Durham Catholic District School Board and Glen Hill Terrace Celebrate Launch of Living Classroom on Long-Term Care Community Engagement Day

The Durham Catholic District School Board, through the Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre, and Glen Hill Terrace, a Durham Christian Homes long-term care community, are proud to announce the launch of their Living Classroom.

The Living Classroom program provides adult learners with a unique opportunity to complete their Personal Support Worker (PSW) education within the long-term care community at Glen Hill Terrace. Students will gain practical experience in areas such as resident centred practice, dementia care, infection prevention and control, communication, mobility support, and palliative care. The program also provides direct mentorship from experienced long-term care professionals, strengthening students’ readiness for employment in long-term care and community health settings. 

“The Living Classroom transforms Glen Hill Terrace into both a home for residents and a dynamic learning environment where PSW students combine classroom instruction with practical experience under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals,” said Kathryn Pilkington, Administrator of Glen Hill Terrace. “This immersive approach helps students develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to deliver compassionate, high-quality care while preparing them for successful careers in long-term care.”

“Residents will also benefit from this initiative through meaningful connections with students and active participation in the learning process, by sharing their experiences, perspectives and life stories,” noted resident of Glen Hill Terrace, Jo Grant.

The partnership builds on the Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre's long-standing commitment to healthcare education, having provided PSW training opportunities to learners across Durham Region for more than 20 years.

"The Living Classroom model provides students with an immersive learning experience that prepares them for meaningful careers in healthcare," said Jim Wilson, Superintendent of Education for the Durham Catholic District School Board. "Through this partnership with Glen Hill Terrace, students will develop valuable skills while learning the importance of compassionate, person-centred care. We are grateful for this collaboration and the opportunities it creates for adult learners pursuing careers in the long-term care sector."

The Living Classroom program is funded by the Government of Ontario and led by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), in partnership with the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA).

"Our government is committed to supporting the long-term care workforce and ensuring residents receive the quality care they deserve, when and where they need it," said Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security. "I am proud to see our $26-million investment in frontline training helping create opportunities like this in Whitby, and I want to thank the Durham Catholic District School Board, Glen Hill Terrace, and all of the partners who have made this initiative possible.”

The Government of Ontario's investment reflects its ongoing commitment to expanding healthcare education and addressing workforce needs across the province. Through initiatives like the Living Classroom, more students can access practical training opportunities that can lead to employment in Ontario's long-term care sector.

To learn more about the Living Classroom Personal Support Worker program, visit Con-Ed.ca/PSW.