Community Education and Training

Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2 | 8 am to 4:30 pm 

Be an important part of a construction team by training as a Traffic Control Person (TCP) to WorkSafe BC standards. Get the knowledge and skills required to perform traffic control for construction, maintenance and utility work in BC. This is the only approved TCP training course for all roads in BC.

Bring 6-inch-high CSA-approved steel-toed boots and all-weather clothing. All other safety equipment, manuals and materials will be supplied. To successfully complete this course, you must pass both a written exam and a practical test. Those who are successful will receive a TCP Record of Completion Card issued by BC Construction Safety Alliance (valid for 3 years).

Course code: QFLG 003 I25R70  
2 sessions
Fee: $455
Location: on-campus

Register for 2-day Traffic Control Person

Instructor: Lizabeth West

Lizabeth of TCP Training 4U has been a traffic control professional for 20 years and an instructor since 2010. Lizabeth lives on Vancouver Island and provides courses on the island and throughout British Columbia. She is a dedicated and passionate professional with a great sense of humor who delivers courses in a fun, informative, attentive and supportive manner. Her commitment to the importance of safety for new Traffic Controllers entering the industry is evident in her classes. In the field, Lizabeth provides expertise in public and in-house training, consulting and traffic management planning. 

Thursdays, February 13 to 27 | 1:30 to 4 pm

When a person is caring for a loved one, it is important to acknowledge the extra demands, both physical and mental, that they assume. This workshop provides a safe and respectful environment for caregivers to explore, share, learn and bring awareness into their lives about their health and self-care. We will brainstorm ideas and share and learn about resources with other individuals in similar situations.

During the course, we will cover:

• time management
• self-care health (physical, mental and spiritual)
• support team
• your relationship with the person diagnosed
• medical matters
• finances and legal planning 

Course code: CARE 001 S25R70   
3 sessions
Fee: $65 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for The 7 Basic Needs of a Caregiver

Instructor: Robin Morrison

Robin has a long-standing history of providing health and wellness services of massage, yoga, personal training and wellness coaching as well as experience as a personal health care worker. Robin finds herself in a new chapter of her life. Once her husband’s illness was diagnosed, Robin realized that her relationship was going to evolve into a caregiver’s. This awareness made her ask, “What about self-care for the caregiver?” and other very important questions such as, “What do I need to learn about and do to take care of us and me? In what ways do I look after myself while looking after another?”

Believing that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of a cure, Robin has created The 7 Basic Needs of a Caregiver workshop to address these questions. Robin hopes that participants will feel motivated to take action on any of the steps they need to in order to feel safe and secure. You are not alone!
 

Wednesdays, February 5 to March 26 | 5 to 8 pm 

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium with a wide variety of applications. This course is for those who have painting experience and wish to improve their understanding of acrylic techniques in representational or expressive styles. Examples of the instructor's art and the work of other painters will be discussed. This is a hands-on, technique-driven exploration of the painting process by a teacher who can explain and demonstrate tight, controlled rendering as well as a broader, more painterly, approach. All subject matters are welcome but painters of the landscape will find this class particularly invaluable.

Please bring samples of your work or influences.

Materials list will be available at registration.

Course code: ACRY 003 S25R70 
8 sessions
$270 + GST
Seats are limited
Location: on-campus

Register for Advanced Acrylic Painting

Instructor: Roy Schneider

Roy graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design as a fine art print maker and went on to work as an award winning illustrator, creating illustration for some of the world’s largest publishers and design firms. Roy brings his sensibility as a print maker, and his intimate knowledge of the landscape to creating painting with a strong graphic quality and a fresh perspective to Canadian landscape painting. Roy’s paintings are of deep and untouched wilderness, highlighted by the amazing beauty and light of the northern boreal and mountains of western Canada. To see Roy's work, visit the Studio Schneider website.  

