Community Service Hours

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.  

Ineligible activities for community hours

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.

Every fall, St. Thomas Aquinas is proud to host its Volunteer Fair when we welcome local agencies to engage our students in volunteerism. This gives our students a great opportunity to understand the needs that exist in their community and how they can play a valuable role in service to others