For the 2020-2021 school year, the Ministry of Education is revising the 40-hour community involvement graduation requirement by providing increased flexibility in how hours can be earned for all students, so that they will not be adversely impacted by the ongoing challenges related to COVID-19.
Students Graduating in the 2021-2022 School Year:
The community involvement graduation requirement will be reduced to a minimum of 20 hours of community involvement activities. This recognizes that graduating students have had barriers to earning their community involvement hours last school year and there may be continued barriers this school year.
All Secondary Students in the 2021-2022 School Year:
The following opportunities will be considered eligible for the school year;
At the principal’s discretion, schools may waive the restrictions that do not allow students to earn hours:
During the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day; or
For duties normally performed in the home (e.g., walking a younger child to and from school, helping younger siblings with school work).
Students aged 14 years and older can count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment towards their earned hours at the discretion of the principal.
Students should continue to seek out and accumulate community involvement hours in accordance with school board policies and procedures, keeping in mind local public health unit recommendations.
Some virtual opportunities can be found at Spark Ontario and Neighbourhood Network
Please be advised that it is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian to assess the volunteer opportunity to ensure the safety of the student even when the opportunity is promoted by the school.
We recognize that you and your child may have questions regarding this information. If it is helpful for you to connect with a staff member from the school, please contact a teacher, guidance counsellor or administrator to discuss your questions.