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Issue #44

December 2005

Strategic Planning

In November, Jim Slavin of The Delfi Group led the Board and staff of Literacy Plus in an extensive exercise in visioning and long-term planning for Literacy Plus's next five years.

Construction

Building on the homework we were asked to do ahead of time, Session One was devoted to creating a joint vision of what we'd like to achieve by 2010. We also compiled lists of Literacy Plus's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. In Session Two, we reviewed the values that inform our conduct and activities, and revised the Mission Statement. Together we listed the Critical Success Factors that will allow us to move towards achieving our vision. From these sessions, three priorities emerged: a program review, improvement and expansion of our promotion and marketing, and making connections with employers and businesses. Two committees were formed to carry out the first two activities; staff will proceed with the third.

The process was quite demanding, both in terms of thought and of time, but it gave us the chance to think more deeply about what we do and how we do it, as well as where we're headed. We have lots to do in the next five years.

Open House

Literacy Plus is holding an open house on Wednesday, December 14, from 11:00 to 3:00. The open house combines the computer classes' annual Christmas potluck lunch with an invitation to other students, tutors, staff, Board members and people in the community: Come out to Literacy Plus to see what we are doing and celebrate the holiday season.

On display will be work from the one-toone program, the computer classes, and Workready Online. We’ll have some of the resources we will use in the new hospitality/tourism course starting in February. You'll also get to see samples of the Christmas decorations made in Maxine's workshops. Joyce Gutzeit has donated several door prizes, and Inie McQuirter is donating a Christmas table centre to be raffled that day—only 99¢ a ticket. Please join us to share in the festivities.

Christmas tree decorating

Christmas Holidays

The office will close after the Open House, December 14. Phone and e-mail messages will be picked up until December 20. We will reopen Tuesday, January 3. Have a safe and happy holiday!

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
- Charles Dickens