Community Involvement

 

Community Hours Form, click here  /UserFiles/Servers/Server_13556663/File/Community-Involvement-Brochure.pdf

 

NOTE: The community involvement graduation requirement of 40 hours will be restored in the 2022-23 school year. Learn more about community involvement hours.


Every student must complete 40 hours of community involvement to receive his/her diploma. Students can start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter Grade 9.

Community involvement is intended to:

  • encourage students to understand the roles they can play in their community
  • help students develop a greater sense of belonging

Students are encouraged to choose activities that interest them or explore a potential career. Some students may complete more than 40 hours.

Contact your secondary school’s Guidance Department for:

  • more information about eligible activities
  • information on how to record your community involvement hours
Eligible Activities

A list of eligible activities has been established by the SCDSB in consultation with the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and insurance experts. Activities include:

  • assistance to seniors
  • environmental projects
  • sports and recreation activities
  • working with charitable and service organizations
  • working in health facilities
  • community or specific school-related activities
Ineligible Activities

The Ministry of Education developed a list of activities that are ineligible. These include activities that:

  • takes place during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day. However, an activity that takes place during the student's lunch breaks or “spare” periods is permissible
  • take place in a logging or mining environment, if the student is under 16 years of age;
  • take place in a factory, if the student is under 15 years of age;
  • take place in a workplace other than a factory, if the student is under 14 years and not accompanied by an adult;
  • would normally be performed for wages by a worker;
  • involve operating a vehicle, power tools, or scaffolding;
  • involve the administration of any type or form of medication or medical procedure to other persons;
  • involve the handling of substances classed as "designated substances" under the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
  • require the knowledge of a trades person whose trade is regulated by the provincial government;
  • involve banking or the handling of securities, jewelry, works of art, antiques, or other valuables;
  • consist of duties normally performed in the home;
  • involve a court-ordered program (i.e. community-service program for youth, probationary program);
  • involve the use of a firearm.