ABOYNE – In partnership with Conestoga College, the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging and Schlegel Villages, the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has opened its second living classroom.
The grand opening for the classroom at Wellington Terrace Long-Term Care Home was held on Nov. 20.
A living classroom educates and prepares health care students by immersing them directly in the heart of long-term care and retirement homes, officials say.
“The living classroom at Wellington Terrace will provide an immersive educational experience for students,” county councillor Mary Lloyd told the room.
She shared a story about her mother, a Wellington Terrace resident for six years.
“I’ve seen firsthand how this facility operates,” Lloyd said.
“It’s a journey that all of us, if we’re graced enough, will experience with our loved ones and be fortunate to have a wonderful experience in a place called Wellington Terrace.”
She introduced speakers including Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters, county Warden Chris White and Senator Rob Black.
Watters said the program will strengthen the future of health care in the county and beyond.
Black said, “There’s no better way to learn than being immersed in an environment, gaining knowledge in the field hands-on while working alongside health care professionals, interacting with residents and applying newly learned skills to the job.”
UGDSB director Peter Sovran noted the board’s first living classroom is at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph.
There are over 40 living classrooms for personal support workers in Ontario.
“By September of 2026 we expect to graduate close to 60 personal support workers,” he said.
Participants include recent high school graduates, adults changing careers and long-time health care workers looking to expand their skill set.
Upon completing the 10-month program, students will receive a PSW certification, CPR and first aid certification, gentle persuasive approach certification in dementia care, marketing skills, employer contacts, work experience and Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits, if needed.
High school student Alexys Douglas heard about the program through her mom, who works at Wellington Terrace as a registered practical nurse.
Douglas has been wanting to enter the health care field and saw the program as the “perfect opportunity.”
“I have a grandma who needs a lot of assistance in life and I also have an aunt who is living in long-term care,” she told the Advertiser.
“As I got older, the more experience I’ve had with them the more I’ve grown a passion for helping people.”
Douglas started the program in late September and although the content is fast-paced, she “loves it.”
“I enjoy all the learning that has come from it,” she said.
To date the living classroom has helped students learn to take vital signs, assist with feeding/dining, and how to fit/wear personal protective equipment.
