Graduating students will require a minimum of 40 hours of community service to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Christian community service provides an opportunity for students to grow in their faith and develop an understanding of our role as followers of Christ.
Students can start earning their hours from July 1 (after they finish Grade 8) until the end of Grade 12.
Students benefit from completing the hours by:
Read our student testimonials below to learn about DCDSB student's experience with community service:
Frizelle, Grade 12 Student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School |
"At St. Mary, I've been on Student Council for two years, last year as the Secretary and this year as the Vice President. I am also a Retreat Leader and a member of one of our ten initiatives, International Outreach, where we raise awareness and funds for international causes and communities. Outside of school, I am a black belt and Sensei in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, and I completed the 40 required community service hours in a retirement home. I am very grateful for opportunities to take on leadership roles and to actively volunteer as it encourages healthy living, self-improvement, and a stronger community. I recommend community involvement to any student as it connects you to many new perspectives that can fully support your growth as an individual, all while giving back to your community and gaining life-changing experiences." - Frizelle, Grade 12, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School |
Ezra, Grade 12 Student Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School |
"I like volunteering because it humbles me in a way just being with the kids and coaching them, when they accomplish something great in a drill or when they make a shot, reminds me when I was like that and it feels so wholesome every time I see the kids come in the gym and full of joy and excitement, it really makes me happy seeing them happy, and that's honestly what matters, doing what they love and just making new friends, having them feel comfortable in general. These are the main reasons why I like volunteering, spreading happiness to the kids that need it most." - Ezra, Grade 12, Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School |
Isabella, Grade 12, Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School |
"Getting involved in a variety of community service experiences allowed me to participate in many different opportunities within my community. I became active in my community's public library, volunteered with a teen advisory group, mentored younger students at my school and helped with non-profit groups like Hearth Place. My community service experience helped me develop a variety of skills including leadership, communication and problem solving." - Isabella, Grade 12, Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School |
There are many ways students can obtain community involvement hours. In order to ensure the activity will be acceptable, students should speak with their school prior to starting. The following list offers examples of ways students could earn community involvement hours, while developing awareness and understanding of civic responsibility.
Check out the following resources to help you find Community Involvement opportunities.