In 2025, we began an exciting new Living Classroom program at Sunnyside Home. Students training to be Personal Support Workers can now put their lessons into practice and learn what it's like to work in long-term care. This partnership also improves quality of life and experience for Sunnyside residents. The first group of students started in February 2025 in a hybrid learning model. In late 2025, a dedicated portable classroom was delivered and will allow future cohorts a full-time learning experience on the Sunnyside campus.

About the living classroom

• The Living Classroom is a partnership with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board through the St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education.
• Students can be a part of life at Sunnyside by being partnered with a resident to visit and care for throughout their time in the program.
• Funding comes from the Centre for Learning and Research Institute, St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education, the Sunnyside Foundation and Fabulous Finds Gift Shop.
• The living classroom model was established in Ontario by a partnership of Conestoga College, the Schlegel-University of Waterloo Institute for Aging, and Schlegel Villages.