Students are required to complete 40 Hours of community involvement as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). 

At Gonzaga, we as a school try to support our students finding a variety of opportunities.  Students are reminded that when choosing a community service opportunity to think of the following:

1. to do something that gives back to the community
2. to do something that interests you
3. to do something that may help lead you to a post secondary career
4. to do something that fits into your schedule

http://40hours.ca/

www.volunteermbc.org/change.aspx

http://www.volunteernow.ca/welcome/forty_reasons.htm

Please be sure that your volunteer experience is "eligible".  Ineligible activities include activities:

• that are a requirement of the class in which the student is enrolled;
• takes place during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day;
• takes place in a factory, if the student is under 15 years of age;
• takes place in a logging or mining environment if the student is under 16 years of age;
• takes place in a work place other than a factory, if the student is under 14 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 procedures 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 handling of securities, or the handling of jewelry, works of art, antiques, or other valuables;
• consists of duties normally performed in the home (ie, daily chores) or personal recreational activities.

In addition, the following are also INELIGIBLE:

• any activitiy that provides direct financial benefit or gain to the student or the student's immediate family;
• any association with an organization, or an organization activity, that does not comply with the ethical and religious standards, policies and procedures of the DPCDSB.