The Community Service Program at Lakeside Academy is a unique educational opportunity designed to expose students to the needs of the community in which they live. Our program stresses hands on learning experiences with the emphasis placed on service to the community. Opportunities for student involvement within our school and the community at large are limitless. It is the student's responsibility to fulfill their community service requirements. This entails research as to the activities which are acceptable, organizing requirements with the coordinator of the activity and submitting the completed Community Service Log at the end of each term to the responsible teacher in charge. The Community Service Coordinator will, however, facilitate the selection of service activities where required. The Coordinator will also counsel the students throughout the series of internal and external service visits and /or activities, which are sponsored by the school. A parent is informed of the placement of their child when the placement is external to the school and the Experiential Release Form has been authorized. Parental encouragement and support is essential and is a direct function of the tremendous benefits that may be received by the student volunteer.

As required by the International Baccalaureate program, all students are expected to volunteer for various programs and/or activities throughout the weekday or on weekends. Students in the Enriched program are required to complete a minimum of 18 hours of community service each year. Similarly, those students in the French Immersion and English programs must fulfill a minimum of 9 hours of community service in a given year. Activities chosen depend upon the particular interests and talents of the student volunteer. It should be noted that certain programs are restricted to the senior levels, however, for the most part all students have access to most school or community based services.

Secondary I – V Enriched students - !8 hours minimum / year
Secondary I - V French Immersion & English students – 9 hours minimum / year

Please note that at the end of each term, the number of community service hours completed will be reflected on each student’s report card.

The benefits of the Community Service Program are numerous. The student will:

• Develop and implement leadership skills in a caring and supportive environment

• Develop skills when interacting with the public

• Develop an awareness and empathy towards social issues

• Acquire practical knowledge about career choices

• Gain valuable work experience towards their curriculum vitae

• The community benefits from young and enthusiastic volunteers

• Be on time for your scheduled community service activity.

• Remember that you are representing the school.

• Be polite, courteous and professional.

• Dress smartly.

• Be flexible.

• Ask questions. If you need information at any time speak to your contact person or consult your Community Program Co-coordinator.

1. The value of one: the power of many.

2. I volunteer because I believe in my community.

3. Be a mentor, volunteer.

4. I volunteer once a month at my sister’s school.

5. I volunteer because I’ve been lonely too!

6. I volunteer because I retired from work not life.

7. Teach our traditions to the young people…I volunteer.

8. I volunteer because I am.

9. I volunteer because my grandmother showed me how.

10. I volunteer to keep our community strong.

11. I volunteer because I learn so much.

12. I volunteer because if not me then who?

Please click here for information on activities.

Please click here for information on other areas of involvement.