GRADUATION 2027

Graduation Requirements & Post-Secondary Information Package

🎓Requirements & Deadlines

While we are here to assist in the graduation and post-secondary process, it is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian to ensure all requirements and deadlines are met.

1. Graduation Requirements (OSSD): Students must ensure they are on track to meet all requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), including:

● 30 credits total (18 compulsory, 12 optional)

● Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement (OSSLT or OLC)

● Completion of 40 Community Involvement Hours

● 2 E-Learning courses*

A credit summary has been provided in this package. Students are responsible for ensuring that all credits and marks are correct and accurately recorded. Any discrepancies must be reported to Student Services immediately.

*E-Learning Opt-Out Form: In accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements, students must complete a minimum of two e-learning credits as part of their graduation requirements. However, students and families may choose to formally opt out of this requirement

using the E-Learning Opt-Out Form.  If you wish to opt out, the completed form must be signed by a parent/guardian (if the student is

under 18) and submitted to Student Services. Opting out is voluntary and will not affect graduation eligibility, provided all other OSSD requirements are met.

2. Community Service Hours: While all community service is volunteer work, not all volunteer work qualifies as community service. Community service involves unpaid activities that directly benefit the broader community or support a non-profit organization. Volunteer activities that primarily benefit an individual, family member, private business, or for-profit organization will not be accepted toward the required 40 hours. If you are unsure whether an activity qualifies, please check with the school before completing and submitting your hours.

Community Service Awards

● Bronze: 50–99 hours

● Silver: 100–199 hours

● Gold: 200+ hours

To be eligible for an award, all completed forms with required signatures must be submitted to the Main Office by April 25 at 2:30 p.m. There will be no exceptions. Students not applying for awards must submit community service hours by June 1, 2027.

3. Post-Secondary Prerequisites: Students must ensure they meet the admission requirements for their chosen post-secondary destination. Most Ontario universities require six Grade 12 U/M courses, with specific program prerequisites and competitive averages varying by institution.

College programs, apprenticeships, and private institutions also have unique requirements. Students are responsible for researching and understanding these requirements early. MY Blueprint is an essential planning tool and should be used regularly. Students who identify gaps in their preparation should contact Student Services as early as possible.

4. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM): Students enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program are responsible for ensuring they meet all requirements for the designation, including required courses, certifications, and experiential learning components.

It is the student’s responsibility to regularly check in with their SHSM teacher or program lead to confirm that all requirements are being met and that they are on track for completion. Students must also ensure they are enrolled in the correct courses and completing all necessary

components within the required timelines.

Failure to meet SHSM requirements may result in the student not receiving the SHSM designation upon graduation.

5. Ontario Scholar Recognition: The Ontario Scholar designation is awarded to students who achieve an average of 80% or higher across their best six Grade 12 courses.

This is calculated as:

● 80% × 6 courses = 480 total marks

Examples:

● Six courses at 80% = 480 (Ontario Scholar)

● Above 80% average = above 480 marks

● Below 80% average = below 480 marks (not eligible)

Ontario Scholar status is a provincial recognition of academic achievement and is noted on the student’s record.

6. Staying Informed: Post-secondary admission requirements may change annually. It is the responsibility of students and parents/guardians to stay informed of updates by regularly checking official institution websites.

Students are expected to attend relevant workshops, assemblies, presentations, and guidance appointments. Most post-secondary information is delivered in group settings. Students must take initiative to sign up for and attend these sessions. Parents/guardians are encouraged to remain actively involved in the planning process.

7. Post-Secondary Applications & Financial Assistance: Students must apply for post-secondary programs and financial assistance (including OSAP, scholarships, and bursaries) by published deadlines. 

Please note:

● Program acceptance deposits and residence/room deposits are often due in June, shortly after admission offers are accepted.

● Students do not receive OSAP funding until September.

● Students and families must plan ahead and save accordingly. There are no exceptions to payment deadlines.

Students should also be aware that most offers of admission are conditional, meaning final acceptance depends on maintaining required grades and completing all graduation requirements.

Be sure to research all facets of post-secondary life, including:

a. Type of programs available

b. Size of institution and/or program

c. Location of institution, program, and community

d. Tuition and other fees

e. Financing options, including scholarships, bursaries, co-op and OSAP

f. Living conditions, such as residences, off-campus housing, and relatives’ homes

g. Athletics, clubs, activities, and social life

h. Current admission standards and previous cut-off averages

i. Class sizes, qualifications of faculty, academic reputation

8. School Email & Communication: Students are strongly advised not to use school email addresses when applying to post-secondary institutions, as school accounts will be deactivated after graduation. Students are responsible for ensuring they continue to receive important communications from post-secondary institutions.

9. Graduation Photos: Graduation photos are required for inclusion in the graduating class composite. Photos are completed by appointment only, and students must book within designated dates. All information regarding photo dates, booking procedures, and deadlines will be posted in the Graduation Google Classroom. Students are responsible for monitoring this platform regularly. Failure to complete graduation photos by the deadline may result in exclusion from the class composite.

10. Returning Fifth-Year Students: Requests to return for a fifth year at St. Joseph’s High School are not guaranteed and will be

reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To be considered, students must be in good standing in accordance with the SJHS Code of

Conduct. In addition, students:

● cannot earn more than 34 credits

● are required to present a clear and concrete academic plan outlining the courses they intend to take and the reason for returning (for example, a change in post-secondary pathway or program requirements).

Approval will be based on individual circumstances and the student’s demonstrated commitment to completing their secondary education in a responsible and purposeful manner.

11. Outstanding Financial and School Obligations: Students are responsible for returning all school property, including textbooks, library materials, Chromebooks, athletic uniforms, and any other borrowed equipment. Students must also ensure that all outstanding school fees are paid.

Failure to meet these obligations may affect participation in graduation-related activities, including the commencement ceremony.

12. Scholarships & Bursaries at SJHS: St. Joseph’s High School is fortunate to receive over $50,000 in bursaries and scholarships annually from generous community donors. Last year alone, $18,000 was awarded to students based on demonstrated qualities such as dedication, integrity, compassion, perseverance, involvement in school and community, positive attitude, leadership, and empathy.

These awards are not limited to academic or athletic achievement. Any student is capable of earning scholarship or bursary support by consistently demonstrating kindness, effort, and a strong character in their daily school life. Students do not need to be top athletes, mathletes, or English scholars to be recognized - simply being a positive, respectful, and engaged member of the school community can make YOU eligible for these opportunities.

13. Google Classroom Communication Hub: Students are expected to join and regularly monitor the Graduation Google Classroom. All important graduation-related information will be communicated through this platform, including:

● Commencement ceremony details

● Graduation photo information

● Awards and scholarships

● Ticket distribution

● Gown pickup

● Rehearsal schedules

● Deadlines and announcements

Failure to stay informed through this platform is the responsibility of the student. Classroom Code: hkysbqiw

14. Bookmark these Pages…

○ Ontario Colleges: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en

○ OUAC: https://www.ouac.on.ca/

○ Skilled Trades Ontario: https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca

○ OSAP: https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program