The Sep 18, 2026 release announced the launch of a Living Classroom by the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB), through the Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre, and Glen Hill Terrace. Glen Hill Terrace is a long-term care community operated by Durham Christian Homes.
The program lets adult learners complete Personal Support Worker (PSW) education inside the care community. The board says students will combine classroom instruction with practical experience in resident-centred practice, dementia care, infection prevention and control, communication, mobility support and palliative care. Experienced long-term-care professionals will provide direct mentorship, with the program intended to strengthen students’ readiness for work in long-term care and community health.
Kathryn Pilkington, administrator of Glen Hill Terrace, described the site as both residents’ home and a learning environment where students can practise under the guidance of health-care professionals. The release says the approach is intended to help learners develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed for compassionate, high-quality care.
Residents are also expected to take part in the learning environment. Glen Hill Terrace resident Jo Grant said residents can build connections with students and share their experiences, perspectives and life stories as part of the initiative.
The partnership builds on more than 20 years of PSW training opportunities that the centre has provided to learners across Durham Region, according to the board.
DCDSB Superintendent of Education Jim Wilson said the model prepares students for health-care careers while emphasizing compassionate, person-centred care. The program is funded by the Government of Ontario and led by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators.
Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and a parliamentary assistant to two provincial ministers, pointed to the province’s $26-million investment in frontline training and said it supports opportunities such as this one in Whitby. The release says the investment is intended to expand health-care education and address workforce needs across Ontario.
The board directs people interested in the Personal Support Worker program to Con-Ed.ca/PSW.
Source: Durham Catholic District School Board — https://www.dcdsb.ca/news/posts/durham-catholic-district-school-board-and-glen-hill-terrace-celebrate-launch-of-living-classroom-on-long-term-care-community-engagement-day
