Upcoming Events and Activities

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

EPIQ stands for English-speaking Parents in Quebec City and it’s the driving force behind a variety of fun activities for parents and kids. Prior to 2020 these activities took place all over town and included everything from pumpkin patch outings to our annual HOHOHO Here We Go Again Christmas Party. But this year things may  look a little different. But that doesn’t mean we can still stay connected via teleconferencing.  Let’s  get creative together. Join us on line as we plot  new ways to have fun in a pandemic! Email our Volunteer Coordinator, Jessica Price jprice@jhpartners.net to get the login details for this fun annual planning evening scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 starting at 7 pm.

Is your son or daughter physically ready to start school? In recent  years kindergarten  teachers have noted children’s fine motor skills  may not be ready to hold a pencil, use scissors, tie shoes laces, undo buttons or engage in other daily fine motor activities. These skills are easily cultivated at home through games and simple daily tasks. Join us for an interesting informal  discussion with occupational therapist Pascale Lemaire. Learn more about the importance of fine motor skill development and the role it plays in school readiness in this free, online parent know-how session.

Register by October 14, 2020 to obtain the login information. This session can be accessed via your smart phone, tablet, computer, laptop or landline. Contact our community organizer Jan Anderson janderson@jhpartners.net for more infomation or to sign up. Spaces are limited, save your spot now!

Join the Café au lait Crew on  Mondays from the comfort of your home via videoconference.  This is a relaxing, embracing space where you can benefit from parent-to-parent contact, encouragement, valuable information and  support from Shelley Dupuis, certified Breastfeeding Consultant with Allaitement Québec.  Everyone is welcome – including expectant moms. If you want to enjoy good company, please join us online! You don’t have be breastfeeding to participate. Older sibs are welcome as well.

Sessions take place once a month on Mondays from 10 to 11:00am.

Participants must pre-register so that log-in information can be provided the day prior to the session. Please email jprice@jhpartners.net to sign up.

To learn more please visit  https://wejh.ca/programs-and-activities/family-matters/cafe-au-lait-crew/ 

Join us for reading and discussion of books via Zoom in French and English while improving your bilingualism in an informal and friendly environment! Email catherine.baboudjian@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 x 224 to sign up!

This week’s book: A Complicated Kindness / Drôle de tendresse by Miriam Toews

Find the book synopsis here: A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews on Goodreads

Let’s take a look at what remote work is, who the remote worker is, the tools and environment of a remote worker, and the job market when looking for remote work, among other topics. Join us in this webinar, designed by the FORT Program, and co-hosted by VEQ.

The Wellness Centre is offering a series of four art therapy sessions this fall for caregivers who have lost a loved one. Art therapist, Sophie Lessard-Latendresse will guide participants as they process and release emotions related to their individual losses while encouraging them to make sense of their feelings. These art therapy sessions will provide a safe place to honor and remember lost loved ones. It can help guide grieving caregivers towards transformation as they allow themselves time to process the significance of this journey.

Please understand that you do not need to have any artistic skills to participate in these sessions and this is not an art class. The actual art making process is more important than the art produced. These sessions provide an opportunity to express emotions on a page, canvas or in a clay sculpture. Participants find relief within the art making experience. All the necessary materials will be provided and safely delivered to your door free-of-charge.

Sessions will be offered virtually.  You can access them on your phone, tablet, ipad, latop or computer with webcam. If you need technical assistance, we are here to support you. Group confidentiality is a vital aspect of this process and all participants will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement upon registration.

Session Dates & Themes

Session 1: September 29, 2020:- Grief, emotions and the body

Session 2: Tuesday, October 6, 2020 – Cherishing stories and relationships

Session 3: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 – Adapting and processing the loss

Session 4: Tuesday, October 20, 2020  – Reinvesting in life and saying goodbye

For more information or to register please contact Jan Anderson, Community Organizer janderson@jhpartners.net

These sessions are offered thanks to funding from:

Giving birth in the midst of a pandemic is certainly not something any of us ever wished for!  It is, however, a current reality for many local English-speaking parents-to-be.  The Wellness Centre is here to support you in this highly unusual time.

Get ready for birth in these unusual times by taking part in a three-session virtual prenatal course guided by Doula, Camille Nadeau. Learn all about Camille in a recent article about her in the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph newspaper.

The aim of these sessions is to give you tips for an active and calm childbirth, and help prepare you for the unexpected. We hope empower you on how to make an informed choice in terms of medical decisions and how to stay calm and resilient, no matter what.

• Where: Online videoconference sessions. All you need is a cellphone, tablet or laptop with a camera and an internet connection.
• When:  Tuesdays, October  6, 13, 20 &  27, 2020 at 6:30 pm

Topics to be covered

Our user-friendly online course is done in a way that will give you a chance to connect with the other participants.  In these three sessions, Camille will cover:

• Understanding labour
• Managing the intensity of birth
• Developing your  personalized birth plan
• Breastfeeding and postnatal period

Special notes and how to register

The Wellness Centre has offered to partly cover the cost of this course during the pandemic. Your cost is $50 for the package of four sessions.  For more information please contact Jan Anderson, Community Organizer: janderson@jhpartners.net or reserve your place by making an online payment of $50 today.

You can practice healthy lifestyle habits to manage stress in the middle of a global pandemic!

Join Théa Demmers, Registered Dietitian with Concordia University’s PERFORM Centre, as she shares strategies related to eating well. Learn about the impact of the pandemic on our daily habits and tips on ways to change.

This activity is brought you by:

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

Travellin’ Toddler Time (TTT) is free activity in English for children 3 and 4 years old and their parents/ caregivers or grandparents.  This month’s theme is Halloween! Be sure to wear your costume so you can show it off on the screen. Enjoy a scary story, some silly songs and games and learn how to make a witch’s broom out of things from your recycling box. To obtain the login details please contact Meghan at the Quebec City Reading Council at 418.681.1258; info@qcrc.org or register on the Travellin’ Toddler Time Facebook page.

Baby Chat Café has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of babies under one year of age. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

• Guest speakers on subjects of interest to new parents
• It is free of charge but registration by the day prior is necessary so we can send you the login details
• Expectant parents also welcome
• Virtual sessions mean no more parking hassles!

Find out everything you need to know about pelvic care with Chantal Couture,  physiotherapist from la Clinique Femina.  For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please contact our Community Organizer by email janderson@jhpartners.net

Giving birth in the midst of a pandemic is certainly not something any of us ever wished for!  It is, however, a current reality for many local English-speaking parents-to-be.  The Wellness Centre is here to support you in this highly unusual time.