Mondays, January 27 to March 24 | 5 to 6:30 pm 
No class Monday, February 17

The course is for singers who have prior singing experience as well as an understanding of basic vocal techniques. You will need to practice your part between classes. By the end of the course you will be able to:

• sing two vocal works in harmony
• sing without looking at the words or music all the time
• improve your ability to sing with vowel uniformity
• blend your voice with others by listening to those singing around you
• learn and practice staggered breathing
• sing with appropriate dynamics and tempi
• feel more confident about hearing your voice resonate more
• watch the conductor and respond to their musical direction while you are singing

You should have completed a Sing Outside the Shower course or equivalent and be able to sing your own part with some confidence. Some ability to read music will be helpful. If you are not sure if you should register for this course, you can contact the instructor for guidance.

Course code: ENSG 002 S25R70       
8 sessions
Fee: $100 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register Ensemble Singing

Instructor: Susan Lines

Susan has been a facilitator of community music education for over 30 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Leicester University, a Bachelor of Music from Ulster University, and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Queen’s University, Belfast. Susan was a lecturer in Performing Arts in Belfast prior to immigrating to Canada. She worked as a church soloist, voice teacher and recitalist in Ottawa. Now in Powell River, she continues to teach voice privately and offers group vocal training through the Sing Outside the Shower courses (a model she developed in Ottawa). Susan is an active vocalist and sings with Vox Madrigal. 

Saturday, March 8 | 9 am to 4 pm

This course is a must for kitchen staff and dining room attendants. It's also worthwhile for anyone who handles food.

You will learn about:

• illnesses
• personal hygiene and health
• serving food
• food protection and preparation
• receiving and storing food safely
• ware washing and storage methods

You must attend all class hours.

Textbook and certificate are included in the cost of tuition. Certificate issued by Vancouver Coastal Health.

Course code: QFOO 001 S25R70
1 session
$85 + $30 lab fee
Pre-registration required by Thursday, February 27, 2025
Location: on-campus

Register for FoodSafe Level 1

Instructor: Michael Nguyen

Michael is an experienced Environmental Health Officer (EHO) and passionate educator, specializing in food safety and public health. With a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being of communities and the environment, Michael has dedicated his career to promoting safe food handling practices and fostering a culture of health and sustainability. Michael has worked extensively across the qathet region as an EHO.

Friday, April 11 | 6 to 10 pm and Saturday, April 12 | 8 am to 4 pm

This course prepares you for the on-highway air brake endorsement (Code 15). It is also required if you want to drive an RV, small truck or bus with air brakes. The primary purpose of the course is to build, demonstrate and test a modern air brake system. The course gives you an interactive experience. You gain a clear understanding of how the system works with the aid of a fully functional air brake board. You will learn the benefits and safety measures air brakes provide for heavy vehicles. This course includes:

• eight (8) hours of theory
• four (4) hours of practical training
• a pre-trip vehicle inspection

Prerequisite: A valid BC driver’s license (minimum "N").

If you want to pre-read, you should pick up the "Driving Commercial Vehicles" Manual from any ICBC or local driver's license office and skim chapters 8 and 9. 

Successful participants must pass a written exam, taken at the driver’s licensing office and qualify on the practical Air Brake Pre-Trip exam, conducted onsite on the last day of the course. You must write the ICBC exam within 90 days of completing the course for an Air-Brake Endorsement on your current class of license. The ICBC exam fee is not included in the price of the course.

Course code: QAIR 002 I25R70  
2 sessions
$490 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for ICBC Certified Air Brakes 

Instructor: Darryl Dickins, 1st Class Driving School

Darryl started 1st Class Driving School in 2005 following 18 years in the forestry industry as a commercial truck driver and heavy equipment operator. 

1st Class Driving School combines over 50 years of experience in the commercial transport industry and is fully licensed through ICBC.

