Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement
Dear STA Families
We are pleased to share that the Ontario Ministry of Education has introduced a new recognition program to honour students who make significant contributions to their communities through volunteer service.
Beginning with students graduating in the 2025–2026 school year, students who complete 50 or more community involvement hours during their secondary school years will be eligible to receive a Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement at graduation.
Bronze Certificate: 50–99 hours
Silver Certificate: 100–199 hours
Gold Certificate: 200+ hours
As a reminder, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirement remains 40 community involvement hours. These new certificates provide additional recognition for students who go above and beyond the graduation requirement.
Because certificates must be ordered in advance by school boards, Friday, April 10, 2026 is the deadline for volunteer hours to be submitted in order to be considered for one of the Ministry recognition certificates this year.
Schools will continue to collect and approve community involvement hours after this date for students who still need to meet the mandatory 40-hour OSSD requirement. However, hours submitted after April 10, 2026 will not count toward the Ministry recognition certificates.
The Ministry notes that this certificate recognizes students’ civic engagement, leadership and community spirit. It may also support future applications for:
Employment opportunities
College or university programs
Apprenticeships
Scholarships
Families are encouraged to ensure that all volunteer activities meet Ministry eligibility requirements and that hours are submitted to the school as soon as possible.
For more information, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Education website:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/use-high-school-volunteer-hours-build-your-future
If you have any questions, please contact the school.
New Announcement regarding ineligible activities for community service hours:
Effective September 1, 2023, this memorandum replaces Policy/Program Memorandum No. 124A, “Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirement: Community Involvement Activities in English-Language Schools” and Policy/Program Memorandum No. 124B, “Conditions d'obtention du diplôme d'études secondaires : Service communautaire dans les écoles de langue française”, April 27, 1999, and supersedes the policy set out in Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements, 2016, section 6.1.4.
The ministry has developed a list of activities that may not be chosen as community involvement activities. These are referred to as ineligible activities.
An ineligible activity is an activity that:
is a requirement of a class, course, or program in which the student is enrolled (e.g., cooperative education course, experiential learning activities)
takes place during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day. However, an activity that takes place during the student's lunch breaks or “spare” periods is permissible
contravenes the minimum age requirements to work in or visit a workplace stated in regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
contravenes any other applicable legislation, regulation or policy
contravenes the policies and procedures of the organization that is supervising the student’s community involvement activities
would normally be performed for wages by a person in the workplace
involves the operation of a vehicle, power tools, or scaffolding
involves the administration of any type or form of medication or medical procedure to other persons
involves handling of substances classed as “designated substances” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
requires the knowledge of a tradesperson whose trade is regulated by the provincial government
involves banking, the handling of securities, or the handling of valuable items such as jewellery, works of art, or antiques
consists of duties normally performed in the home (i.e., daily chores) or personal recreational activities
involves activities for a court-ordered program (e.g., community-service program for young offenders, probationary program)
involves activities that promote discrimination, harassment, or puts the safety of the student or others at risk.
All students are encouraged to become involved in our school and our community through volunteer opportunities and 40 hours of community service, a requirement for achieving the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
As Catholics, we are called to the service of others. Volunteering offers many personal benefits and builds a healthy community. By volunteering, you can:
Contribute to your community
Gain valuable work experience
Learn new skills or create new interests
Meet new people and make new friends
Lend your talents to a cause or initiative that is important to you
There are many great volunteer opportunities prior to Christmas to accumulate a number of hours including the Festival of Trees and church bazaars. Current opportunities are posted in the Guidance office, and additional information can be found on the School Board's 40 Hours of Community Service.