Get ready for birth in these unusual times by taking part in a three-session virtual prenatal course guided by Doula, Camille Nadeau. Learn all about Camille in a recent article about her in the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph newspaper.

The aim of these sessions is to give you tips for an active and calm childbirth, and help prepare you for the unexpected. We hope empower you on how to make an informed choice in terms of medical decisions and how to stay calm and resilient, no matter what.

• Where: Online videoconference sessions. All you need is a cellphone, tablet or laptop with a camera and an internet connection.
• When:  Tuesdays, October  6, 13, 20 &  27, 2020 at 6:30 pm

Topics to be covered

Our user-friendly online course is done in a way that will give you a chance to connect with the other participants.  In these three sessions, Camille will cover:

• Understanding labour
• Managing the intensity of birth
• Developing your  personalized birth plan
• Breastfeeding and postnatal period

Special notes and how to register

The Wellness Centre has offered to partly cover the cost of this course during the pandemic. Your cost is $50 for the package of four sessions.  For more information please contact Jan Anderson, Community Organizer: janderson@jhpartners.net or reserve your place by making an online payment of $50 today.

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

New to Québec? Voice of English-speaking Québec in partnership with Jeffery Hale Community Services is providing a free virtual workshop that will help you understand how change impacts your life and learn methods of adapting to a new culture and language. You’ll also hear testimonials from different newcomers about their experiences. At the end, a virtual door prize will be awarded to one lucky winner! Join us and connect with other newcomers!  Pst, the door prize will be drawn virtually.

Do other people have a hard time understanding your three year-old talk? Is your child developing differently than their siblings? Are you worried that something might be wrong? Does your family speak more than one language? Do you wonder if this is impacting your son or daughter’s language development?

To learn what is “normal” in children’s speech and language development, attend this informal online session  with members of the early childhood team from Jeffery Hale Community Services and speech-language pathologist, Kristy Findlay. Ask questions about your child. Get information about helpful resources, if need be.

For more information or to register by October 21,  please contact:  Jan at janderson@jhpartners.net

Hello ladies,

Let’s zoom together for another Spa night!                     

We all know how tough our QC winters can be, so this night will tackle the dry winter skin, dry scalp and helping hair growth. If you would like to only listen in and take notes that’s ok too! If you would like to join me in doing a mask and a hair care regiment then here is what you will need:

Face:

1) A squeaky clean face ☺️

2) A face mask

3) Toner

4) Facial moisturizer

Hair Mask:

1) Towel

2) Coconut oil

3) Chunky salt (I use pink salt)

4) Rosemary, lavender, peppermint or tea tree oil

Space is limited so please rsvp ASAP ☺️ directly to Jan  for the Zoom login details

Hope to see you all soon, Dana Hey , EPIQ Hostess

Uncertain of your plans for this year’s Halloween? We would like to invite you to join us for our Halloween Bingo. We would love to hear how you celebrated Halloween before moving to Quebec City, so grab your chocolates or candies, get comfy, and sharpen your ears! Wear your Halloween costume and you will get twice the chance of being the lucky winner of a gift certificate* for the spookiest tour in town: the ghost tour around Old Quebec!

*Valid for a tour for two people

Let’s take a look at what remote work is, who the remote worker is, the tools and environment of a remote worker, and the job market when looking for remote work, among other topics. Join us in this webinar, designed by the FORT Program, and co-hosted by VEQ.

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

Whether you moved to Quebec City from another province or country, this workshop has been designed to help you understand Quebec’s health system. It will be followed by a brief presentation on how to be prepared and fully enjoy the winter. Pst, the door prize will be drawn virtually.

Parental support and involvement are  key to making school a positive experience right from the start.  We all want our children to enjoy learning,  to suceed academically and to be happy at school. Join us for an informal discussion with teacher Liam Jones to discover how you can support your child as you navigate Quebec’s educational system together.

The session will touch on how to help your child: 

Arrive at school ready to learn,

Organize themselves,

Reinforce learning concepts at home,

Expand their vocabulary particularly in their second language;

Establish good  rapport with teacher and school,

Develop study skills  and much more!

Register by November 3, 2020 to obtain the log-in information. This session can be accessed via your smart phone, tablet, computer, laptop or landline. Contact our community organizer,  Jan Anderson janderson@jhpartners.net  for more infomation or to sign up. Spaces are limited, so reserve your seat today!

It’s time to put the rumors aside when it comes to dealing with daycare during a pandemic!  Come and learn the facts!  Join Amanda Heath for an information session touching on some of the most basic questions that any parent/expecting parent would have when it comes to daycare and the pandemic. She will be covering topics such as: what you should expect when dropping off and picking up your children, COVID-19 rules and regulations and how they apply to your children, as well as recent updates. 

Whether you have a child in daycare already but are considering keeping them home, or if you are looking for a daycare, this session is for you!   The current health rules and regulations mandated by public health are the same for ALL types of daycares, which means that you will be receiving facts relevant to your situation.   All sources of information will be shared with you so that you know where to look for future updates.

Registration is required.

Please RSVP to Jessica Price to get the ZOOM login details.

Take-a-Break has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschoolers. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

A great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschool-aged children.

• Hear guest speakers on topics of interest to parents.
• Talk about being a parent and get support.
• Exchange ideas and share information.

Calling all parents – plan to join us for the first TaB session of the fall  season for a catch-up gab session online. Great chance to “see” one another and show off how much your kids have grown over the summer.  For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Community Organizer by email janderson@jhpartners.net

For those of you who always wished the Cafe au Lait meetings were on a weekend, this is for you!   Join our host Shelley Dupuis for this virtual meeting on Sunday November 8th at 10am.
During this meeting we will be talking about breastfeeding and returning to work, including pumping & storing breast milk.

Important to note that if you are struggling with breastfeeding issues, or have any other questions about breastfeeding, we can talk about that too!   If you just need to see and chat with other parents, this is a really embracing space.  Expectant moms are also welcome!

Don’t worry if you’re a little late. We all understand baby’s timing may not line up with the schedule!  Come as you are – when you can.

For more information or to get the ZOOM login details contact Jessica Price, information above.

Join us for reading and discussion of books via Zoom in French and English while improving your bilingualism in an informal and friendly environment! Email catherine.baboudjian@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 x 224 to sign up!