Tuesdays, February 11 to 25 | 6:30 to 8 pm

This introduction to feminist film theory is for movie lovers interested in developing the tools to analyze power and representation in cinema. Each session will begin with a talk about key concepts in feminist film theory and transition into a facilitated group conversation where you can practice your film criticism skills. We will watch clips of the movies we discuss. This is a beginner-level film theory workshop, intended to be fun and accessible. Just bring a pen and notebook.

Course code: FEFL 001 S25R70
3 sessions
Fee: $55 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Introduction to Feminist Film Criticism

Instructor: Emma Morgan-Thorp

Emma is a PhD candidate in York University’s Theatre and Performance Studies Program, currently completing a doctoral dissertation about settler anticolonialism and site-specific, community-engaged art. During her graduate studies at York, Emma enjoyed teaching introductory undergraduate film studies classes. She is excited to be back in the classroom discussing feminist media criticism with qathet community members.

Tuesdays, January 28 to April 1 | 4:15 to 5:30 pm

This course is a basic introduction to reading music.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• identify basic note values correctly
• identify basic rest values correctly
• identify a range of pitches in both the treble and bass clefs correctly
• understand the relationship between tones and semitones and their enharmonic equivalents

Course Code: REMU 001 S25R70   
10 sessions
Fee: $100 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Introduction to Reading Music

Instructor: Susan Lines

Susan has been a facilitator of community music education for over 30 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Leicester University, a Bachelor of Music from Ulster University, and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Queen’s University, Belfast. Susan was a lecturer in Performing Arts in Belfast prior to immigrating to Canada. She worked as a church soloist, voice teacher and recitalist in Ottawa. Now in Powell River, she continues to teach voice privately and offers group vocal training through the Sing Outside the Shower courses (a model she developed in Ottawa). Susan is an active vocalist and sings with Vox Madrigal. 
 

See Medical Terminology course.

Wednesdays, February 19 to March 26 | 5 to 6:30 pm

Liberate your inner writer in this welcoming, all-levels poetry workshop designed to inspire and nurture your creative voice. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning to explore the world of poetry, this workshop offers a supportive space to experiment with language, imagery, and form. Through engaging prompts, group discussions, and the exploration of inventive styles, you’ll find ways to free your expression, get words down on the page, and tune into your own personal style choices.

No prior experience is necessary—just bring an open mind and a desire to explore the power of words. By the end of the workshop, you'll have crafted original poems and gained the confidence to continue writing and sharing your work. Join us for a journey of self-expression, connection, and creativity!

Course code: PTWR 001 S25R70
6 sessions
Fee: $115 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for The Open Poem

Instructor: Shauna Andrews

Shauna (she/her) is a freelance writer and workshop facilitator with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. She has been longlisted for the CBC Poetry Prize and published in literary periodicals including The Malahat Review, Maisonneuve, The Humber Literary Review, Petal Projections, Portal and Incline. For more about Shauna, visit the Cowgirl Grammar website.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 25 to March 13 | 10 am to 12 pm

This course is for experienced pickleball players who want to add the soft game to their hard-hitting game or add the hard-hitting game to their soft game.

Have you been watching the pros and wondering where your soft game is? Where your hard game is? Now is the time to move up the rating ranks by acquiring the all-round game of pickleball. The Dinker-Banger Fusion teaches participants the difference between both styles and how to fuse the two together with the motto “play smarter, not harder.” After the three-week course that consists of 12 hours of on-court instruction/play, participants will have a far greater knowledge of this higher level of play and, both during and after the course, participants will have access to the VIU- tiwšɛmawtxʷ gym on a drop-in basis to practice, play, and continue their pickleball endeavors.

Remember to bring your court shoes and your pickleball paddle. Don’t forget your water bottle! We provide all the rest.

