COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Information and Resources

Students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities before graduation.

• School staff will discuss appropriate types of community involvement activities and projects with students and may offer suggestions, but the selection and management of the involvement is to be directed by the student.

• The TDSB publishes a list of approved and non-approved activities. Students choosing an activity not on the approved list must apply for permission in writing to the school Principal.

• Activities may take place inside or outside the school. If inside, activities may not be part of a credit course.

• The student may not displace a worker who would normally have been paid to perform the same function or receive pay.

• Community involvement may begin in the summer after Grade 8.

• An indication of completion will be entered on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript when the 40 hours have been submitted and approved.

Community Involvement Facts

What is community involvement?

• A volunteer activity – not for pay or credit

• A constructive contribution to the community

Why does the Ministry of Education mandate it?

• Reinforces civic responsibility

• Strengthens the community

• Enhances self-confidence and self-image

• Offers networking for future employment

• Provides an experience for students to include in their career portfolio, also known as their Individual Pathways Plan

When must students complete it?

• Any time during the secondary school program after the student has graduated from Grade 8

• Outside class hours, for example:

  • During lunch breaks

  • In the evening

  • On weekends

  • During school breaks

  • During summer months

What is the Process?

• Once you have an idea of the volunteer activity in which you want to participate, obtain the TDSB Student Volunteer Form (see link below) and see your guidance counsellor to get pre-approval for your volunteer activity. This ensures that the activity is eligible for your OSSD requirement.

IMPORTANT LINKS

TDSB Student Volunteer Form  (list of approved & ineligible activities on page 2 of form), Click HERE

Volunteering During Covid-19 Presentation by Volunteer Toronto, Click HERE

Where to Search for Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteer Toronto

• Volunteer Canada

• Charity Runs (click on a particular race website and look for volunteering)

Places Where SATEC  Students Have Volunteered

• Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities

• Providence Healthcare

• Habitat for Humanity Restore

• The Leacock Foundation

• Daily Food Bank

• Variety Village

• West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre

• The Canadian Cancer Society

• Warden Hilltop Community Centre

• Friends of the Rouge Watershed

• New Circles Community Services

• YMCA of Greater Toronto

• Michael Garron Hospital

• Cyber Seniors

• Toronto Public Library

• Letters to Seniors Program

How to Submit Your Volunteer Hours?

1. Completely fill out the TDSB Student Volunteer Form (see link above to download form).  If you have questions about how to fill out the form, please email your guidance counsellor.

2. After you have filled out the TDSB Student Volunteer Form, take a picture/scan it or attach the PDF form to an email.   Email the completed form to your guidance counsellor for approval.

(Fill out all yellow parts on the form.  Please fill out all rows before submitting)