Donate
Contact Us
All Posts
KALS CONNECT: March 2026
March 2, 2026

 

A Message from our President

I was thinking about what it means to be a life-long learner –wondering what the research shows about the characteristics of a life-long learner. *One recent study – an extensive review of the literature – identifies six categories of “clusters of competencies”:

  • Self-regulation and self-direction,
  • Learning beliefs & strategies,
  • Intrinsic motivation,
  • Information literacy,
  • Initiative & perseverance, and
  • Adaptability & resilience.

(Van den Broeck et al, abstract).

As I read the article, I realized that KALS’ members embody these competencies.  Particularly, I believe that KALS has used and demonstrated Initiative, as defined in the Cambridge Dictionary (2023) : “A new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem” ) and Perseverance, as defined by the American Psychological Association (2023): “The quality or state of maintaining a course of action or keeping at a task and finishing it despite the obstacles (such as opposition or discouragement) or the effort involved.”

From Margaret Cleaveley and the team of founders who created an independent, self-sustaining organization to provide affordable opportunities for continuing intellectual and social growth for lifelong learning back in 2005 through to the members who have seen us through the Covid-19 pandemic and classroom challenges that continue to the present, the Kamloops Adult Learners Society has demonstrated remarkable commitment to a realizing a vision.

KALS is approaching its twenty-first year.  Our organization, volunteers, and members have persevered and continue to create new plans to support our need to continue to learn new things, think new thoughts, and change our own world through knowledge.

Congratulations to all of us for so vividly representing the meaning of life-long learners.

Best wishes, Nadine Fort

*Van den Broeck, Lynne, Tinne De Laet, Rani Dujardin, Shandris Tuyaerts, Greet Langie. “Unveiling the competencies at the core of lifelong learning: A systematic literature review.” Educational Research Review, vol. 45, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2024.100646


Save the Date:

Spring Social 

 

 

 

 

 

1:30-3:30 PM Wednesday, May 20: Volunteer Appreciation and Presentation of the Margaret Cleaveley Award. Kamloops Sports Council Classroom. Stay tuned here for more details.

 

Registration Reminders

Last Chance: If you have a current credit in your account, please donate it to KALS or use it for Winter course registration.  Credits will not be available after June 30.

Unlike many similar organizations, KALS offers no hidden fees in our registration. In fact, KALS pays those administrative fees.

We remind you that our registration is ongoing: you can add courses at any time – if there is still room in the course.

See our website: www.kals.ca

 

Winter/Spring Course Information

Registration has been especially busy in 2026, but some courses still have room, so consider these. Check www.kals.ca for the complete list.

March 5: Daily Weather Reports: Then and Now with Rick Jones;

March 11: Forest and Climate: Can Small Lands Make a Big Difference? With Christhina Florez;

March 12: A Growing Challenge: All About Invasive Species with Megan Blackmore;

April 7 Spiritual Care in Hospital with Jane Gingrich;

 

 

 

* New Course Description: May 5 The Rolling Barrage with Karen Harvey. They begin by dipping their wheels in the Atlantic Ocean and end with their wheels in the Pacific Ocean. Join this enlightening presentation and learn about the Rolling Barrage and their dedicated support for Canadian veterans and First Responders who have sustained trauma in the line of duty.  Karen will share her experiences riding with this amazing group as they are welcomed, celebrated and hosted across the country.

* Course Time Change: Defending Canada’s Far North with Major-General (retired) Denis Thompson; 10-12, April 27. Zoom.

Register here: www.kals.ca

 

A Note from our Friends at the KSO

Soul Diva A Change is Going to Come. 7:30 PM March 6 & 7, 2026.Sagebrush Theatre. For more information: www.kamloopssymphony.com

 

 

To view the newsletter on your browser please click here.

Donate
Contact Us