This week’s book: A Complicated Kindness / Drôle de tendresse by Miriam Toews

Find the book synopsis here: A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews on Goodreads

Baby Chat Café has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of babies under one year of age. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

• Guest speakers on subjects of interest to new parents
• It is free of charge but registration by the day prior is necessary so we can send you the login details
• Expectant parents also welcome
• Virtual sessions mean no more parking hassles!

We’ve had a baby boom over the past few months in the middle of a pandemic and we want to hear your birthing stories. Grab a coffee, tea or tisane and turn on your device and be prepared to meet some incredibly strong women!

For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Community Organizer by email janderson@jhpartners.net

Consider  participating in a one-time online focus group for guys raising kids in Quebec City. Mardoché Mertilus, Program Manager of Programme d’Adaptation des Pratiques aux réalités Paternelles with the Regroupement pour la valorisation de la paternité (RVP) will be guiding us in this exercise. We’re looking for dads/step dads of newborns all the way to preteens. Join in and share your insights about how the Wellness Centre could better respond to  your parenting needs in terms of of current services/programs  and in the creation of new ones.

Get involved and help us make our community stronger! Just email our Community Organizer to obtain the Zoom login details for this event happening Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 7 pm.

If you are an English-speaking parent of a child, teen or adult with special needs living in the Greater Québec City region (north and south shores), the WE Belong Parents group is for you. It’s a safe place to share experiences and chat with other parents of special needs persons, learn new things, find resources, or just enjoy some “ME” time.

Join other parents for an Info Night to learn about services and share your experiences. Please RSVP directly to knadeau@jhpartners.net and you will be sent the login information for the meeting.

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

Aging family members or loved ones with memory loss and/or  Alzheimer’s-like dementia often struggle with  behaviours that can be quite disturbing for those around them. Such  behaviours may include difficulty sleeping, wandering, repeating the same thing over and over, personal hygiene issues, paranoia, lack of social filters, angry outbursts and many more. Join us for a frank discussion with Geneviève Gaboury, social counsellor with the Société Alzheimer de Québec to discover what triggers these behaviours and some useful strategies to help everyone cope more positively in these situations. To register for this online session, please contact our community organizer.

This activity is made possible thanks to

Who We Are

Travellin’ Toddler Time (TTT) is free activity in English for children 3 and 4 years old and their parents/ caregivers or grandparents.  This month’s theme is Autumn. Participants sing songs, hear stories, make crafts and enjoy some motorskill developing games.

Join in on the fun!

To obtain the login details please contact Meghan at the Quebec City Reading Council at 418.681.1258; info@qcrc.org or register on the Travellin’ Toddler Time Facebook page.

Join us for reading and discussion of books via Zoom in French and English while improving your bilingualism in an informal and friendly environment! Email catherine.baboudjian@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 x 224 to sign up!

This week’s book: Prisoner of Tehran / Prisonnière à Téhéran by Marina Nemat

Find the book synopsis here: Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat on Goodreads

Let’s take a look at what remote work is, who the remote worker is, the tools and environment of a remote worker, and the job market when looking for remote work, among other topics. Join us in this webinar, designed by the FORT Program, and co-hosted by VEQ.

How can you practice healthy lifestyle habits to manage stress in the middle of a global pandemic? Concordia University PERFORM Centre’s kinesiologist,   Christina Weiss  will join us to share some interesting strategies  to help keep us active during this unusual period. Join us to learn how COVID-19 impacts your daily habits  and discover safe and fun ways to stay active during the long winter months ahead.

This activity is made possible thanks to funding from

and in partnership with

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

Take-a-Break has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschoolers. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

• A great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschool-aged children.
• Hear guest speakers on topics of interest to parents.
• Talk about being a parent and get support.
• Exchange ideas and share information.

Moms and dads plan to join us for an open discussion on the topic of  tantrums with our special guest Jayanna Pleau, Special Educator with Jeffery Hale Community Services.

For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Community Organizer by email janderson@jhpartners.net

Dear parents,

Now that we are cooking at home more than ever, come join us for the first ever EPIQ cooking party!  Never has there been a better time to cook with your family, and even add to your repertoire of recipes to « wow » your friends and family once we can get back to social gatherings.

Our host Elise’s talented husband and professional chef, Samuel, will be demonstrating how to make a restaurant quality creamy risotto (along with it’s versatile options).  A list of ingredients and cookware needed will be provided in advance so you can cook right along with us (if you choose). Join us by yourself, with your partner, or with the whole family!

Hope to see you there!

Registration required! 

Join the Café au lait Crew on  Mondays from the comfort of your home via videoconference.  This is a relaxing, embracing space where you can benefit from parent-to-parent contact, encouragement, valuable information and  support from Shelley Dupuis, certified Breastfeeding Consultant with Allaitement Québec.  Everyone is welcome – including expectant moms. If you want to enjoy good company, please join us online! You don’t have be breastfeeding to participate. Older sibs are welcome as well.

Sessions take place once a month on Mondays from 10 to 11:00am.

Participants must pre-register so that log-in information can be provided the day prior to the session. Please email jprice@jhpartners.net to sign up.

To learn more please visit  https://wejh.ca/programs-and-activities/family-matters/cafe-au-lait-crew/ 

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

Dates:
Fridays: November 27th, December 4th, December 11th and December 18th
Time:
5 – 5.45 p.m.
Place:
Zoom
Directed by:
Katharina Urbschat
Songs:
Popular and traditional Christmas Carols in English, for adults and children.
One song in French per meeting

Participants will receive the Zoom link the day before the Sing-Along.
100 spots available.

The names of the songs to be sung will be published in the week preceding the Sing-Along, so that participants can look them up and familiarize themselves with the lyrics so check back on the event date for more details 🙂

Songs for the November 27th Sing-Along:

• Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
• Carol of the Bells
• Low how a Rose e’er blooming
• Noël nouvelet
• Maria walked amid the thorn
• Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
• Let it snow

As the second wave rages on, we are all depending more and more on technology to reduce isolation and keep us connected to one another.  All of our caregiver programming has moved online, but some of us still aren’t feeling totally comfortable with the Zoom platform. If you haven’t yet taken the Zoom plunge, or you have but still need a hand feeling more comfortable with its many features, this is the session for you!

