Community Involvement – Information for Grade 8 students

Posted May 12, 2021

May 12, 2021


Dear Current Grade 8 Students:

During these challenging times, people across our community and country have come together to serve and support those who need it. These people have become an important example of the incredible value of volunteerism. As we move into the summer months we want to encourage you to consider safe options to participate in volunteer opportunities and obtain hours toward the community involvement requirement of your high school diploma.

As a Grade 8 student, you can start collecting your community involvement hours in the summer before you begin Grade 9.  You can use this form to start recording them, and then submit when we start the 2021/22 school year: Community Involvement Activity Notification Form.

Here are some resources to help you explore volunteer opportunities available to you at this time:

As well, here are some examples of ways you can volunteer in your community while adhering to social distancing guidelines: 

  • Lawn maintenance for seniors or others who cannot complete the work
  • Writing letters to seniors in Long Term Care Homes
  • Knitting, sewing or creating ear guards, masks, or other helpful Personal Protective Equipment
  • Acting as a mentor or participating in virtual volunteer opportunities where possible – for example, summer camps, faith based activities, sports/arts, and community movements
  • Reach out to local hospitals, organizations to connect one-on-one with ways you may be able to support
  • YouthTalk: Summer Team

More information about Community Involvement can be found here:

Next year, you will be the first students to take either MTH1W (the Grade 9 Destreamed math course) or MAT1L (the Grade 9 Essential math course). We want you to know we have been working with teachers and support staff and are ready to support your success in math, regardless of which course you enrolled in. We are excited about the opportunity that destreaming offers to support students in continuing to explore and develop math skills while promoting more equitable access to all post secondary options.

At this time, we are unsure of what the next school year will look like or when you might be able to visit your new school. We will be sharing information as soon as we are able. We encourage you to watch the ugdsb.ca website and check your UGCloud emails for more details. Keep an eye out for Google Classroom invites too, some schools will be reaching out to students in that way. Finally, you can explore the Transitioning to High School page of the UGDSB Pathways Website. 

We want to acknowledge what a trying year it has been for our students, families and communities. Amidst the challenges, the resilience and grace of our students and school communities have been a highlight, and we are more confident than ever in your ability to succeed. If you are in a position to consider/continue volunteerism this summer, we hope you find this resource helpful. Please reach out to the guidance department at your current or future secondary school if you have any questions.

Please continue to stay safe.

Carlo Zen
Superintendent of Education and Student Success Lead

To download the above letter, please click the link below:

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