Community Involvement

Click here for a copy of the Community Involvement Form (fillable form). Hard copies are also available in the Guidance Office.

Each student is responsible for locating and completing 40 hours of community involvement activities and tracking them on the community involvement form (click here). The parent is responsible for checking potential placements before the student begins. Review the community involvement pamphlet which provides detailed information about this diploma requirement. Students will be advised about the procedures for completing the community involvement requirement. Forms will be distributed in the Fall of the Grade 9 year. Upon completion, it is advised that a photocopy be taken before submitting the completed form to Guidance.

Please email your completed Community Involvement Form (signed by a parent/guardian if under 18) to your Guidance Counsellor. You may also drop off a paper copy to the Guidance Office, if you are an in-person learner at Central. Please drop this off on a day when you are at the school.

Note:  Students may begin accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter grade 9.

Please see below for an exerpt from the Ministry of Education (PPM 124) regarding volunteer hours and please click here to view the full Policy/Program Memorandum 124 regarding volunteer hours in Ontario high schools:

"Every student who begins secondary school during or after the 1999–2000 school year must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The purpose of the community involvement requirement is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities. By being involved in their communities and serving others, students can develop transferable skills and explore different sectors and potential career opportunities as well as deepening their understanding of their role in society.

Community involvement activities help to prepare students for work and civic life in a globalized, digital age. Community involvement is an important educational opportunity that allows students to develop skills and experiences gained to become successful and contributing members of society now and in the future.

Community involvement activities are part of the school's program and may take place in a variety of settings, including businesses, healthcare institutions including hospitals and long-term care facilities, not-for-profit organizations, public sector institutions including the offices of local, provincial or federal representatives, First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities or organizations, and informal settings, such as religious, cultural events and community activities."