June Highlights

Recognizing National Indigenous History Month, Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and Pride Month

Read on for resources, highlights, programs and events.

Celebrate 45 Years of Changing Lives with CanLearn Society

Mark your calendar! We are thrilled to announce a special event in celebration of CanLearn Society's 45th anniversary and International Literacy Day, A Sapphire Story: 45 Years of Changing Lives.

Please save the date for this momentous occasion:

Date: Friday, September 6th 

Location: Lougheed House, Calgary 

National Indigenous History Month Blog - Learning the Circle Way

Read Nada's experience with the Indigenous Learning Circle as they engaged adult foundational learning practitioners to explore the historical issues shaping the experience of Indigenous learners - opening hearts, learning and connecting.

Thank you to Calgary Learns and Lisa L’Hirondelle for leading this experience!

“This is how you change the world, the smallest circles first… That humble energy, the kind that says, ‘I will do what I can do right now in my own small way,’ creates a ripple effect on the world.”



― Richard Wagamese, One Drum: Stories and Ceremonies for a Planet

Putting the Wheels on the Science of Reading - Blog

At CanLearn, we take immense pride in our role as devoted advocates for evidence-based practices in literacy, learning disabilities, ADHD, and related mental health challenges.

Learn more about the Science of Reading Approach and other research-based practices in our latest blog.

Servus Calgary Marathon 2024

We are excited to announce that our running team raised a whopping $3,858.59 🎉 Thanks to Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink, donations made to the marathon are matched up to 50%.

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to run, cheer and donate - we couldn't have done it without you, your support means the world! 💙

Owerko Centre Conference 2024: Insights and Advancements in ADHD

On May 14, CanLearn's Director of Clinical Services, Heather Baker, took part in the Panel Discussion at the 2024 Owerko Centre Conference. This panel outlined perspectives on supporting children with ADHD and focused on community, education, and medical perspectives on available supports, opportunities and challenges for those with ADHD. Thank you for your amazing work, Heather!

The Great Canadian Giving Challenge Starts June 1st

From June 1 - 30, every dollar donated to CanLearn Society via CanadaHelps.org enters us for a chance to win a $20,000 donation!

Thanks to Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink, you can multiply your charitable impact!

Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink is a fundraising program designed to allow CanLearn to receive additional funding. As a charity partner, we receive 100% of donations, matched by up to 50%.

Men's Mental Health Awareness - How ADHD Impacts Mental Health in Men

Did you know? ADHD impacts different genders in unique and significant ways. Men with ADHD may be more quick to anger and prone to outbursts at real or perceived threats. They may also be less likely to advance in their careers than neurotypical men, and can feel shame and embarrassment because of this. 

In the Let's Talk ADHD Group, adults with ADHD can learn strategies to improve executive functioning, handle stress and create healthy habits. Participants can connect with other adults facing similar challenges while getting support from a Registered Psychologist who understands the unique needs of adults with ADHD.

Happy Pride Month!

CanLearn is committed to being an inclusive organization that believes learning changes all lives. 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and those who love them, are welcome and supported at CanLearn.

Gender Diversity and Neurodiversity

Research suggests that people with ADHD and/or Autism may be more likely to question their gender. For some people with ADHD or Autism, they may seek out support for how best to navigate and understand their gender identity. Having a safe support system is so important. At CanLearn, we're here to support and advocate for the neurodivergent 2SLGBTQ+ community. Let's keep creating a community of love, kindness and learning! 💙🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Friends and Teen Talk - FREE Summer Camps this July!

Some children and teens have trouble making friends and handling their emotions. We can help!

CanLearn's FREE summer camps combine social-emotional learning and recreational activities to help kids and teens build healthy relationships, mental wellness, conversation skills, effective communication, friendships, coping strategies and more.

New for this year, we are offering an addition site for the Friends and Teen Talk Summer Camps!

Convenient locations including the CanLearn Society and The Salvation Army. The camps can also be offered in a one-to-one format for kids who need a little extra support to learn social-emotional skills.

Stay Tuned for CanLearn's WordPlay Summer Camp

CanLearn is excited to be running WordPlay this summer! Rooted in the Science of Reading approach, this summer camp is designed to help your Grade 1 or 2 child become a confident and engaged reader.

Get Ahead this Year!

Our fall programs fill up quickly - why not get ahead? As the school year comes to a close, June is a great time to contact CanLearn to register for the fall. See our list of programs to find the best fit for you or your child's learning journey.

Community

October 2024 Conference Topics

The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network, Calgary Region, is planning a conference for Learning Disabilities & ADHD Awareness Month this October! In order to make it as relevant as possible, please share your ideas on potential presentations or workshops you would be interested in attending by completing a short survey. 

Ensuring A Sustainable Future for Alberta Youth with Learning Disabilities & ADHD - White Paper

Help to amplify the voices of Learning Disabilities and ADHD to your elected representatives. Let’s ensure that political leaders know about the issues important to us. The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network's four advocacy topics are:

1. Improve Teacher Training
2. Subsidize Learning Disability Assessments for Children
3. Improve Training in ADHD for Health Care Providers
4. Improve Awareness of the Duty to Accommodate for Employers

Delve into the challenges and our proposed solutions by reading the white paper yourself. If you feel strongly about creating better outcomes for those with LD and ADHD, contact your MLA - they have all received a copy of the white paper - and ask them to support these priority actions.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter and Receive a FREE E-Book!

Free resources? You heard right! By subscribing to CanLearn's monthly newsletter, you get access to free resources like this month's E-Book: Mastering Test Anxiety.