Community Involvement Hours

​​​​​​​​​​​All high schools students must complete 40 hours of community involvement by the time they graduate from Grade 12. Students may begin to accumulate volunteer hours in the summer between Grade 8 and Grade 9.

Why community hours?

Community hours encourages awareness of civic responsibility, and gives the students opportunities to make valuable contributions to their communities. 

• Graduation requirement 
  
• Encourage civic engagement  
  
• Valuable contribution to your community 
  
• Develop skills (e.g., communication, interpersonal) 
  
• Explore interests + Connection to pathway​
  
• ​​Community Involvement  is designed to benefit the community​  
  

Requirements

• must complete hours outside of class time
  
• must not be part of a credit course
  
• must be unpaid activities
  
• must be completed by end of Grade 12
  

Code of conduct

• punctuality
  
• appropriate dress and grooming
  
• good manners
  
• listening skills
  
• follow instructions
  
• be discreet
  

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 document if your child is under 18
  

Parents help select activities that take into account the following requirements:

• location of activity and hours of operation
  
• age appropriate
  
• health and safety
  
• hazardous substances
  
• work force type

See this page for guidelines on eligible and non-eligible activities​

Where can parents find Community Involvement Opportunities?

• Secondary school guidance office, bulletin board, announcements
  

Getting Started

Students must complete the Notification of Planned Activity on the Record of Community Involvement​​ which is available from their home school and then submit to their teacher advisor.

Steps to Completing the hours

• Select an activity
  
• ​Confirm eligibilty (including form)
  
• ​Complete activity
  
• Complete the  Record of Community Involvement Hours, and have it signed by the community sponsor
• Submit completed form to guidance
• Record in myBlueprint​ 
  

Tips for Success

​Community Sponsors

Persons and organizations in the community can be asked by the student to sponsor a community involvement activity. It is crucial that students are able to fulfill their community involvement activities in a safe environment. Any training, equipment, or special preparation that is required for the activity should be provided by the person or organization. The person overseeing the student's activity must verify the date(s) and the number of hours completed on the Record of Community Involvement Hours.

Useful Links

• HDSB Examples of Eligible/Ineligible Activities for Community Involvement Graduation Requirement
  
• Volunteer Halton