View and print the Leamington Networking Conference brochure here.

Make sure to visit the vendors!
18th Annual
Vendors tables will include
books on history, culture, faith,
children’s titles, as well as
recycled articles from local MCC
Thrift Shops, fair trade items
and Keepsakes created by Low
German women.
Networking
Conference:
Opening Doors - This useful
website provides online
resources for service providers
working with Low German
speaking Mennonites from Latin
America
openingdoors.co
Please note the Leamington
conference does not include
lunch.
Conference participants are
encouraged to access local restaurants
for lunch and networking.
Deepening our understanding
of Low German culture
Wednesday, May 20th 2015
8:30 am–12:30 pm
Meadowbrook Church
219 Talbot St E, Leamington, Ontario
Conference day
Workshop selections
Workshop selections
8:30–9:00
9:00–9:10
9:10–10:15
10:15–10:30
Settling in Canada: A Low German
Perspective
Discover how Low German speaking
Mennonite settlement is impacted by
their own beliefs and cultures as well as
Canadian laws and culture. (Presented by
representatives from settlement programs)
Low German 101
There is such value in learning Low
German words/phrases. During this
workshop you will learn about the Low
German language and leave the workshop
with words/phrases that may help break
the ice when you initially meet with Low
German children or adults. (Presented by
a radio host from Mennonite Community
Services)
Registration: Beverages and light snack available
Welcome and introduction
Panel
Coffee, snacks, displays and bookstore
10:35–11:10 A journey in Pictures - A
view of Low German life in
Mexico.
11:15–12:30Workshops
Registration
Until May 1, 2015 $25
after May 1, 2015 $30
online registration closes May 14th, 2015
•Online registration:
mcccanada.ca/ontario-low-german-conference
•Online payment with Paypal or Credit card
For more information, please contact:
lauravandergriendt@mcco.ca
or call 519-745-8458
Panelist discussion
Adult Mental Health in a Cultural
Context
Professional from the mental health field
will highlight issues to be mindful of when
addressing mental health, and providing
support in a cultural context. (Presented
by a case manager for Canadian Mental
Health Association)
Being a Welcoming School Community
Participants will be introduced to strategies
used by the staff to create a trusting and
accepting learning environment. (Presented
by an educator)
Making Connections in Public Health
Upon settlement, Public Health offers
many resources to help new immigrants
make connections in communities. Multiple
services are available to inform and guide
families in good decision making with the
common goal of optimal health and wellbeing. (Presented by Windsor-Essex and
Chatham-Kent health departments)
Low German Culture and Ways
Church, school and home are the important
foundations within the faith and culture. An
overview and comparison of life between
Mexico and Ontario. Information about
the Old Colony Church, holidays and
some of the successes of individuals will
be explored. (Presented by an Old Colony
church deacon and settlement outreach
worker)
Literacy
This session offers a discussion of
culturally relevant materials that you will be
able to use. Come and share your insights
about working with LG adult learners.
This workshop is intended for teachers
of Low German adults teaching English
and literacy skills. (Presented by English
as a Second Language instructors from
Conestoga College)
Perspectives, Stories, and Impacts
Several Low German individuals will share
their perspectives and experiences with
their faith and culture in relation to the
mainstream Canadian faith and culture.
Nutritious options will be available
at arrival and during the break.