Events
For parents across Canada: assemblies, guest speakers, and field trips shape school culture
as much as lesson plans — and new programmes can arrive mid-year. Ask for agendas,
organisers, and opt-out options before the day arrives.
Assemblies & speakers
- Ask for the topic, host organisation, and intended grade levels
- Request any slides, handouts, or links shared with students
- Confirm whether attendance is mandatory and what alternatives exist
- Note who approved the booking (school, board, or outside partner)
Field trips
- Destination, date, cost, and supervision ratio
- Curriculum link or stated learning purpose
- Permission form wording and deadline
- What happens for students who do not attend
Opt-outs & notice
- Ask how far in advance events are announced
- Request the written opt-out or alternative-activity process
- If notice is late, reply in writing and keep the timestamp
- Escalate to the principal (then superintendent / trustee) if policy is unclear
Stay practical. Short, factual emails work better than long complaints.
Ask what you need to know, cite the school calendar or permission form if one exists, and
save the reply. Copy-ready outlines live in the
national toolkit.
Example from a live board hub:
Durham contacts & letters.
Sample questions to send
- What is the agenda and who is speaking or hosting?
- Which grades are included, and is attendance required?
- Will materials be distributed or linked afterward?
- How do parents opt out or request an alternative, and by what date?
- Where is this event described on the school or board calendar?