Dress Up Day Contest Winners!

The winners of our Dress Up day contest are:

Team Prize: The Menno Home West 1 Minnie Mouses! The judges were impressed with how many staff participated in the costume. They were also delighted that the team extended the fun to the residents who asked to join in.

Individual Prize: Maricris Brownley as Wednesday Addams.

Prizes were delivered on Friday, November 8. Enjoy your treats! Huge thanks to everyone who dressed up that day. You brought smiles and laughter to us all.

MEMO Re: Long Weekend Sick Calls

To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Jessy Manhas
Date: November 08, 2024
Re: Long weekend Announcement Regarding Sick Calls

Dear Team,

In the past, we have noticed a pattern of increased sick calls over the long weekend, followed by staff working on the statutory holiday the next day. All staff scheduled to work during the long weekend are expected to report to their shifts as usual.

Due to this recurring pattern, we will require proof of illness/doctor’s note as per the Collective Agreement from anyone who calls in sick on November 9 & 10, 2024. Additionally, if you call in sick on November 10, 2024 and then come to work on the statutory holiday, November 11, 2024, an investigation will be initiated by your Manager with a Shop Steward and a doctor’s note is mandatory. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action and a risk of no sick time pay.

We appreciate your understanding and dedication to our residents’ care. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure smooth operations throughout the long weekend.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your department manager.

Sincerely,

Jessy Manhas
Manager of People & Culture
604-851-1346

GoldCare Employee Portal Rollout – Nov 18

To: Menno Home, Apartments, and MBS Staff
From: Jessy Manhas
Date: Nov 4, 2024
Re: GoldCare Employee Portal Rollout – Nov 18, 2024

__

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the GoldCare employee portal across the Menno Place campus. Starting November 18, 2024, mandatory enrollment in the GoldCare portal is required for all staff.  All leave of absence requests—including sick leave, union leave, special leave, etc.—must be submitted through the GoldCare Employee Portal. Paper forms will not be accepted as of November 18, 2024.

Implementing this system will offer several benefits such as permitting staff to view their schedules online and completing time off requests which are submitted electronically directly to Staffing and their Manager.

If it’s your first time logging in, please be aware that your password may not be accepted. If you experience difficulties after three login attempts, contact either:

  • Rachel Setka, HR Generalist at Rachel.Setka@mennoplace.ca
  • Lana Murray, Benefits Coordinator at Lana.Murray@mennoplace.ca

They will help reactivate your account. Due to the anticipated high volume of requests, we ask that you avoid walk-in submissions. All email requests will be reviewed at the end of the working day, and you will receive an email response.

For MBS Staff, if you already have a GoldCare account, you can use the same username and password. If you are a cross-hire, your accounts will be linked to your username.

Your Username is:
• The first 4 letters of your last name
• The first 2 letters of your first name
• 2 digits for your day of birth

Your Temporary Password is: Menno123??

Example: Mary Smith, born on July 22, 1978 will have the username SMITMA22
The first time you login, you will be prompted to change your password. It must be 8 characters minimum and contain a number and symbol and supply the answers to 3 security questions.

For training on the GoldCare employee portal, click this link: GoldCare Employee Portal

If you have any questions on how to submit a request on the portal, please consult your Manager for assistance or reach out to our Visitation Hosts.

Thank you!

Regards,

Jessy Manhas
Manager of People and Culture

cc Management team

 

Bas Kervel – Director of Support Services – Staff Prayer Nov 7

Garry Janzen shared a devotional about the lessons in the changing seasons and we prayed for Bas Kervel, Director of Support Services.

Staff Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinic

We will be holding a staff flu and COVID clinic on Nov 14 2024 in the E2 Learning Center in Menno Home, from 1400 to 1600 offered by Apex pharmacy.

Please bring your PHN and wear a short sleeved shirt for ease of receiving the vaccine(s).

If you are unable to attend and wish to obtain your vaccines, we encourage you to please reach out to your nearest pharmacy or your physician office.

Thank you.

Call for Volunteers: Help with Our Purdy’s Chocolate Group Savings Campaign!

Do you love chocolate? If so, we’re looking for volunteers to help us with our annual Purdy’s Chocolate Corporate Sales Campaign! This is a fantastic opportunity for us to purchase Purdy’s chocolates at a discount, and we need some extra hands to make it happen.

When the chocolate orders arrive, we’ll need help sorting them, which takes just a few hours. While it can be a big task for one person, it’s much more enjoyable in a group. Picture this: sorting chocolates together while listening to Christmas music, sipping hot chocolate, and enjoying a festive atmosphere (we just can’t taste the chocolates!).

If you’re interested in volunteering a few hours of your time and joining in on the fun, please reach out to Loradonna at Loradonna.Botter@mennoplace.ca by Tuesday, November 12th by 4 pm.

Thank you in advance for helping to make this campaign a success!

Join the Wellness, Engagement, and Recognition Committee!

A new committee is starting up again at Menno Place. The new committee will be known as the Wellness, Engagement, and Recognition Committee. This message is a call out to all staff members who are interested in making a difference when it comes to personal and professional wellness, getting people engaged in the workplace, and finding ways to recognize who live the values of Menno Place.

Monthly meetings will be held on-site. If you are interested in participating please let Loradonna know by emailing her at Loradonna.Botter@mennoplace.ca

Please express your interest by Tues, November 12th.

Thank you.

Come Celebrate Diwali Today!


It’s Time to Prep for Colder Weather

As the weather gets cooler, the clocks go back, and it’s darker on the drive home, it’s a good time to make sure your car and home are ready for the colder weather ahead.

Driving Safety

  • Increased Darkness: With shorter daylight hours, more of your commute may happen in the dark, so be cautious about visibility.
  • Pedestrian and Cyclist Awareness: Reduced daylight can make it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. Adjust your driving speed and be extra vigilant in residential areas.
  • Headlights and Taillights: Check that all lights on your car are functioning properly, as you’ll likely use them more often.

Sleep Adjustment

  • Sleep Routine: The “fall back” time change can disrupt your body’s internal clock. Try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times to help your body adjust.
  • Children and Pets: If you have kids or pets, they might need some time to adjust to the new schedule, as they may still wake up at their usual time.

Home Safety Checks

  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The time change is a good reminder to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
  • Outdoor Lighting: With darker evenings, consider adding or adjusting outdoor lighting for safety around your home.

Mental Health and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

  • Adjusting to Less Sunlight: Reduced daylight can impact mood and energy levels. Spend time outside during daylight hours if possible, and consider a light therapy lamp if you’re prone to seasonal affective disorder.
  • Exercise Routine: Staying active can help combat mood changes, so think about adjusting your schedule to fit in outdoor exercise before it gets dark.

Home and Vehicle Preparations for Winter

  • Thermostat Adjustment: With colder temperatures, you may want to adjust your thermostat settings to optimize heating and save on energy costs.
  • Winter Car Maintenance: Ensure your car is ready for winter by checking the antifreeze, tires, and wipers. The time change is a good reminder to prepare for cold weather driving.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Check your emergency supplies both at home and in your car (such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food).

If you find yourself struggling remember that you have access to the free Employee and Family Assistance program. All calls are confidential: 1.800.667.0993 . Additional resources are available here: https://mennoplacestaff.com/mentalhealth/

Dress Up Day Contest Entries

Staff from all over campus dressed up on Thursday to bring smiles to the faces of our residents.  If you didn’t get your photo taken there’s still time to send in a picture and enter the contest.