Options abound in 2024

River East

Transcona

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This article was published 20/12/2023 (718 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With a new year just around the corner, RETLife has a fresh new slate of educational opportunities available.

“For January, we’re just looking to offer some unique programs focused on arts, science and technology, fitness and general life experiences,” said Naomi Kruse, program co-ordinator of RETLife, the River East Transcona School Division’s continuing education department.

A number of options will be new to RETLife in 2024, including lightsabre martial arts, LEGO robotics, and more.

Lightsabre martial arts, a course facilitated by the River City Sabers group, will run Thursdays from Jan. 11 to Feb. 15, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at John W. Gunn Middle School (351 Harold Ave. W). Cost is $119, and participants must be aged 18 or older.

“I used to be a Star Wars fan when I was young, but I had never heard of this,” Kruse said. “You go through rigorous training, with various martial arts, for style and technique.”

Lightsabres, which can cost into the hundreds of dollars online, are provided by River City Sabers, a group of Star Wars enthusiasts who get together regularly to take part in sabre battles.

“This program is a way to try it out if they think it might be their jam, this is a great way to try before you buy,” Kruse said. “Each sabre provides different balance and reach. It’s very detailed and intricate. You can see how much everyone enjoys it. We’re very excited to add that to our programming.”

The Lego Robotics course, which is facilitated by Engineering for Kids for children between the ages of eight and 12, will run on Thursdays from Jan. 25 to March 14, 2024 from 6:30 t0 7:30 p.m. at École Regent Park School (411 Moroz St.). Cost is $175.

“It’s a series of robotics programs where they work in teams to build Lego robots, which is applicable for those who like science and technology,” Kruse said. “We’ve done a bunch of programs with (Engineering for Kids). But this robotics is an exciting one, it’s very new for us.”

For nature lovers, RETLife has once again partnered with FortWhyte Alive to provide a pair of outdoor programs.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, FortWhyte’s Barret Miller will host a walking tour of the Transcona Bioreserve from noon to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $19 and it’s open to anyone over 16 years of age.

“We’ll be learning about nature in the winter, when everything is at rest,” Kruse said. “It’s a great way to introduce people to the bioreserve.”

Honk If You Love Safety: Living With Our Geese Neighbours, also facilitated by Miller, will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at École Regent Park School from 7 to 8 p.m. Cost is $20.

“It’s a brand-new FortWhyte program,” Kruse said. “We’re their testing ground. This is the way to live in harmony with geese. It’s bound to be a great time.”

Additionally, RETLife also has plenty of other options open for registration for the new year.

“Everyone is welcome,” Kruse said. “We have a whole bunch of arts programs, including floral design workshops. We also have zumba and yoga, all sorts of art programs for kids and adults, with professional artists leading those sessions. If your kid is creative, this is the time to look at these courses.”

For more information, or to register, visit retlife.ca