Ontario is temporarily re-vamping the Community Involvement Graduation Policy to remove barriers rising from COVID-19.
Students only need a minimum of 20 community involvement hours, half of what was required originally, to graduate this year.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Near North District School Board said policy restrictions that were waived now allows for the following;
Principals will have the added discretion to allow students to earn hours during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day and through duties normally performed in the home.
As well as the ability to allow students aged 14 and older to count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment to count towards their graduation requirement if they complete a reflection exercise on how their work provided service.
NNDSB Schools this year will have the flexibility to accept confirmation of community hours through a variety of electronic means.
Students are encouraged to consult school administration or guidance for details and to continue seeking volunteer opportunities, keeping in mind public health unit recommendations.
NNDSB said students may be able to fulfill the graduation requirement by volunteering virtually.
Students might consider mentoring through online tutoring, connecting and supporting seniors through a letter-writing campaign, delivering groceries to elderly or immunocompromised neighbours and sewing masks for donation to social agencies as possible volunteer opportunities.
Students and their families are encouraged to speak with their school administration or guidance to share their ideas to fulfill community involvement hours.