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Graduation

Class of 2026

Grade 8

2026 Grade 8 Grad Activities Memo

Grade 12

2026 Grade 12 Grad Activities Memo ~ COMING SOON

Graduation Requirements & Resources

For Students Entering Grade 9 in September 2023 or Earlier

To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must complete:

  • 18 compulsory credits
  • 12 optional credits
  • 40 hours of community involvement
  • The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in Grade 10 or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course
  • 2 eLearning credits (opt-out form available)

This program is designed to be completed in four years following Grade 8.

For Students Entering Grade 9 in September 2024 or Later

To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must complete:

  • 17 compulsory credits
  • 13 optional credits
  • 40 hours of community involvement
  • The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in Grade 10 or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course
  • 2 eLearning credits (opt-out form available)

This program is also designed to be completed in four years following Grade 8.

All Ontario secondary students must complete 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students may begin to accumulate volunteer hours in the summer between Grade 8 and Grade 9.

Students who complete more than 40 community involvement hours are encouraged to maintain their own record of completed community involvement hours. Secondary schools will no longer track and collect documentation for the completion of community involvement hours beyond the 40 hours required.

Involvement Activities

  • Must have their activities pre-approved by their school if unsure
  • Must complete hours outside of class time
  • Must not be part of a credit course
  • Must be activities completed in the community to benefit others​
  • Must be unpaid activities
  • Must not replace the role of a worker that would normally receive wages
  • Can be completed anytime between the summer going into Grade 9 and graduation

Parents/Guardian Guidelines

  • Provide help to their child when they are selecting community hours and contact the community sponsor and school principal with any questions and concerns
  • Sign the Required Record of Community Involvement Hours document ​if your child is under 18

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