It has been a great month of events for Algonquin College and we would like to thank all of those involved. We started off January with Winter Orientation and our Keynote speaker Bob Harris who spoke to our new Winter term students about exploring passions and making connections. Student leaders provided helpful guided tours of the school and we thank them for all their participation.

Another great event to follow was our free Yoga Sessions and Dirty Bingo that took place on January 11. Yoga sessions had a successful run of teachings above the gym where students could privately and intimately be instructed on proper Yoga techniques from our qualified instructor. In addition, later that night the Observatory hosted our bi-annual Dirty Bingo where students played classic bingo against one another in hopes of winning a prize. However, there was a twist, the night was hosted by Drag Queens Crystal and Zelda and the prizes were anything but clean. Students packed the observatory for this free event and upwards of 50 people were turned away due to capacity limits at the observatory. The ones who did make it inside for the event had a blast, and you can check out video from the event on our Facebook or Youtube channel. Both events were free and we encourage more to come for the next one, so check it out.

Finally, Tuesday January 17th, Algonquin's SAO hosted a Beer Tasting Workshop for students and others to learn and discover the complexities of beer on campus. This intellectual workshop had students tasting the differences between 5 types of beer, including local brewed Kichesippi beer that was sent freshly brewed and bottled specifically for the event. You can check out the event video and photos on our Facebook and Youtube channel, and remember to buy your tickets for the next Workshop coming to you.

Those are the events may have or may have not missed this month, but if you did miss out, don't worry, we have more coming your way. This Saturday January 21st we will be hosting WinterTubing at Edleweiss Ski Park for only 5$ a student. It's an incredible event for an incredible price, so it's your last chance to get tickets. As well, Monday January 23rd, Residence will be hosting a New Music, New Places live acoustic session in the lobby. These relaxing unplugged sessions are perfect for people trying to unwind. The band The Balconies featuring The Love Machine will be serenading students all night. Free for all students, you do not need to be in residence to attend. Check out the band online on our Youtube Channel.

Stay posted to the SAO calendar for more events coming, up next...more workshops.

Here 2 Help in the New Year of 2012

A Happy Holidays and New Year to all returning students and a warm welcome to all new students in the year 2012. We are Here 2 Help in the new year and would like to remind our students of important dates coming up in the new year.

Important Dates for Students

• January 9, 2012 - Winter Term Start Date (for most programs)
• January 20, 2012 - Deadline to withdraw from program and be eligible for tuition refund.
• January 2nd-6th, 2012 - Early OSAP release dates, get your OSAP early and avoid the lines.
• February 7, 2012, Deadline for Winter Term OSAP applications

For more details on deadlines and applications visit http://www.algonquincollege.com/RegistrarsOffice/ for further information.

It will be an incredible year for learning and the city is going to help with some great artists from all over the globe coming to Ottawa this year to entertain and enlighten the youthful masses. Here are a list of incredible performers/performances to look out for in the new year.

Entertainment Dates for 2012

Ottawa International Motorcycle Show - Jan 13 - 15th - Feel the Power! 2012 Ottawa International Motorcycle Show proudly presents Eastern Ontario Western Quebec's 3rd annual motorcycle extravaganza to be held at the new Capital Exhibition Centre.

Juno Awards - March 26 - April1st - Last year we hosted the Genie's at the NAC, can we top it this year? Filled with tons of stars and featuring performances from Blue Rodeo, Feist and Deadmau5.

Roger Waters and The Wall - June 25th - Pink Floyd returns to Scotiabank Place since 2010 for another performance of one of the best albums of all time, The Wall.

Van Gogh Exhibit - May 25 - Sep 3rd - Approximately 50 paintings by the Dutch master will be on display at the National Art Gallery.

Ottawa Food & Wine Show - November - One of Ottawa's biggest festivals got even bigger this year, expanding its show to a full five days to accommodate it's increasingly large crowd every year.

Ottawa Bluesfest (RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest) - July 4-15th - Bluefest acquired a new head sponsor this year, which could vastly change the line-up for this years festival. With the increasing popularity of the events and bigger sponsor, this year hopes to shape into one of the greatest yet.

For information on any of these events and many more events in Ottawa, please visit http://www.ottawakiosk.com/events.html