January Newsletter

Halifax Highlights

JANUARY 23

Sip n' Shuck

If you’re a fan of oysters, seafood, and some of the best Nova Scotia wines, beers, ciders, and spirits available, then you won’t want to miss Sip n’ Shuck! This event celebrates our world-renowned oysters, award-winning wines, and the most delectable seafood dishes you’ll find. Head down to the Westin Hotel on Hollis Street and experience one of the best culinary experiences that our province has to offer.

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JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 1

Ice Festival

Winter in Nova Scotia might be long, but it doesn’t have to be gloomy! Make the best of the cold season and head over to Downtown Dartmouth at the end of the month for the annual Ice Festival. This family-friendly and community-centered event features breath-taking ice carvings from talented local artists, live entertainment, jubilant street parties, and so much more! Don’t stay inside all month; you won’t want to miss this!

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January Spotlight

NOVA SCOTIA SPOTLIGHT

Ski Martock

If you love to ski, or have always wanted to give it a try, be sure to check out Ski Martock this winter! Located in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, Ski Martock offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow-shoeing (weather depending) from mid-December to the end of March. Whether you’re already a pro at winter sports, or an ambitious beginner, you’ll find something for everyone!

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Dave

Hometown: London, UK

Favourite thing about Halifax: The friendly people

Fun Fact: I’ve lived on four continents

Favourite Hobby: Swimming, running, and generally being active

Language Learning Tip: Review vocabulary often, and don’t expect to learn it overnight; it takes time!

Current Obsession: Any Sci Fi TV series

December In Review

Christmas Tree Decorating

We can’t begin the holiday season without decorating a Christmas tree! ALCC students and teachers rang in December with this engaging annual tradition. While Christmas trees are believed to have started as a tradition in Germany, today people all over the world who celebrate Christmas and the season enjoy setting up a real (or artificial) tree in their home. The lights and ornaments bring light and warmth during this cold time of year!

Holiday Cards

In the spirit of the season of giving, our students tapped into their creative side and crafted their own holiday cards to give to friends and family. With a wide array of different materials and media at their disposal, the results were certainly Hallmark-worthy! Did you know that “Seasons Greetings”, “Happy Holidays”, and “Merry Christmas” are among some of the most popular seasonal greetings featured on commercial holiday cards?

Gingerbread Houses

December and the winter season are full of age-old as well as modern traditions, and building gingerbread houses is among them! ALCC students channeled their inner-architects and constructed some sweet,, edible houses to our school’s annual gingerbread village. Gingerbread is just one of many festive baked treats you find during the holidays, and is most popular in the form of cookies: specifically, gingerbread men!

Holiday Pizza Party

As a send-off for the holidays, ALCC students and staff ended their last school day of 2025 with a pizza party and Christmas-themed trivia. This year has been full of exciting and memorable experiences and milestones, including (but not limited to) celebrating our school’s 25th anniversary, and becoming a certified provider of French! We’re so excited for what 2026 will bring!