Parent checklists

Printable-style lists you can use anywhere in Canada, then adapt to your board’s timelines and forms. High-level and Canada-wide — not legal advice. Procedures vary by province; see the About disclaimer.

This week

  • Check the school calendar / portal for notices, trips, and assemblies
  • Note any curriculum or health-unit dates that need a decision
  • File new emails or PDFs into one dated folder
  • One open question I still need answered in writing: _______________
  • If a local board hub is live for my area, skim it for templates I can reuse

Before a meeting

  • Write 2–3 specific questions (not a long speech)
  • Bring or link the policy / notice / email you are relying on
  • Decide what “good enough” looks like (document, timeline, or next step)
  • Ask who owns the follow-up and by when
  • Plan to send a written meeting summary the same day or next day

After a notice

  • Save the notice (PDF / screenshot) with the date received
  • Confirm the event or lesson date and any opt-out deadline
  • Ask in writing for missing details (topic, materials, alternatives)
  • If lead time is too short, reply factually and keep the timestamp
  • Record your decision (attend / opt out / seek alternative) and who you told

Library challenge path (high-level)

Order may differ by board. Prefer published procedures over rumour. This is a map, not counsel.

  1. Request catalogue access and selection / reconsideration policy in writing
  2. Identify the exact title (author, ISBN) and the policy criteria you are citing
  3. Use the board’s formal form if one exists; keep a copy of your submission
  4. Ask for confirmation it was received and for the review timeline
  5. Save the written decision; note any appeal step and deadline
  6. If process is unclear, ask the principal (then board office) for the correct pathway

More detail: Library guide · Letters: materials list template

Pair these lists with the letter templates, topic guides (Classroom, Library, Events), and board start-here. Live hub example (Durham): Parents Resource.