We would like to thank The Odd Squad as they are volunteering some hours in order for us to charge only a nominal $55 fee

Course code: PCKB 002 S25R70 
6 sessions
Fee: $55 + GST
Seats limited to 8 participants
Location: Gym on-campus

Instructors: The Odd Squad (Barb Struch, Lina Vallée and Pete Grassmann)

Register for Pickleball: The Dinker-Banger Fusion

Saturday, February 8 | 9 am to 4:30 pm

Reiki is an ancient technique that increases energy levels within the body. This promotes relaxation and stimulates your body’s natural ability to heal on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Reiki improves sleep, increases intuition, boosts your overall feeling of wellbeing and much more! Reiki is practiced world-wide in hospitals, wellness centers, spas, offices, and homes.

You will receive the Reiki Level 1 attunement and learn:

• the history of Reiki
• the fundamental concepts such as principles and guidelines
• the techniques of the traditional Usui style of Reiki
• how to perform a Reiki session on yourself and others

This enjoyable class is a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration, and practice time. Manual and certificate approved by the Canadian Reiki Association are included in the cost of tuition.

Course code: REIK 001 S25R70  
1 session
Fee: $200 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Reiki Level 1

Instructor: Bonnie Harrison

Bonnie is a Reiki Master teacher, and a member of the Canadian Reiki Association. Bonnie is passionate about empowering others to create an abundance of greater health and wellbeing through Reiki. She teaches Usui Reiki techniques that increase energy levels within the body, bringing relaxation and healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Bonnie has a fun, easy-to-understand, and effective teaching approach. Her courses and certificates are approved by the Canadian Reiki Association. You can visit Heron Reiki and Wellness. 

Saturday, March 8 | 9 am to 4:30 pm

This course is for Reiki First Degree Practitioners who want to increase their Reiki skills and abilities. Reiki can address unwanted habits and patterns, provide mental and emotional healing, and be sent long-distance. You will learn these and other advanced techniques, receive a Level 2 Reiki attunement, and use two additional symbols that will enhance your ability to channel Reiki energy for various healing purposes. 

This enjoyable class is a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration, and practice time. Manual and certificate approved by the Canadian Reiki Association are included in the cost of tuition.

Course code: REIK 002 S25R70
1 session
Fee: $225 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Reiki Level 2

Instructor: Bonnie Harrison

Bonnie is a Reiki Master teacher, and a member of the Canadian Reiki Association. Bonnie is passionate about empowering others to create an abundance of greater health and wellbeing through Reiki. She teaches Usui Reiki techniques that increase energy levels within the body, bringing relaxation and healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Bonnie has a fun, easy-to-understand, and effective teaching approach. Her courses and certificates are approved by the Canadian Reiki Association. You can visit Heron Reiki and Wellness. 

Saturday, April 12 | 9 am to 4:30 pm

This class is for Reiki Second Degree Practitioners who want to learn advanced skills and increase the strength of their Reiki energy. Reiki can clear energetic blockages within the body, help you overcome challenges in your life, and assist you to reach your goals. Learn how in this advanced course. Crystals and crystal grids can amplify Reiki energy. You will receive the Reiki Master Practitioner attunement, acquire skills to provide in-depth Reiki sessions to yourself and others, and learn about crystals to complement your abilities.

This enjoyable class is a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration, and practice time. Manual and certificate approved by the Canadian Reiki Association are included in the cost of tuition.

Course code: REIK 003 I25R70
1 session
Fee: $250 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Reiki Level 3

Instructor: Bonnie Harrison

Bonnie is a Reiki Master teacher, and a member of the Canadian Reiki Association. Bonnie is passionate about empowering others to create an abundance of greater health and wellbeing through Reiki. She teaches Usui Reiki techniques that increase energy levels within the body, bringing relaxation and healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Bonnie has a fun, easy-to-understand, and effective teaching approach. Her courses and certificates are approved by the Canadian Reiki Association. You can visit Heron Reiki and Wellness. 

Thursday, April 24 | 5 to 8 pm

This practice session offers an enjoyable opportunity to increase your Reiki skills and knowledge. Build your confidence in providing sessions to others. You will be giving and receiving Reiki in a supportive environment. No matter how little or how much experience you have, there’s always more to learn!

