Dear Members:
 
In light of the COVID 19 pandemic affecting Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Organization for Heritage Languages (SOHL) has adopted a formal policy and implementing the following measures:

• All heritage language schools suspend classes until further notice.

• Practice social distancing (by not shaking hands, hugging, etc) as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Protect yourself by:

o Wash your hands frequently – for at least 20 seconds
o Do not touch surfaces and then your mouth, eyes or nose
o Use tissues when you cough or sneeze and dispose of them immediately, use your elbow if a tissue not available

• Stay home if you become ill and prevent the spread of the illness

• As well, stay informed with creditable sources – Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Health; Public Health Agency of Canada

 
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. Any questions and/or concerns, please contact us by phone (306) 780-9478 or email: sohlsasktel.net.
Sincerely,
Gord Zakreski

SOHL gives its warmest and biggest thanks to all of those that participated and attended the Heritage Language events in Regina and Saskatoon. Our celebrations of International Heritage Language Week and International Mother Language Day would not have been possible without you!

We are proud of all the students that took part and we are truly impressed with the talent!

Thank you to our sponsors, Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Multilingual Association of Regina, Sunshine Community Development and main funder, Saskatchewan Lotteries for your continued support and generosity. 

Dear SOHL Members:

The Saskatchewan Organization for Heritage Languages (SOHL) has been monitoring the COVID 19 developments as it applies to heritage language schools. School divisions have been signalling that classrooms will not be available this fall for heritage language schools.  Schools are invited to rent other public facilities (i.e. – libraries, community centre, church, etc.), and must be open to the public.  Remember, classes taught in private homes will not be eligible for funding.

SOHL is suggesting another alternative – Online instruction. To offer assistance in how to conduct Online instruction, SOHL has scheduled a workshop that will assist heritage language instructors establish Online language classes. This workshop will be a hands on working session with technical assistance to ensure once completed, the workshop participants will understand how to deliver Online language instruction. As well, the workshop leaders will be available to support, troubleshoot issues and/or questions once Online language instruction has started. 

Online Workshop is scheduled for:

                                                September 12 – 9:00 am till 10:30am

                                                September 19 – 9:00 am till 10:30am

If required, a third session will scheduled to ensure workshop participants are ready to offer Online language instruction.

SOHL strongly encourages all heritage language school instructors and volunteers to participate in the Online workshop. Participation in the workshop will:

·         Ensure language instruction to students within the current health orders

·         Retain language instructors and volunteers

·         Continuation of the language school beyond COVID 19 and for future years

This workshop will be offered Online as well, therefore we ask everyone to register before September 9, 2020 to ensure necessary technical arrangements are secured and ready for all workshop participants.

The fee for the workshop is $30.00 per workshop participant and must be paid in advance of the workshop. The workshop fee will ensure all participants may attend all sessions, receive the handouts and have access to the workshop leaders for technical support and answer questions.

Please register for the Online Workshop by emailing Abiodun Oyelami, SOHL Program Coordinator - sohlcoordinatorsasktel.net before Sept. 9, 2020.

As always, feel free to contact us regarding any questions and/or clarification.

Thanks.

On behalf of SOHL Board, we will like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all our members, partners, stakeholders and Heritage Language Schools for a Great work in keeping our Heritage Languages ALIVE over the years till this 2019/20 Academic Year. We appreciate and Celebrate You.

Wishing you all an Amazing and fun-filled Summer.

DO STAY SAFE & HEALTHY !!!

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