Section 2.1: School Related Operations

Approved: October 8, 2024

HOSTING GUEST SPEAKERS 

Procedures 

1.0             Selection of Guest Speakers

Schools and departments may identify opportunities to host a third-party guest speaker to enhance connections to the Ontario curriculum for students.

1.1             Process Initiated by a School 

Staff wishing to invite a guest speaker into the school will seek support from the principal. 

The principal will seek support from the appropriate Lead, where applicable. 

The principal will seek approval from the appropriate superintendent of education prior to commencing planning by providing the following information:

• Name of potential guest speaker
• Organization represented (if applicable)
• Intended audience (e.g. specific class(es), grade(s), entire school)
• Topic of presentation 
• Purpose and connection to the Ontario curriculum  
• Connection to the DSB1 Strategic Plan 

The superintendent of education will review the request and consult with administrative council and/ or the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as necessary. 

The superintendent of education will inform the principal of the decision. 

1.2             Process Initiated by a Department or Portfolio

The department lead or manager will seek approval from the appropriate  superintendent of education prior to commencing planning by providing the following information:

• Name of potential guest speaker
• Organization represented (if applicable)
• Intended audience (e.g. specific class(es), grade(s), entire school)
• Topic of presentation 
• Purpose and connection to the Ontario curriculum  
• Connection to the DSB1 Strategic Plan 

The superintendent of education will review the request and consult with Administrative Council and/ or the CEO as necessary. 

The superintendent of education will inform the Lead of the decision. 

Where a board-wide event is approved, the organizer will work with the communications department. 

2.0             Communication with Families

Once the request is approved, the organizer will ensure families are informed of the upcoming opportunity.  Families will receive the following details at least 14 calendar days prior to the planned event:

• Date and time
• Name of the guest speaker
• Organization represented (if applicable)
• Intended audience (e.g. specific class(es), grade(s), entire school)
• Topic of presentation 
• Details on materials to be distributed to students
• Purpose and connection to the Ontario curriculum  
• Connection to the DSB1 Strategic Plan