The Wellness Centre is partnering with Life Long Learning for this event. Join Michelle Osbourne and Meghan Radden from the Quebec City Reading Council for a fun, interactive session that will help seniors and their caregivers get comfy with Zoom! To participate  you will need a smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer with a web cam. Kindly register with our community organizer to obtain the login details.

This activity is made possible thanks to:

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

Kate Nadeau, breastfeeding coach with Allaitement Québec and mother of two will offer practical advice to expectant parents about breastfeeding

• Learn what to expect as your baby begins nursing
• Discover tips to help baby latch on easily
• Find the position that’s right for you and baby
• Follow baby’s rhythm and establish your own family routines
• Learn what Dads can do to support the nursing process
• Ensure you know what do if minor nursing problems arise
• Rest assured baby is gaining weight, growing and thriving on breast milk alone

To register: 418 684-5333, ext. 1265 or efleming@jhpartners.net

Take-a-Break has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschoolers. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

A great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschool-aged children.

• Hear guest speakers on topics of interest to parents.
• Talk about being a parent and get support.
• Exchange ideas and share information.

Santa Claus will be joining us for the last TaB of 2020! Be sure to tune in at 9:30 am so your toddler can say hi! For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Community Organizer by email janderson@jhpartners.net

Dates:
Fridays: November 27th, December 4th, December 11th and December 18th
Time:
5 – 5.45 p.m.
Place:
Zoom
Directed by:
Katharina Urbschat
Songs:
Popular and traditional Christmas Carols in English, for adults and children.
One song in French per meeting

Participants will receive the Zoom link the day before the Sing-Along.
100 spots available.

The names of the songs to be sung will be published in the week preceding the Sing-Along, so that participants can look them up and familiarize themselves with the lyrics so check back on the event date for more details 🙂

Songs for the December 4th Sing-Along:
TBD

Who’s ready to get into the holiday spirit? I know that my family and I sure are! We’d love for you to join us (Dana Hey and family) by starting off this Christmas season with some cookie baking.  We will be making a classic gingerbread recipe in many different shapes.   Registration required in advance.  The ingredients list as well as the zoom registration details will be emailed out closer to the date.  To register and to get the zoom details contact Jessica Price at jprice@jhpartners.net

Join us for reading and discussion of books via Zoom in French and English while improving your bilingualism in an informal and friendly environment! Email catherine.baboudjian@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 x 224 to sign up!

This week’s book: Prisoner of Tehran / Prisonnière à Téhéran by Marina Nemat

Find the book synopsis here: Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat on Goodreads

Zoom in for a festive Caregivers’ Café as we explore ways to have better holiday visits with our loved ones this season. Special Educator, Danny Roach and Special Care Councellor, Lucie Lachance from the Jeffery Hale-Saint- Brigid’s Day Centre team will help us discover some  creative ways to bring love and cheer despite pandemic restrictions. All  participants will receive a free copy by mail of McGill’s  helpful Dementia Activity Guide along with tips and suggestions from our delightful and very experienced guests. To obtain login details, please email Jan Anderson,  Community Organizer.

This activity is made possibe thanks to:

Baby Chat Café has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of babies under one year of age. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

• Guest speakers on subjects of interest to new parents
• It is free of charge but registration by the day prior is necessary so we can send you the login details
• Expectant parents also welcome
• Virtual sessions mean no more parking hassles!

Join us for an informal chat with Kristy Findlay, Speech Language Pathologist as we explore fun facets of language development and learn new ways to increase baby’s vocabulary!  For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Community Organizer by email janderson@jhpartners.net

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

To register:
learnquebec.ca/pandemicteens

Who We Are

Travellin’ Toddler Time (TTT) is free activity in English for preschool children and their parents/ caregivers or grandparents. Participants sing songs, hear stories, make crafts and play games to grow motor skills. This fun, vitual activity is organized by the Quebec City Reading Council.

Join in on the fun!

Reservations are necessary, please  follow the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqduirpz0iGtD6ev2JoAiUxNYZov38mEJI 

Dates:
Fridays: November 27th, December 4th, December 11th and December 18th
Time:
5 – 5.45 p.m.
Place:
Zoom
Directed by:
Katharina Urbschat
Songs:
Popular and traditional Christmas Carols in English, for adults and children.
One song in French per meeting

Participants will receive the Zoom link the day before the Sing-Along.
100 spots available.

The names of the songs to be sung will be published in the week preceding the Sing-Along, so that participants can look them up and familiarize themselves with the lyrics so check back on the event date for more details 🙂

Songs for the December 11th Sing-Along: TBD

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

Dates:
Fridays: November 27th, December 4th, December 11th and December 18th
Time:
5 – 5.45 p.m.
Place:
Zoom
Directed by:
Katharina Urbschat
Songs:
Popular and traditional Christmas Carols in English, for adults and children.
One song in French per meeting

Participants will receive the Zoom link the day before the Sing-Along.
100 spots available.

The names of the songs to be sung will be published in the week preceding the Sing-Along, so that participants can look them up and familiarize themselves with the lyrics so check back on the event date for more details 🙂

Songs for the December 18th Sing-Along: TBD

The Morrin Centre and VEQ partnered once again for our traditional Holiday Happy Hour. Every year, the event raises funds for the Quebec City Community Christmas Hamper Campaign.

We may not be able to get together in person this year, but we have a special December 18th evening planned for you.

Performing artists Valerie Clio, Melodie Spear, Guillaume Tondreau, Stéphane Beaudin, and Randall Spear agreed to put a show together in support of the Campaign.

Enjoy this year’s Friends and Family Holiday Party, and thank you in advance for supporting the Hamper Campaign!

Tune in at 7 p.m. this evening on our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/VoiceofEnglishspeakingQuebec
or YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWNh23QNMSCkYg–JrVrzFw

QAC PRESENTS ITS FIRST-EVER VIRTUAL PLAY READING

Greetings dear members, patrons and friends,

In these exceptional times of social restrictions and darkened stages, Quebec Art Company has decided to declare: The show must go on!

In the spirit of old-time radio shows (with a twist of modern technology), QAC is pleased to present its first-ever virtual play
reading.

We invite you to enjoy the quirky comedy You Can’t Take It With You, as performed by a group of talented local actors, all members of the QAC family, from the comfort of their homes.

Beginning Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m ., you will be able to view this exceptional performance from the comfort of your own home by tuning in to our YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAbIAO6flMFE5mADZqfwrg

Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, You Can’t Take It With You tells the story of an eccentric family confronted by social standards and uptight socialites in the 1930s, an era well-suited to the “radio play” format QAC has chosen to present.

