Principal’s Message: A Strong Academic Start
As we begin a new calendar year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the strong academic start our students have made across the school. The December Learning Updates reflected a strong commitment to learning and excellence.
I want to highlight our Grade 12 students in particular. Their December results were exceptional and speak to years of developing independence, effective work habits, and strong relationships with their teachers. Of our graduating class:
- 55 students (22%) earned Straight A’s
- 141 students (56%) earned four or more A’s
These outcomes are not accidental. They reflect sustained effort, thoughtful goal-setting, and students learning how to manage their time and learning—skills that will serve them well beyond graduation. We are incredibly proud of this group and excited to see how they continue to build momentum as we move toward the final stretch of the year.
Equally important, these academic successes sit alongside a positive and vibrant school culture. December was filled with rich experiences that strengthened our sense of community. A few highlights are shared below.
As we move into January, we do so with pride in our students’ academic achievements and appreciation for the many experiences that make Thomas Haney such a special place. Thank you to our staff, students, and families for continuing to make community, connection, and learning central to all that we do.
Here’s to a strong start to 2026.
Warm regards,
Darren Rowell
Principal, Thomas Haney Secondary
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December Highlights
Peak Pod – Skating at Robson Square (Dec. 2)
Peak Pod students kicked off December with a West Coast classic – skating at Robson Square. This experience blended physical activity, social connection, and the simple joy of being active together in the heart of Vancouver.
Connections Program – Provincial Courts Field Trip (Dec. 3)
Our Connections students experienced learning beyond the classroom in a powerful way. Seventy-one students spent the day at the Provincial Courts in Vancouver, observing live cases, engaging with legal professionals, and deepening their understanding of the justice system. The day wrapped up with a shared pizza dinner at Me n’ Ed’s n- a fitting end to a meaningful and memorable experience. Our thanks to the staff who made this possible and to the students who represented THSS so well.
Student Voice Forum (Dec. 8)
Students met with Ms. Kania and Assistant Superintendent Ms. Schwarz to share feedback and perspectives about their school experience. These conversations are an important part of our ongoing commitment to listening to student voice and using it to inform growth and improvement.
Winter Band & Choir Concert (Dec. 9)
Under the leadership of Ms. Williams, our annual Winter Concert brought together elementary musicians, our Junior and Senior Bands, and Choir for an awesome evening of music. A special highlight was a student solo performance by Lance Wu. The concert was a wonderful celebration.
Robotics – Sumo Bot Championship (Dec. 9)
The Math Great Hall was buzzing with excitement as students showcased their engineering and problem-solving skills during the Sumo Bot Championship. Designed and built in Robotics and Engineering classes, the competition highlighted creativity and innovation.
Fishing Club – Fraser Valley Hatchery (Dec. 9)
Our Fishing Club enjoyed a hands-on learning experience at the Fraser Valley Hatchery, connecting environmental stewardship with outdoor learning.
LAN Party – Tech Night (Dec. 10)
Mr. Biggar and Mr. Goodman hosted the annual LAN Party, bringing tech students together for an evening that combined online games and community—well into the night.
School-Wide GOAT (Dec. 16)
A much-loved THSS tradition returned as students had the chance to take festive photos with a mini goat. One of those moments that captures the fun and uniqueness of our school culture – only at THSS.
Board Game Night (Dec. 18)
Another annual favourite, Board Game Night brought students together after school to connect, laugh, and unwind while playing their favourite games. Thanks to Mr. Goodman and Mr. Biggar for creating this welcoming space.
Annual Hoe Down (Dec. 19)
December wrapped up with one of our most iconic events – the THSS Hoe Down. After weeks of practice in PE classes, the entire school came together in the gym for an afternoon of line dancing and celebration, led by our PE Leadership students. An epic, joyful way to head into winter break.
School Sports Updates
Basketball
- Buzzer Beater vs. MRSS (Dec. 2)
- An unforgettable moment for our Senior Boys Basketball team, who secured a thrilling last-second buzzer-beater win against MRSS in their first league game. A great way to start their season. The team continues league and tournament play in January.
- Westview Fundraiser Game (Dec. 18)
- Our Senior Boys team travelled to Westview to play a lunchtime fundraiser game in front of a packed gym. A great example of sports bringing school communities together.
Wrestling
- Burnaby Novice Tournament (Dec. 4)
- Our wrestling team competed at the Burnaby Novice Tournament, gaining valuable experience and demonstrating grit, growth, and sportsmanship as they continue to build this program.
- Terry Fox Invitational (Jan. 16th)
- Next up for the wrestling team is an invitational meet at Terry Fox.
Grad 2026
- Grad Photo Re-takes
- Date: Friday, January 9th, 2026
- Location: THSS Library (Appointment Required)
- Grad Breakfast & Rehearsal
- Date: Thursday, May 21st at 7:00am
- Location: THSS Rotunda
- Grad Ceremony
- Date: Friday, May 29th, 2026
- Location: Chandos Pattison Auditorium (Pacific Academy – 10238 168 St, Surrey, BC V4N 1Z4)
- Time: 7:00pm (Doors open for families at 6pm)
- Ticket Information: Ticket sales will open February 2026 on Parent Portal & in-person at THSS
- Grad Banquet
- Date: Friday, June 19th, 2026
- Location: Swan-e-set Bay Resort & Country Club (16651 Rannie Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 1Z1)
- Time: TBA
- Ticket Information: Ticket sales will open February 2026 on Parent Portal & in-person at THSS
- Dry Grad
- Date: Friday/Saturday, June 19th-20th
- Location: Thomas Haney Secondary School
- Time: TBA
- Ticket Information: Ticket sales will open February 2026 on Parent Portal & in-person at THSS
Looking Ahead: Key January Events
- Monday, January 5th – School OPENS after Winter Break
- Friday, January 9th – Grad Photo Re-Takes at THSS in the Library
- Email – Darren_Rowell@sd42.ca if you have any questions about Grad Photo re-takes
- Saturday, January 10th – ThunderTech Robotics at BCIT for First Robotics Launch
- January 12th-16th – Literacy 10 Assessments – ALL WEEK IN THE LIBRARY
- Tuesday, January 13th – FSO Film Festival
- Thursday, January 15th – Theatre Showcase (7:00-9:00pm)
- January 19th-23rd – Literacy 12 Assessments – ALL WEEK IN THE LIBRARY
- Friday, January 23rd – Whistler Day Trip (Ms. Fischer/Mr. Williams)
- Monday, January 26th – Grad 2026 Student Y Block Assembly (Rotunda)
- Tuesday, January 27th – Non-Instructional Day (District-Based)
- Thursday, January 29th – District Trades Event at THSS (Evening)
- Thursday, January 29th – PAC Meeting at 7:00pm (on Zoom)
- Meeting LINK will be sent on Parent Portal – Monday, January 26th
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