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Community Involvement Hours – Eligible and Ineligible Activities

Students under the age of eighteen years will plan and select their community involvement activities in consultation with their parent(s)/guardian(s).  Selection of activities should take into account the age, maturity, and ability of the student, and environment of the proposed activity, and the need for any special training, equipment, and preparation. Students with special needs as well as other identified students may have Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that outline accommodations and/or modifications related to this component of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).   

Eligible Activities 

  • is a benefit to the community 

  • is performed outside the regular school day (lunch hours, weekends, after school, or school holidays) 

  • may be in support of not-for-profit organizations, public sector institutions, and other informal settings  

  • may support work of a global nature or promotes environmental awareness 

  • may be with a club, religious organization, arts or cultural association, or political organization that seeks to make a positive contribution in the community  

What activities are Ineligible?

The ministry has developed a list of activities that may not be chosen as community involvement activities. These are referred to as ineligible activities. An ineligible activity is an activity that:

  • is a requirement of a class or course in which the student is enrolled (e.g., cooperative education portion of a course, job shadowing, work experience);

  • 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; -

  • takes place in a logging or mining environment, if the student is under sixteen years of age;

  • takes place in a factory, if the student is under fifteen years of age;

  • takes place in a workplace other than a factory, if the student is under fourteen years of age and is not accompanied by an adult; 

  • involves the operation of a vehicle, power tools, or scaffolding;

  • involves the administration of any type or form of medication or medical procedure to other persons;

  • involves handling of substances classed as “designated substances” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act;

  • requires the knowledge of a tradesperson whose trade is regulated by the provincial government;

  • involves banking or the handling of securities, or the handling of jewelry, works of art, antiques, or other valuables; 

  • involves activities for a court-ordered program (e.g., community-service program for young offenders, probationary program).

  

All students need to complete 40 hours of community service in order to graduate.  

We recommend that students try to complete a minimum of 10 hours a year.  

Students in grades 9-12 are to submit their hours through HOUR REPUBLIC (found through the eLearning link on Westlane's Homepage).  

Students are strongly encouraged to connect
with Guidance Teachers
BEFORE
beginning a community involvement opportunity to ensure it meets Ministry Guidelines.

Their are specific rules that dictate what
can and cannot count towards diploma requirements
and we want to ensure that students participate in opportunities that are eligible.