As this is a first for QAC, we are excited to embrace this new way of offering community theatre and encourage you to send us your feedback at info@quebecartcompany.com .

As always, we look forward to doing what we love doing … entertaining you!

Please subscribe to our brand new YouTube channel.

Take care of yourselves and one another.

– Cheryl Rimmer , President, Quebec Art Company

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

UPDATE: Kirk Hall Crafters decided to cancel their meetings until this time of social distancing is over. However, the evening group will be meeting via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday nights. If anyone wants the link, please contact Katherine at 418 404-0509

Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and/or 7-9 p.m. 

The Kirk Hall Crafters, a bilingual group of craft-minded people that meets weekly in St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall, 45 Chaussée-des-Écossais, Old Québec.

Join this fun all-ages group and enjoy tea and a chat while working on your craft project!

For more information, call Katherine at 418 404-0509

Join us for reading and discussion of books via Zoom in French and English while improving your bilingualism in an informal and friendly environment! Email catherine.baboudjian@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 x 224 to sign up!

This week’s book: A Bag of Marbles / Un Sac de billes by Joseph Joffo

Find the book synopsis here: A Bag of Marbles by Joseph Joffo on Goodreads

Calling all dads and/or moms and kiddos out into the snow! We invite you to join us for a day of Snow Fort Building Fun via zoom. How this will work is as follows: Dana Hey will do a quick chat via ZOOM at 10am to start you off, then after that it is up to you!  The idea is to just get out in the snow, get creative and have some fun! 🙂  Take as much time as you need, and if you would like to share your snow structures with us, please send in pictures!

See you then!

Register with Jessica Price at jprice@jhpartners.net to get the ZOOM details.

When family caregivers open up about their emotions, they are often mention feelings of stress, sadness and depression. But we rarely  talk about the anger, impatience and even rage that can flare up in an instant. Who hasn’t snapped back  during their caregiving journey and then relentlessly beat themselves up for it later? If you have ever felt like clenching your fists and screaming in frustration, you are not alone. Most caregivers probably experience these strong emotions from time to time.

Anger is an important emotion to explore and understand within the caregiving relationship. This Caregivers’ Café session will help you build a greater understanding of anger and your relationship to the emotion. Participants will be encouraged to articulate their feelings around anger and discuss how they express anger within their caregiving relationships. Together we will explore new ways to cope with  anger and dare to talk about it openly.  To join this online conversation, simly  contact our community orgnaizer for the Zoom log-in details

This activity is made possibe thanks to:

Baby Chat Café has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of babies under one year of age. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

• Guest speakers on subjects of interest to new parents
• It is free of charge but registration by the day prior is necessary so we can send you the login details
• Expectant parents also welcome
• Virtual sessions mean no more parking hassles!

Have you ever wondered about the expression “sleep like a baby”?? Let’s admit it … sometimes babies just don’t sleep as much as we’d like them to! Join us for an informal chat about the zzzzz’s or lack thereof! Share your nap and bedtime strategies and make a new friend or two.   For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Program Coordinator by email jprice@jhpartners.net

To register:

https://learnquebec.ca/childsupport

Join us for reading and discussion of books via Zoom in French and English while improving your bilingualism in an informal and friendly environment! Email catherine.baboudjian@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 x 224 to sign up!

This week’s book: A Bag of Marbles / Un Sac de billes by Joseph Joffo

Find the book synopsis here: A Bag of Marbles by Joseph Joffo on Goodreads

Join the Café au lait Crew on  Mondays from the comfort of your home via videoconference.  This is a relaxing, embracing space where you can benefit from parent-to-parent contact, encouragement, valuable information and  support from Shelley Dupuis, certified Breastfeeding Consultant with Allaitement Québec.  Everyone is welcome – including expectant moms. If you want to enjoy good company, please join us online! You don’t have be breastfeeding to participate. Older sibs are welcome as well.

Sessions take place once a month on Mondays from 10 to 11:00am.

Participants must pre-register so that log-in information can be provided the day prior to the session. Please email jprice@jhpartners.net to sign up.

To learn more please visit  https://wejh.ca/programs-and-activities/family-matters/cafe-au-lait-crew/ 

Life as we knew it changed drastically back in March 2020 with the declaration of the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ve been dealing with risk and uncertainty ever since. This is a very stressful time for everyone but particularly for seniors and their caregivers. Why not set aside some time this week to check in with with psychologist Dr Camillo Zacchai to learn new ways to manage these unsettling times. Please contact our community organizer for the login details.

This activity is made possible thanks to:

Take-a-Break has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschoolers. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

A great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschool-aged children.

• Hear guest speakers on topics of interest to parents.
• Talk about being a parent and get support.
• Exchange ideas and share information.

Join us for a special online Family Literacy Celebration. This year’s theme is “Travel the World Together”. Even if we can’t actually travel and visit other people, we can still learn about the world and other cultures from our homes using our imagination and resources.

For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Program Coordinator by email jprice@jhpartners.net

Join us for an informal information virtual learning session with David Martin, psychologist to learn more about Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

How can you know if your child is exhibiting normal kid behavior or ADHD?

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of ADHD and what diagnostic tools are available for local English-speaking families coping with this diagnosis?

Come away with parenting tips and useful resources to better support children with ADHD.

Register by January 25, 2021 to obtain the login information. This session can be accessed via your smart phone, tablet, computer, laptop or landline. Contact our community organizer Jan Anderson  janderson@jhpartners.net for more infomation or to sign up. Spaces are limited, save your spot now!

Don’t let yourself get bored, come play board games with us!

VEQ is proud to invite you to a virtual game night you will not forget! Join us on Zoom, and be prepared to be entertained by a series of games that La Revanche (who will be your MC for the night) has made possible to play in online social settings.

Participating will, of course, be the number 1 take away, but the top 3 scorers will also walk away with prizes—just saying!

To sign up, please send an email to info@veq.ca with your name and the email address where you would like to receive your Zoom link.

Please note:
A household using the same “Zoom window” will play as a team. If you would like to play separately, please sign up using different email addresses and Zoom accounts.
All ages welcome.

The education system in Quebec is unique in many ways.  Language laws dictate who is eligible to attend school in English and who is not. Parents and newcomers may find it hard to navigate the school system. The session “A Québec School System 101” will feature a panel of professionals from Central Quebec School Board to help answer your questions.

