible receipt!
No need to roll them, just drop them off.

If you would like to support our programs and services, you can become a member or make a donation online via paypal. We are a registered charity and your tax deductible donation is important to us.