Policy:
As stated in OS K-12, 2011 Section 6.1.4 and PPM 124a, every student who begins secondary school during or after the 1999-2000 school year must complete a minimum or 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 an awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play and the contributions that can make in supporting and strengthening their communities.
Community involvement activities are part of the school’s program.
Students will select one or more community involvement activities in consultation with their parents. Selection of activities should take into account the age, maturity, and ability of the student, the location and environment of the proposed activity, and the need for any special training, equipment, and preparation. The safety of the student is paramount.
Students may complete the required community involvement beginning with the summer following the successful completion of grade 8.
Students transferring to Nimbus Christian Education after the completion of grade 10 from out of province or internationally, will be required to complete a portion of the 40 hours. The number of hours will be determined by the Principal in consultation with the student, parents, and student services.
It should be noted that students will not be paid for performing any community involvement activity.
When the activity is complete the form is to be handed in to the Principal for record keeping within the OSR
A parent is not required to sign a form or to be consulted if the student is eighteen years of age or older.
List of ineligible activities: (as defined by the Ministry of Education and Training)
- Is a requirement of a class or course in which the student is enrolled (e.g., cooperative education portion of a course, job shadowing, work experience);
- 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;
- Takes place in a logging or mining environment, if the student is under sixteen years of age;
- Takes place in a factory, if the student is under fifteen years of age;
- Takes place in a workplace other than a factory, if the student is under fourteen years of age and is not accompanied by an adult;
- 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 or the handling of securities, or the handling of jewelry, works of art, antiques, or other valuables;
- 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).
Eligible Activities
The following guiding principles, are intended to assist the student and parent/guardians to determine whether a planned activity is within an approved area for the completion of the community involvement requirement:
- An event or activity designed to be of benefit to the community;
- An event or activity to support a not-for-profit agency, institution or foundation that conforms to the ethical standards of Nimbus Christian Education and the Ministry of Education;
- Any structured program that promotes tutoring, mentoring, visiting or coaching, or whose purpose is to assist others who require the benefit of that assistance;
- Participation in an event or activity that supports ethical work of a global nature;
- Participation in an event or activity that promotes positive environmental awareness;
- Participation in an event or activity that contributes to the health and well-being of any ethical group that conforms to the community standards of morality and conduct;
- Participation in an event or activity affiliated with a club, religious organizations, arts or cultural association, or political organization that seeks to make a positive and ethical contribution in the community.
Where an event or activity does not clearly fall within the guidelines, the Principal has the discretion to approve or reject any activity or event that does not confirm to the guiding principles and ethical standards for approved areas of involvement for students.
List of Suggested Activities/Organizations:
- Mission/Service Trips
- Church Involvement
- Sunday School
- Nursery Volunteer
- Youth Group Leadership
- Seniors’ Activities Volunteer
- Coaching in the Community
- Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelter
- YMCA
- Seniors Homes
- United Way
- Red Cross
- Canadian Cancer Society
- SPCA
- Meals on Wheels
- Community Living Associations
- Local Museums or Galleries