Be sure to register by noon on February 1 for this informative virtual community outreach session so we can send you the login details.

“A Québec School System 101” online event is for you, if you’ve ever wondered …

• Is my child eligible to attend school in English?
• When and how do we register for Kindergarten, elementary school and high school?
• What school(s) can my kids attend based on where I live? If I am willing to drive my kids to school can they attend a school in another sector of town?
• What are the options in terms of preschool, Pre-K, programme passe-partout, and before- and after-school daycare and how do we access them? What are the related costs? And what services are offered in each program?
• Grade names here differ from those elsewhere. What is meant by cycle 1 and 2 and sec. 1, 2, etc. ?
• Is it true parents of elementary students are often required to pay for noon-time surveillance if their children eat lunch at school? If so, how does that work and what does it cost?
• Why do we have to purchase so many supplies each fall for kids attending public school. Doesn’t the school board provide these supplies? Who will give me the list of what materials my child needs and when?
• I live on the south shore; when will there be an English elementary school on my side of the St-Lawrence?
• What is all the fuss about school boards being replaced by service centres? What impact will this have on my child’s education and our local English-speaking community?
• Québec schools seem to put a lot of emphasis on provincial exams; at what grade do these exams start? How does QCSB compare to other local boards in terms of exam results?
• What is the difference between Québec’s adult education and DEP programs and CEGEP? Can we access these programs in English in Québec City? How do we apply? What programs are available and are there any fees for them?

“A Québec School System 101” session is a joint venture brought to you by Jeffery Hale Community Partners, Voice of English-Speaking Québec and the Central Québec School Board.

PS – 101 (pronounced “one-oh-one”) is a topic for beginners in any area. It has all the basic principles and concepts that are expected in a particular field. In Québec, 101 also has quite another significance!

Join us for reading and discussion of books via Zoom in French and English while improving your bilingualism in an informal and friendly environment! Email catherine.baboudjian@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 x 224 to sign up!

This week’s book: Brother / 33 tours by David Chariandy

Find the book synopsis here: Brother by David Chariandy on Goodreads

Loving yourself is the caregiver’s ultimate challenge. Sometimes we can be so kind with others and so hard on ourselves. This February the Wellness Centre invites caregivers to take part in a special virtual session for senior caregivers  led by art therapist Sophie Lessard-Latendresse. We will discover how to love and care for ourselves more deeply using art materials we all have around the house. You’ll  come away with a renewed sense of your own worth. Learning to love and honor yourself will not only improve your attitude but it may also make you a better caregiver. Registration is necessary as spaces are limited. Please contact our community organizer for the log-in details.

This activity is made possible thanks to

Join us (hosts Elise and Samuel) for a virtual wine tasting on Thursday, February 4th, at 8pm! Wine is definitely an essential item, so wine not come and appreciate it’s craft amongst good company.  We’ll be going through the basic steps of wine tasting, while comparing a New World and Old World wine of the same grape variety. 

Here are the wines we will be tasting, which are available at the SAQ: 

1. Imagery Pinot Noir Californie 2019, Red wine, 750 ml, USA California (found in cellar part of the SAQ) $21.95 https://www.saq.com/fr/13692157 
2.  Albert Bichot Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes, Red wine, 750 ml, France Bourgogne, $19.05  https://www.saq.com/fr/10667474

If you’d prefer to taste a wine you have on hand at home alternatively, you are still welcome to join us!

Also, if you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage or a  de-alcoholized wine, feel free to join in with your own beverage or try one of our de-alcoholized recommendations below.   

1. Artis Merlot Vin de France, Red wine, de-alcoholized(.5%), 750 ml, France, $9.45  https://www.saq.com/fr/14323871 
2. Torres Natureo 2019, White wine, de-alcoholized (.5%), 750 ml, Spain, $9.75 https://www.saq.com/en/1133479

We hope to see you there, 

Cheers! 

Register with Jessica Price at jprice@jhpartners.net to get the ZOOM details.

EPIQ (English-speaking Parents in Quebec) events are organized by volunteer parents with support from the community Wellness Centre.

Some activities are just for parents (who doesn’t love a night out without the kids!) and other events are for the whole family.

Please check out the Family Matters e-newsletter or visit our EPIQ information page for more details.

Take-a-Break has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschoolers. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

A great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschool-aged children.

• Hear guest speakers on topics of interest to parents.
• Talk about being a parent and get support.
• Exchange ideas and share information.

Richard Goldman, lawyer with Éducaloi, will be joining us at this session for an introduction to the basics of Quebec family law, followed by an interactive discussion.  Plan to join us!

For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please contact  our Community Organizer by email jprice@jhpartners.net

Baby Chat Café has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of babies under one year of age. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

• Guest speakers on subjects of interest to new parents
• It is free of charge but registration by the day prior is necessary so we can send you the login details
• Expectant parents also welcome
• Virtual sessions mean no more parking hassles!

Join us for an informal virtual get together with Kristy Findlay, Speech Pathologist as we chat about  communicate with baby.  Learn about signing with baby and many other fun communication stategies.  For more details or to  obtain log-in details , please email our  Interim Program Coordinator by email jprice@jhpartners.net

Who We Are

Travellin’ Toddler Time (TTT) is free activity in English for children 3 and 4 years old and their parents/ caregivers or grandparents. Participants sing songs, hear stories, make crafts and enjoy a snack.

Join in on the fun!

Registration required through the following link:

Registration Page: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItfu6oqDkqGtbC_YqFkvMYT1Ob8hFzQclS

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/394908025053569/

Join us for reading and discussion of books via Zoom in French and English while improving your bilingualism in an informal and friendly environment! Email catherine.baboudjian@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 x 224 to sign up!

This week’s book: Brother / 33 tours by David Chariandy

Find the book synopsis here: Brother by David Chariandy on Goodreads

Straight Talk about End-of-Life Options with presenter Jennifer Hobbs-Robert, Senior Advisor – Jeffrey Hale Community Partners (JHCP)

This session addresses end-of-life options: palliative care, do not resuscitate orders, refusal or withdrawal of treatment, medical assistance in dying, and advanced medical directives.

This health video conference will take place  in a Zoom Meeting format (where attendees can see each other as opposed to a webinar format where attendees do not see each other).

Registration in advance is necessary. Please click here and follow the instructions. Your response to this question “Which community organization invited you to this CHEP session?” should be Jeffery Hale Community Partners.