Course code: REIK 005 I25R70 
1 session
Fee: $20 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Reiki Practice Session

Instructor: Bonnie Harrison

Bonnie is a Reiki Master teacher, and a member of the Canadian Reiki Association. Bonnie is passionate about empowering others to create an abundance of greater health and wellbeing through Reiki. She teaches Usui Reiki techniques that increase energy levels within the body, bringing relaxation and healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Bonnie has a fun, easy-to-understand, and effective teaching approach. Her courses and certificates are approved by the Canadian Reiki Association. You can visit Heron Reiki and Wellness. 

Tuesdays, January 28 to April 1 | 5:45 to 7 pm

This course is for those who are interested in learning more about basic vocal techniques including tuning, breath support, range, flexibility, and how to sing in harmony in an ensemble or choir.

This course is suitable for singers who are new to singing or who have completed a Sing Outside the Shower course before but still need to improve their confidence in singing. This course is not for you if you want to sing solos. If you are not sure if you should register for this course, you can contact the Instructor for guidance.

Course code: SING 002 S25R70         
10 sessions
Fee: $100 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Sing Outside the Shower Vocal Techniques

Instructor: Susan Lines

Susan has been a facilitator of community music education for over 30 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Leicester University, a Bachelor of Music from Ulster University, and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Queen’s University, Belfast. Susan was a lecturer in Performing Arts in Belfast prior to immigrating to Canada. She worked as a church soloist, voice teacher and recitalist in Ottawa. Now in Powell River, she continues to teach voice privately and offers group vocal training through the Sing Outside the Shower courses (a model she developed in Ottawa). Susan is an active vocalist and sings with Vox Madrigal.
 

Wednesdays, March 5 to May 7 | 6 to 7 pm

This all-level yoga class is open to beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, offering a balanced practice that cultivates strength, flexibility and mindfulness. Each session will guide you through a series of asana, breath work and relaxation techniques aimed at enhancing overall well-being. Whether you are looking to build physical fitness, reduce stress or find inner calm, this class will provide modifications and variations to suit your individual needs. You will leave feeling more centered, rejuvenated, and connected to your body and breath. Just bring your yoga mat and props, comfortable clothing and an open mind.

Course code: PYOG 003 S25R70 
10 sessions
Fee: $97 + GST 
Location: on-campus

Register for Yoga for All

Instructor: Jennifer Robison

Jennifer is a lifelong yoga practitioner and has practiced in Nepal, Panama, and Mexico. She trained as a yoga teacher in a mountain top ashram in Rishikesh, India and was able to integrate the historical cultural influences of the philosophy of yoga into her teaching and practice. Jennifer is registered with the Yoga Alliance as an RYT 200. She is also a Registered Nurse and professor at Vancouver Island University in both the Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Science Nursing programs.

In her spare time, Jennifer is the caregiver to a super senior Miniature Schnauzer and enjoys paddle boarding and touring around the coast in her vintage camper van. She also has a keen interest in midlife women’s health and empowering people to live their best lives through healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Mondays and Tuesdays, March 3 to April 15 | 6 to 7 pm

This class is designed for those in midlife who want to enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being through the practice of yoga. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, this class will focus on mindful asana for strength and breath work. We will explore asana that promote flexibility, strength, balance and stress relief with modifications to accommodate various levels and physical limitations. You will be guided through this hour-long practice and empowered to create your own self-care routines, awareness and inner peace. You will also be able to add yoga practice as a strategy to navigate the transitions of midlife. Just bring your yoga mat and props, comfortable clothing and an open mind.

Course code: PYOG 002 S25R70 
14 sessions
Fee: $135 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Yoga for Midlife Women

Instructor: Jennifer Robison

Jennifer is a lifelong yoga practitioner and has practiced in Nepal, Panama, and Mexico. She trained as a yoga teacher in a mountain top ashram in Rishikesh, India and was able to integrate the historical cultural influences of the philosophy of yoga into her teaching and practice. Jennifer is registered with the Yoga Alliance as an RYT 200. She is also a Registered Nurse and professor at Vancouver Island University in both the Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Science Nursing programs.

