Community involvement is an integral part of Catholic education, and an important way we bring our faith into action in our HCDSB schools. Guided by the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations, and our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, we are committed to helping students grow as compassionate and engaged members of the community. Through acts rooted in justice, compassion, and service, students recognize their collective responsibility to the common good.
Ministry of Education Requirements
The Ontario Ministry of Education requires students to complete a minimum of 40 community involvement hours in order to graduate secondary school. Students can start collecting volunteer hours in the summer before entering Grade 9.
Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement
In the 2025 – 2026 school year, the Ministry of Education announced a new Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement opportunity for graduating students.
The certificate program recognizes students who earn 50 or more community involvement hours with distinctions for bronze (50-99 hours), silver (100-199 hours) and gold (200+ hours) beginning with students graduating in the 2025-26 school year. Schools will share timelines by which eligible graduating students will need to submit their community involvement hour documentation in order to receive a Certificate of Recognition as part of graduation processes. More information is available at Use High School Volunteer Hours To Build Your Future .
Benefits of Community Involvement
Volunteering helps students:
- develop transferable skills
- explore different sectors and potential careers
- prepare for work and civic life in a globalized, digital world
- learn about their role as a citizen
- be aware of how they can support and strengthen their community
Places Students Can Volunteer
Community involvement activities may take place in a variety of settings such as:
- local businesses
- hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes and other health care institutions
- not-for-profit organizations
- public sector institutions, like your town, city or region
- offices of local, provincial or federal government representatives
- First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities or organizations
- religious, cultural events and community activities
Ineligible Activities
The following activities would not count towards the 40 hours needed to graduate:
- Activities that are a requirement of a class, course or program that you are enrolled in (such as a co-op program)
- Activities that take place during school hours (not including lunch breaks or “spare” periods)
- Activities that would normally be done for wages or a salary by a person in that workplace or organization
- Activities that are duties that you would normally do in your house, such as daily chores, or personal recreation activities
- Activities that are part of a court-ordered program (for example, a community service program for young offenders)
- Activities that go against minimum working age requirements, applicable legislation, regulations or policies.
Volunteer opportunities should not have students:
- operating a vehicle, power tools or scaffolding
- giving any type of medication or doing medical procedures
- handling “designated substances” such as arsenic, asbestos, lead or mercury
- involved in banking or the handling of securities or valuable items, such as jewelry, art or antiques
- needing the knowledge of a regulated tradesperson
- involved in activities that promote discrimination, harassment or put the safety of yourself or others at risk
Important Notice for Parents and Guardians
Volunteer opportunities shared or referenced through school or board channels are provided for informational purposes only.
These volunteer opportunities are not organized, screened, evaluated, recommended, sponsored, or endorsed by the Halton Catholic District School Board. The Halton Catholic District School Board does not supervise volunteer opportunities.
We encourage students to discuss volunteer opportunities with their parents/guardians before committing to any activity. Families are responsible for reviewing, understanding and selecting volunteer opportunities, which they consider appropriate for the student. The decision to participate in any volunteer activity is solely the responsibility of the student and their family.
For students under 18 years of age, the parent or guardian must sign the record of volunteer hours.
For more information, visit Get Your High School Volunteer Hours or contact your guidance teacher.
Community Involvement Hours