Being a parent can be challenging, rewarding, and complicated, but we love unconditionally.  Sadly, family programs and services sometimes tend to forget or ignore step-parents. Step-parents make the choice to love, take care and be there, even when they may not have to. If you agree that family is not simply defined by blood but by commitment and by love, please join us virtually on the evening of Wednesday, February 17th, to connect with other step-moms and step-dads as we support and draw inspiration from one another. We will discuss everything from the role of a step-parent and undefined limits to its difficulties and rewards.

Registration required, but first…

Prior to our first get together, please read and reflect on the thoughtful words below from Jayanna Pleau, our step-parent host.

“When I grow up, I want to be a step-parent,” said no one, ever…   

Mothers and fathers are praised for raising children, even celebrated. Mothers are even nicknamed “super moms.” During their careers and in their daily lives, protection, support, guidance, pride and love are expected from moms and dads towards their biological children. Yet, behind the shadows of these “super parents,” the same expectations are often held of step-parents towards another’s children. “Super moms” may get through parenthood with the help of unconditional love, but truth be told, step-parents sometimes have to resort to sheer will to get through their new lifestyle.

Standing tall, hands-on-hips, cape-in-wind, biological mothers are praised for raising children, and supported when the going gets tough.  Invisible cape in the wind, step-parents are reminded of their choice should a burnout happen.

Between biological parents, there are various styles of discipline and chosen responsibilities. Step-parents continuously juggle anger, regret, happiness, content and guilt, and at times with unwanted sealed mouths, because final decisions are not our final decisions to make. Step-parents live lives that aren’t fully ours, yet people may remind us it was our choice.

Honestly, step-parenting is about changing your life for another’s children. It’s about constantly wondering where your limits are. It’s about taboo regrets, hushed thoughts, and guilty pleasures of replacing the biological parent half the time.  It’s about waking up at night, dealing with tantrums, disciplining, spending time with someone else’s child, and wondering you can handle it, if it’s all worth it. It’s about being brave.

All good parenting requires love and care, but not DNA. The fine print for parenthood reads making children a priority. Parenthood is about teaching children valuable lessons and guiding them through life. It’s also about putting on a brave face that children are always safe with their parents.

Celebrating step-parents!

Bravery is great, but unconditional love is simply the best. Loving your own child is easy; loving another parent’s child as your own is what makes step-parents really special.

We invite all super step-moms and super step-dads to join the club. Step-parents, stand tall, put your hands on your hips and let your cape flow in the wind.

I look forward to meeting you on Zoom on February 17th.

Jayanna

Self-care is the caregiver’s ultimate challenge. Sometimes we can be so compassionate towards others and so hard on ourselves. This February the Wellness Centre invites caregivers to take part in a special virtual Caregivers’ Café session led by art therapist Sophie Lessard-Latendresse. Using material, we all have around the house we will discover how to love and care for ourselves more deeply. You’ll come away with a renewed sense of your own worth. Learning to love and honor yourself will not only improve your attitude but it may also make you a better caregiver. Registration is necessary, as spaces are limited. Contact our community organizer for the log-in details.

This activity has been made possible thanks to

Take-a-Break has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschoolers. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

A great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of preschool-aged children.

• Hear guest speakers on topics of interest to parents.
• Talk about being a parent and get support.
• Exchange ideas and share information.

Join us for an informative, interactive talk about antibiotic resistance with infectious disease specialist and new mom, Dr.Chloë Bogaty.

For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Interim Program Coordinator, jprice@jhpartners.net

Join our volunteer host Dana for a movie night in the comfort of your own home!   Please read her message below to you!

Hi!  I hope that you can join me for a cozy “Moms’ Movie Night In” on February 20th starting at 7pm. We will do a little intro of ourselves and then start the movie by 7:30pm. I have chosen the movie “Bad Moms” because I feel it is something that we can all relate to and have a good laugh over.  The movie is on Netflix.

See you then!

Dana

EPIQ (English-speaking Parents in Quebec) events are organized by volunteer parents with support from the community Wellness Centre.

Some activities are just for parents (who doesn’t love a night out without the kids!) and other events are for the whole family.

Please check out the Family Matters e-newsletter or visit our EPIQ information page for more details.

Join the Café au lait Crew on  Mondays from the comfort of your home via videoconference.  This is a relaxing, embracing space where you can benefit from parent-to-parent contact, encouragement, valuable information and  support from Shelley Dupuis, certified Breastfeeding Consultant with Allaitement Québec.  Everyone is welcome – including expectant moms. If you want to enjoy good company, please join us online! You don’t have be breastfeeding to participate. Older sibs are welcome as well.

Sessions take place once a month on Mondays from 10 to 11:00am.

Participants must pre-register so that log-in information can be provided the day prior to the session. Please email jprice@jhpartners.net to sign up.

To learn more please visit  https://wejh.ca/programs-and-activities/family-matters/cafe-au-lait-crew/ 

Join us for an informative session on Federal government benefits related to aging and the role of the caregiver. Service specialist for citizens from Service Canada, France Bélanger will be joining us to explore topics such as Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Employment Insurance, Compassionate Care benefits for caregivers and much more. For more information or to register please contact our Community Organizer.

This activity is made possible thanks to

Becoming a father is a huge life transition and one for which we often feel rather unprepared. Once it all begins, there is no going back! Moms-to-be get lots of support but new or expectant dads can sometimes feel left out or even disconnected from the whole process especially in these unusual pandemic times.

The community Wellness Centre is here to help our expectant and new dads connect with each other as you adjust to your new role as a father. You want to be the best dad possible for your child, but you probably have lots of questions. We want you to know that you are not alone!

This free pilot session aims to help new and expectant dads prepare for birth and parenthood. Together, we will explore some of the many challenges in becoming a new father and co-parent and do our best to help you thrive!

This free 90 minute workshop for dads only is led by Mardoché Mertius, a bilingual facilitator with Regroupement pour la Valorisation de la Paternité.  Mardo is a father of two with another on the way.  He has been organizing and leading prenatal groups for dads since 2013. We guarantee this will be a fun, learning adventure for all those men brave enough to enrol.

Register now for the first pilot session taking place the evening of March 2, 2021. 

Click on the registration link below to reserve your spot!

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEud-ugqDspG9za1SICGvCTCusXg1dH9XY2

If you have any questions or would like more details, please contact Jessica at: jprice@jhpartners.net

We are glad to be able to host in-person events once again!

