Community Involvement

Introduction

Every student who begins secondary school in Ontario is required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement in order to receive a diploma. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage students to develop an understanding of the various roles they can play in their community and to help them develop a greater sense of belonging within their community.

The Process

Step 1 - Planning & Pre-Approval

• Arrange for an appropriate community involvement opportunity
• Obtain a Student Passport from Guidance and read it carefully
• Record the activity information in full
• The Passport is to be signed by you and a parent/guardian 
• Obtain the approval and signature of a school official BEFORE you start

Step 2 - Complete & Record

• Complete the activity
• Have your supervisor record the date it was completed and the number of hours you volunteered
• Have your supervisor sign the form where indicated
• The passport is to be signed and dated by a parent/guardian to confirm completion

Step 3 - Submit Your Passport  

• Submit your "Student Passport" to the Guidance Office so that it may be checked and your community involvement record can be updated
• Check your next final report card to ensure that your community involvement hours are updated

To learn more about the community involvement graduation requirement, please consult the DSBN Community Involvement Information Manual (in PDF)

Community Involvement Resources

• Information Niagara - Student Volunteer Database
• Niagara Regional Municipality Volunteer Network
• Other Community Involvement Resources