Principal’s Message
Dear THSS Families,
January highlighted the range of learning experiences happening at Thomas Haney Secondary. Students engaged in both classroom work and hands-on opportunities throughout the month; from our Outdoor Education students at the Whistler Olympic Sliding Centre to grade 8 students tree planting with the Municipality of Maple Ridge. Our Theatre Showcase offered a platform for student creativity, while athletes competed in wrestling, basketball, and snow sports, and delegates participated in the Vancouver Model United Nations (VMUN).
These activities reflect our self-directed learning approach and the work of staff who design student-centred opportunities. It is awesome watching students navigate these experiences with growing independence, courage and curiosity.
Thank you to students for their engagement, to staff for their planning and support, and to families and community partners for making these opportunities possible. February will bring new challenges and experiences as students continue developing their skills and interests.
Thanks for being such an important part of the THSS family. Together, we really do make good things happen here every day.
Warm regards,
Darren Rowell
Principal, Thomas Haney Secondary
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VMUN – Vancouver Model United Nations Conference
Ten THSS students participated in the Vancouver Model United Nations (VMUN) conference from Friday to Sunday, guided by Mr. Connolly and Mr. Litt. Students represented assigned countries and committees, researched global issues, wrote position papers, and engaged in formal debate and negotiation alongside peers from across the region. Throughout the conference, our students demonstrated strong preparation, critical thinking, and leadership while representing THSS with professionalism, confidence, and respect.
Sightlines Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong will go hilariously right at Thomas Haney Secondary School this February 25-27 and March 4-6.
The Play That Goes Wrong is a fast-paced, hilarious comedy about a group of actors trying their very best to put on a serious murder-mystery play. The issue is, nothing ever goes according to plan. It’s a show comprised of a spiraling series of increasingly absurd mishaps, this whodunit is a certified trainwreck guaranteed to deliver non-stop laughter until the curtains close. From things falling, forgotten lines, and missed cues everything that could possibly go wrong does – and then it gets worse. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.vtixonline.com/?search=The+Play+That+Goes+Wrong or in the rotunda starting February 2nd.
Outdoor Education visit Whistler Olympic Sliding Centre
Outdoor Education students experienced an unforgettable and truly unique day at the Whistler Olympic Sliding Centre with Mr. Williams. Students learned about the sport of bobsleigh and skeleton, explored the history of the Olympic venue, and had the rare opportunity to experience the track firsthand. The day combined experiential learning, personal challenge, and adventure, giving students insight into elite sport, physics in motion, and the importance of courage, focus, and trust—an experience few students ever get to have.
Grade 8s Partner with MR Municipality for Tree Planting Project
The Hunter and Page Grade 8 Pod partnered with the Municipality of Maple Ridge for a meaningful tree-planting project on the THSS grounds. Students worked alongside municipal staff to plant new trees while learning about local ecosystems, sustainability, and the long-term impact of environmental stewardship. This hands-on, community-based experience allowed students to contribute directly to the care of their school environment while building a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and connection to the broader Maple Ridge community.
Ping Pong Club (Wednesdays)
The Ping Pong Club meets every Wednesday after school and is open to any and all students who want to play and learn Ping Pong. The club continues to be a hit, with packed tables each week thanks to Mr. Reddy and Mr. Le Sage. A fun, energetic space for students to connect and unwind during the week.
Board Games Club (Wednesdays)
Mr. Biggar and Mr. Goodman welcomed students to their weekly Board Games Club, where strategy, collaboration, fun, and community are always on.
Crimestoppers RCMP Presentation – Phys. Ed. 10 (Jan. 23rd)
PE 10 students participated in a Crimestoppers presentation led by the RCMP, focusing on personal safety, decision-making, and community responsibility.
Whistler Ski & Snowboard Daytrip (Jan. 23rd)
Students enjoyed a day trip to Whistler for skiing and snowboarding, combining outdoor recreation with community building and winter adventure.
Wrestlers compete in Terry Fox Meet and Seaforth Armoury Meet
A core group of THSS wrestlers competed in elite competitions at both the Kitsilano Armoury and Terry Fox Secondary under the leadership of Mr. McCartie. These events provided high-level competition and valuable experience against top wrestling programs, helping our athletes continue to develop their skills, confidence, and competitive mindset.
Theatre Showcase
Students wowed the audience during our Theatre Showcase with a dynamic variety of theatre and dance performances. The showcase highlighted the creativity, confidence, and talent of students across multiple classes, with performances ranging from dramatic scenes to expressive dance pieces. It was a wonderful celebration of the performing arts at THSS and a great opportunity for students to share their hard work, take creative risks, and perform in front of a supportive school community.
Random Acts of Kindness
The Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Club is hosting a food drive to support the Friends in Need food bank. We are collecting non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dried pasta, granola bars, and other shelf-stable items from January 19 to February 17. Donations can be dropped off in the collection box at the front of the school. Thank you for helping make a meaningful difference in our community.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming February Events
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February 2
• Y Block Post-Secondary Guest Speaker (Library) – Grade 12 studentsFebruary 3
• Academie Duello Field Trip – Ms. Berg & Ms. WallinFebruary 4
• Course Selection Grade Presentations (Rotunda)
– Grade 8 (Period 1)
– Grade 9 (Period 2)
– Grade 10 (Period 3)
– Grade 11 (Period 4)February 6
• Formal Guest Forms Due
• Field Trip: Vancouver Aquarium (7:30 am–4:45 pm) – Ms. Fischer, Mr. Franco, Mr. Le Sage, & Mr. WilliamsFebruary 9–20
• Course Selection (completed during students’ PE blocks)February 9
• Grad Class Photo (Y Block)
• Grade 9 Passion Project Inquiry (10:00–11:00, Rotunda)February 10
• UBC Research Forest – Ms. Hunter & Mr. Page Grade 8s
• THSS Clothing Orders Due – 2:40 pmFebruary 11
• Winter Formal – 6:00 pm
• Choral Workshop (Rotunda, 8:30–11:45) – Ms. WilliamsFebruary 13
• Non-Instructional Day (School-Based)February 16
• Family Day – Schools ClosedFebruary 17–21
• The Play That Goes Wrong – Matinee Performances (9:00–12:00)February 19
• Grouse Ski Trip (2:45–10:10 pm) – Fischer & WilliamsFebruary 23
• Collaboration Block (8:30–9:30)
• TA Begins – 9:30February 26
• Equestrian Studies Field Trip to KPU (8:45–4:30) – Ms. Gawehns
• PAC Meeting – Room 2032
• The Play That Goes Wrong (7:00–10:00 pm)February 27
• Black Youth Club Field Trip to Microsoft
• The Play That Goes Wrong (7:00–10:00 pm)
• Grade 8 Rotation 3 EndsFebruary 28
• Play – Matinee (9:00–12:00)
Key Contacts
The following list of Counsellors and Administrators and their grades are listed below:
- Administration
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- Mr. Rowell (Principal – Grade 12s)
- Ms. Kania (Vice Principal – Gr. 8 & 10s)
- Mr. Kater (Vice Principal – Gr. 9 & 11s)
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- Counsellors
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- Mr. Grill (Counsellor – Gr. 9, 11 & 12s M-Z)
- Ms. McPhedran (Counsellor – Gr. 8, 10 & 12s A-L)
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Please do not hesitate to email Darren_Rowell@sd42.ca if you need further information or have any questions.
Thank you for being part of the Thomas Haney community!
Sincerely,
Darren Rowell
Principal, Thomas Haney Secondary School