Tools, templates & questions to ask

Subject: PPM 162 Exemption Request – [Child’s Full Name], [Grade], [School]

Dear Principal [Name],

Pursuant to Ontario Policy/Program Memorandum 162, I am requesting that my child, [Full Name], be exempted from instruction related to the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations in the Health and Physical Education curriculum for the current school year.

Please confirm in writing:
1. The date(s) the relevant instruction is scheduled
2. That alternative supervision will be provided
3. That no academic penalty will result

Thank you for your prompt attention.
[Your Name]
[Contact information]
[Date]

Subject: Request for Advance Notice – Curriculum & Identity-Related Programming

Dear Principal [Name],

I request advance written notice (minimum 10 school days) of any classroom instruction, guest speakers, assemblies, or library initiatives related to gender identity, sexual orientation, or preferred names that will involve my child, [Full Name].

Please also provide access to the specific materials or resources that will be used.

Thank you.
[Your Name]
[Date]

Subject: Parental Notification Request – Preferred Name / Pronouns – [Child’s Name]

Dear Principal [Name],

I am the parent/guardian of [Child’s Full Name], currently in [Grade] at [School].

I request that the school notify me in writing before any change is made to the name or pronouns used for my child by staff, and that my child’s legal name continue to be used in all formal records and communications unless I provide written consent otherwise.

Please confirm the school’s current process in writing.

Thank you.
[Your Name]
[Date]

Subject: Request for Review of Library Resource – [Title if known]

Dear Principal [Name] / Teacher-Librarian,

I request a formal review of the age-appropriateness and educational value of the following resource(s) available to students in [Grade level] at [School]:

[Title(s) or description]

Please advise me of the board’s or school’s process for reviewing library materials and the timeline for a response. I also request that parents be notified when new materials on gender identity or sexuality are added to the collection for this age group.

Thank you.
[Your Name]
[Date]

Subject: MFIPPA Access Request – [brief description of records]

Freedom of Information Officer
[Durham District School Board / Durham Catholic District School Board]

I am requesting access to records under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Requester: [full name]
Address: [mailing address]
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email]
School (if applicable): [school name]

Records requested (please provide electronic copies where possible):
1. [e.g. Lesson plans, slide decks, and third-party materials used to teach the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations in Grade X at School Y during the 2025–26 school year]
2. [e.g. The school’s or board’s written procedure on preferred names and pronouns, including parental notification]
3. [e.g. Library selection or challenge criteria for materials on gender identity and sexuality for grades X–Y]

Date range: [e.g. September 1, 2025 to the date of this request]

I enclose the $5 application fee. If additional fees will exceed $25, please provide a fee estimate before processing. I request a fee waiver to the extent disclosure is in the public interest of parental transparency regarding curriculum and school practices.

Please confirm receipt of this request in writing.

[Your Name]
[Date]

Subject: Request for notice and materials – Grade [9–12], [Child’s Full Name], [School]

Dear Principal [Name],

I am the parent/guardian of [Child’s Full Name], in Grade [9–12] at [School]. I understand that Ontario PPM 162 (exemption from Human Development and Sexual Health expectations) applies only to Grades 1–8 and does not create an exemption right at the secondary level.

I still request, in writing:

1. The dates this year when Healthy Living / Human Development and Sexual Health topics will be taught in my child’s Health and Physical Education course (or any other course covering the same topics)
2. Access to the lesson materials, slide decks, and third-party resources before they are used
3. At least 10 school days’ written notice of guest speakers, assemblies, or school-wide events related to gender identity or sexual orientation that will involve my child
4. Written notification to me before staff use a name or pronouns for my child that differ from the legal name on the Ontario Student Record, unless I have given prior written consent

Please confirm these points in writing. Thank you.

[Your Name]
[Contact information]
[Date]

Subject: Written reasons and next-step request – [Child’s Full Name] – [School]

Dear Principal [Name],

On [date of my request] I wrote to request [PPM 162 exemption / advance notice of materials / parental notification before any preferred-name or pronoun change] for my child, [Child’s Full Name], Grade [grade] at [School].

Your response of [date], or the absence of a written response, [refused the request / did not confirm the request / stated that the school cannot notify parents].

I request a written reply within 10 school days that states:

1. The specific board policy, procedure, or statute you rely on
2. The name and title of the person who made the decision
3. The internal appeal route, including the superintendent responsible for this school

I am copying the superintendent. If I do not receive a written response, I will escalate to the Director of Education and, if needed, the Ontario Ombudsman (1-800-263-1830).

Thank you.
[Your Name]
[Contact information]
[Date]

cc: Superintendent of Education, [Family of Schools / board]
    [Your trustee, if already involved]

DURHAM PARENT TRACKING LOG
Child: [name]   School: [school]   Grade: [grade]

Date/time:
Who (name, role):
Setting (class / email / phone / meeting):
What was said or taught (exact wording if possible):
Documents saved (filename or print location):
Follow-up promised / deadline:
My next action:

Subject: Proposed School Council motion – advance notice of curriculum and programming

Moved that the School Council of [School Name] recommend to the Principal that the school:

1. Provide parents and guardians with at least 10 school days’ written notice of (a) Human Development and Sexual Health units, (b) guest speakers, (c) assemblies, and (d) school-wide events related to gender identity or sexual orientation;

2. Post grade-level curriculum outlines and resource lists on the parent portal or school website at the start of each term;

3. Confirm, in writing to Council, how PPM 162’s 20-school-day notice requirement will be met this year; and

4. Report back at the next Council meeting on the steps taken.

Moved by: [name]
Seconded by: [name]
Date: