Both public high school teachers and the education minister are hearing that grade eight students are making the shift from the public system to the Catholic system for secondary school in the province.

While Education Minister Liz Sandals says they don't have firm numbers, she underlines parents are looking for a complete educational experience for their children - which includes extra curricular activities.

Last week, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association predicted there would be a student exodus from public boards because of the issue.

On Friday, the Ontario Secondary School Boards Federation (OSSTF) announced it would urge its teachers to get back to extra curriculars, but Monday revealed it believes 20 per cent of its members would never volunteer again.

OSSTF President Ken Coran says they don't have any concrete numbers either but they have noticed the shift to the Catholic boards. He says it's concerning.