In her spare time, Jennifer is the caregiver to a super senior Miniature Schnauzer and enjoys paddle boarding and touring around the coast in her vintage camper van. She also has a keen interest in midlife women’s health and empowering people to live their best lives through healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Thursday and Friday, March 6 and 7 | 9 to 11 am 

Still using your iPad solely for web surfing and games? The iPad has given us the power to navigate around the world, showcase our photo collections with style, and experience video calling to friends and family in far-away places. Taught by an Apple Product Specialist, this course will show you how to get good use out of the apps that came with your iPad. 

With class size limited to a small group, this course is ideal for students who have taken Intro to iPad or have basic iPad skills. We recommend you bring your iPad to class upgraded to the latest version of iOS.  

Course code: ELDE 046 S25R70   
2 sessions
Fee: $28 + GST
Location: on-campus
Seats are limited
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class

Register for Getting the Most Out of Your iPad Part 1

Instructor:  Corey Matsumoto

Corey has been an avid Mac user since 2001 and is currently the owner of PR Macs on Marine Ave. selling and servicing Apple computers as well as providing educational services to help users get the most out of their Mac.

Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4 | 9 to 11 am 

You’ve got a good handle on your iPad, but there are still many things to learn! This course will teach you how to properly sync, back-up and restore your iPad to prevent unexpected data loss. You’ll also learn how to use some of the best features of the latest version of iOS—including SIRI integration—as well as great tips and tricks to get the most out of your battery life and manage your storage space. Finally, you’ll discover how to pick the perfect apps while avoiding the duds in the App Store. 

With class size limited to a small group, this course is ideal for students who have taken Intro to iPad and/or Getting the Most Out of Your iPad - Part 1. We recommend you bring your iPad to class upgraded to the latest version of iOS. 

Course code: ELDE 072 I25R70
2 sessions
Fee: $28 + GST
Location: on-campus
Seats are limited
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST 

Register for Getting the Most Out of Your iPad - Part 2

Instructor:  Corey Matsumoto

Corey has been an avid Mac user since 2001 and is currently the owner of PR Macs on Marine Ave. selling and servicing Apple computers as well as providing educational services to help users get the most out of their Mac.

Thursday, February 27 | 9 to 11 am

If you’re new to the iPad, this course will give you an understanding of its features, capabilities and limitations. You will also learn how to properly interact with the iPad's touch interface — including how to type and edit text using the on-screen keyboard. Basic settings will also be discussed. 

With class size limited to a small group, this course is ideal for absolute beginners or those experiencing frustration while interacting with their iPad. We recommend you bring your iPad to class upgraded to the latest version of iOS. 

Course code: ELDE 044 S25R70  

1 session
Fee: $22 + GST
Location: on-campus
Seats are limited
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class.

Register for Introduction to iPad

Instructor:  Corey Matsumoto

Corey has been an avid Mac user since 2001 and is currently the owner of PR Macs on Marine Ave. selling and servicing Apple computers as well as providing educational services to help users get the most out of their Mac.

Saturday, March 8 | 9 am to 12 pm

Death is the only certainty in life – it’s best to be prepared and understand what happens to your property when you pass away. This course will introduce the basics of the concept of the Will as a legal instrument. It will discuss:

• what a Will does and does not accomplish
• why it is important to have one
• what you need to consider in preparing to have one made
• what happens when it comes into effect

Course code: LFLL 002 S25R70    
1 session
Fee: $17 + GST
Location: on-campus
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class

Register for Introduction to Wills

Instructor: Warren Peters

Warren is a practising lawyer in Powell River, British Columbia. He graduated with a law degree from the University of New Brunswick before moving to Powell River to be closer to family. Outside the practice of law, he serves as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces as an army reservist, and he also volunteers his time with several local organizations.