Did you recently move to the Greater Québec City region and have been finding it difficult to meet people? Are you eager to go out while connecting with others?

Join us either on Friday, March 5th, or Saturday, March 6 to go on a walk lit by torchlights.

While the authorities will allow in-person social gatherings during that week, we still have to comply with the safety measures, like keeping a physical distance from each other and wearing a mask at all times. Still, we’re happy to be able to meet and greet you outside of the virtual world!

At the end of the event, a participation prize will be awarded to a lucky winner of a $25 gift card from the commerce of choice.

*** As per the authority’s guidelines, a maximum of 8 people are allowed to get together in outdoor social gatherings. Make sure you book your spot!***

We are glad to be able to host in-person events once again!

Did you recently move to the Greater Québec City region and have been finding it difficult to meet people? Are you eager to go out while connecting with others?

Join us either on Friday, March 5th, or Saturday, March 6 to go on a walk lit by torchlights.

While the authorities will allow in-person social gatherings during that week, we still have to comply with the safety measures, like keeping a physical distance from each other and wearing a mask at all times. Still, we’re happy to be able to meet and greet you outside of the virtual world!

At the end of the event, a participation prize will be awarded to a lucky winner of a $25 gift card from the commerce of choice.

*** As per the authority’s guidelines, a maximum of 8 people are allowed to get together in outdoor social gatherings. Make sure you book your spot!***

Baby Chat Café has gone virtual during the pandemic period. It’s still a great chance to meet and chat with other English-speaking parents of babies under one year of age. All you need to connect is internet access and  a cell phone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam. If you prefer, you can opt to join by your landline. 

• Guest speakers on subjects of interest to new parents
• It is free of charge but registration by the day prior is necessary so we can send you the login details
• Expectant parents also welcome
• Virtual sessions mean no more parking hassles!

Learn  about helpful federal government services and benefits to support families during this visit from Service Canada. Topics of interest include how to obtain a Social Insurance Number and passport for baby, child benefits, education savings plans, plus much more!  For more details or to register to obtain log-in details , please email our Interim Program Coordinator  jprice@jhpartners.net

Live your dream life by saving money!

VEQ is hosting Carl-André Poliquin from CJE Option-travail for a Zoom workshop on budgeting. 

He will also be available to field your personal finance questions after the presentation.

For more information and to register, email Susanna Tang at susanna.tang@veq.ca 

Giving birth in the midst of a pandemic is certainly not something any of us ever wished for!  It is, however, a current reality for many local English-speaking parents-to-be.  The Wellness Centre is here to support you in this highly unusual time.

Get ready for birth in these unusual times by taking part in a three-session virtual prenatal course guided by Doula, Camille Nadeau. Learn all about Camille in a recent article about her in the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph newspaper.

The aim of these sessions is to give you tips for an active and calm childbirth, and help prepare you for the unexpected. We hope empower you on how to make an informed choice in terms of medical decisions and how to stay calm and resilient, no matter what.

• Where: Online videoconference sessions. All you need is a cellphone, tablet or laptop with a camera and an internet connection.
• When:  Tuesdays, March 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 6:30 pm

Topics to be covered

Our user-friendly online course is done in a way that will give you a chance to connect with the other participants.  In these three sessions, Camille will cover:

• Understanding labour
• Managing the intensity of birth
• Developing your  personalized birth plan
• Breastfeeding and postnatal period

Special notes and how to register

The Wellness Centre has offered to partly cover the cost of this course during the pandemic. Your cost is $50 for the package of four sessions.  For more information please contact  Jessican Price, Program Coordinator: jprice@jhpartners.net or reserve your place by making an online payment of $50 today.

Kate Nadeau, breastfeeding coach with Allaitement Québec and mother of two will offer practical advice to expectant parents about breastfeeding

• Learn what to expect as your baby begins nursing
• Discover tips to help baby latch on easily
• Find the position that’s right for you and baby
• Follow baby’s rhythm and establish your own family routines
• Learn what Dads can do to support the nursing process
• Ensure you know what do if minor nursing problems arise
• Rest assured baby is gaining weight, growing and thriving on breast milk alone

To register: 418 684-5333, ext. 1265 or efleming@jhpartners.net

Who We Are

Travellin’ Toddler Time (TTT) is free activity in English for children 3 and 4 years old and their parents/ caregivers or grandparents. Participants sing songs, hear stories, make crafts and enjoy a snack.

Join in on the fun!

Reserve your place by registering in the following Zoom registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpcO2ppj8uE9MQDOaOvgoIFWQzdqHe9CGF

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/447811429749338/

Giving birth in the midst of a pandemic is certainly not something any of us ever wished for!  It is, however, a current reality for many local English-speaking parents-to-be.  The Wellness Centre is here to support you in this highly unusual time.

Get ready for birth in these unusual times by taking part in a three-session virtual prenatal course guided by Doula, Camille Nadeau. Learn all about Camille in a recent article about her in the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph newspaper.

The aim of these sessions is to give you tips for an active and calm childbirth, and help prepare you for the unexpected. We hope empower you on how to make an informed choice in terms of medical decisions and how to stay calm and resilient, no matter what.

• Where: Online videoconference sessions. All you need is a cellphone, tablet or laptop with a camera and an internet connection.
• When:  Tuesdays, March 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 6:30 pm

Topics to be covered

Our user-friendly online course is done in a way that will give you a chance to connect with the other participants.  In these three sessions, Camille will cover:

• Understanding labour
• Managing the intensity of birth
• Developing your  personalized birth plan
• Breastfeeding and postnatal period

Special notes and how to register

The Wellness Centre has offered to partly cover the cost of this course during the pandemic. Your cost is $50 for the package of four sessions.  For more information please contact  Jessican Price, Program Coordinator: jprice@jhpartners.net or reserve your place by making an online payment of $50 today.

Join experienced psychoeducator Krysta Letto to learn more about anxiety in children and develop strategies for parents to help their children find emotional rest.

From a developmental perspective, we will explore the emotional roots of anxiety – going beyond the reactions and behaviours we see in our children.  We will look at the essential role of relationship when addressing anxiety as well as the importance of making room for safe emotional expression.

To register for the Zoom videoconference, visit:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErfuuorjkoHt1p2QYsGvlJ4_vGUSQ47sPV

For more information, please contact:
Ellie Fleming, 418-684-5333 ext.1265 or efleming@jhpartners.net

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