Principal’s Message
Dear THSS Families,
As we turn the calendar to March, longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner. Spring is a natural time for renewal. I want to take a moment to invite you to reflect on something that has been on my mind lately: screen time and its impact on our students.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a professional development presentation by researcher Jean Twenge, whose work examines the relationship between screen time, student well-being, and academic achievement. Her findings were both thought-provoking and, frankly, a timely reminder for all of us. The data she presented makes a compelling case that as screen time increases, there are measurable negative effects on the mental health and academic performance of young people.
I share this not to alarm you, but to encourage a gentle check-in at home. As the days grow longer and the weather invites us outside, this is a wonderful opportunity to help your children disconnect from screens and reconnect with the world around them. Whether it’s heading outdoors for a walk or a bike ride, picking up a great book, or sitting down together for a board game; these moments matter more than we sometimes realize.
Here are THREE simple ideas to try as a family this spring:
- Use Built-In Digital Monitoring Tools
Most devices now offer screen-time tracking and parental controls
Apple Screen Time / Google Family Link
These tools allow families to:
Set daily limits / Schedule device downtime / Monitor app usage / Block specific content
The goal is not surveillance — it’s transparency. Reviewing weekly reports together can lead to productive conversations about balance and habits. - Keep Devices Out of Bedrooms at Night
Sleep disruption is one of the most consistent negative outcomes of excessive screen use. A simple, high-impact strategy:
Create a central charging station in the kitchen or living room
Set a consistent “device parking time” (e.g., 9:00 PM)
This reduces late-night scrolling and improves sleep quality — which directly affects mood, focus, and academic performance. - Shift the Focus from Restriction to Replacement
Screen limits are most successful when paired with engaging alternatives:
Encourage sports, clubs, creative hobbies, or outdoor time
Plan tech-free family activities
Create “challenge weeks” (e.g., no social media after 7 PM)
When meaningful offline experiences increase, screen time naturally decreases.
Of course, screens are a part of life and technology, used thoughtfully, has real value. But balance is key. Youth thrive when they have time to move, explore, imagine, and disconnect and be present for family and friends.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership in supporting our students. Spring is here so let’s make the most of it together.
Warm regards,
Darren Rowell
Principal, Thomas Haney Secondary
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Student Spotlight: Finding Her Voice “Rayna – Now we’re Talkin”
Rayna is a vibrant and expressive student at Thomas Haney Secondary School whose journey with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) highlights the power of patience, teamwork, and the right supports. After early attempts with Eye Gaze technology were interrupted by health challenges, renewed medical supports allowed Rayna to re-engage with AAC in a meaningful way. With consistent encouragement from her school-based team and family, she made remarkable progress; growing from early exploration to confident, purposeful communication.
Today, Rayna is a skilled multimodal communicator, using her AAC device alongside vocalizations and body language to share her thoughts, humour, and personality. Whether ordering at Starbucks, choosing music, connecting online, or joking with friends and staff, Rayna is increasingly in control of her own voice. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always follow a straight line; but with time, care, and belief in a student’s potential, truly transformative outcomes are possible.
(LINK to the full article and video)
February 2 – Languages Multicultural Seminar: Mardi Gras Mask Making
Students in our Languages program immersed themselves in the cultural traditions of Mardi Gras through a hands-on mask-making workshop. Beyond the artistry, the seminar explored the history and global significance of Mardi Gras celebrations, connecting language learning to cultural identity and tradition.
February 2 – Post-Secondary Presentation (Y Block)
Grade 12 students gathered in the library for a focused post-secondary presentation to support their transition beyond high school. The session covered application processes, program pathways, scholarships, and important deadlines. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity; building confidence as our graduates prepare for university, college, trades, or other pathways.
February 3 – Senior Boys Basketball Senior Night
Our Senior Boys Basketball team celebrated their graduating players during their final home game of the season. Each senior athlete was recognized for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to the program. In a meaningful tradition, players presented roses to their parents in appreciation of years of early mornings, travel, and unwavering support; a reminder that high school athletics are about relationships, growth, and gratitude.
February 3 – Académie Duello Field Trip
Students enjoyed an experiential learning day at Académie Duello, exploring historical combat arts including swordplay, archery, and axe throwing. The trip combined physical skill development with lessons in discipline, historical context, and teamwork. Students stepped outside their comfort zones, engaged in focused practice, and experienced a dynamic form of learning that extended far beyond the classroom.
February 5 – Grade 8 & Junior Basketball League Semi-Final
The Junior team also competed in a hard-fought semi-final matchup against SRT, showcasing strong development and competitive spirit.
Both the Grade 8 and Junior Basketball teams competed in their respective semi-finals, each demonstrating the growth, teamwork, and resilience built throughout the season. For many Grade 8 students, it was their first playoff experience at the secondary level; and they rose to the occasion with determination and sportsmanship. The Junior team’s composure under pressure reflected the strong culture within our basketball program.
February 5 – Fruit Salad Film Festival
Students gathered for the annual Fruit Salad Film Festival, celebrating LGBTQ+ voices and storytelling through film. The event created space for dialogue, creativity, community, and inclusion — highlighting the power of media to explore identity and lived experience. It was a meaningful opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and strengthen our commitment to a welcoming school community.
February 6 – Fraser North Wrestling Championships
The Thunder Wrestling team competed at the Fraser North Zone Qualifiers with exceptional results. Multiple athletes placed in their divisions, with Team Captain Parham Mazkouri capturing first place at 74kg. Several wrestlers advanced to the BC Championships — an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to months of hard training, resilience, and mental toughness.
February 9 – Grade 9 Inquiry (Passion Project) Launch
Grade 9 students launched their Inquiry Projects which is one of the most powerful learning experiences of the year. Rather than being assigned a topic, students were challenged to identify a passion, curiosity, or personal challenge and design a project around it. The launch emphasized ownership, goal setting, and self-directed learning, reinforcing that learning is most meaningful when students see purpose and personal relevance in their work.
February 11 – Senior Formal (Vegas Theme)
Over 250 students attended this year’s Vegas-themed Senior Formal, featuring student performances, a shared meal, and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated our graduating class. The event was a tremendous example of student leadership and staff collaboration coming together to create a safe and memorable evening.
February 13 – Junior Boys Basketball Championship Game
The Junior Boys Basketball team competed in the MRPM League Championship, narrowly losing in an exciting overtime game against MRSS. Despite the outcome, their resilience and competitiveness earned them a second-place finish and advancement to the Fraser North Championships. The season was a testament to commitment, growth, and strong team culture.
February 17 – Random Acts of Kindness Week
Random Acts of Kindness Week filled THSS with positivity and intentional generosity. Students and staff participated in daily activities encouraging gratitude and connection — a kind word, a note of appreciation, or a simple act of service. The initiative highlighted the importance of empathy, generosity, and small acts that build community.
February 18 – Olympic Men’s Hockey Viewing
The rotunda was packed as students and staff gathered to watch Canada’s dramatic overtime victory in the Olympic quarter-final. The collective cheer when Canada secured the win was electric; a shared experience that brought our school together in pride and celebration.
February 18 – Valentine’s Cards for Northern Manitoba Care Home
Inspired by a national news story, Kathy Skipper, longtime THSS Education Assistant, organized students to create and mail 17 Valentine’s cards to elders in Northern Manitoba. The project reflected compassion, generosity, and meaningful community outreach. This initiative showed our students how small efforts can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.
February 19 – Theatre Production: The Play That Goes Wrong
The production opened with a sold-out matinee performance for visiting elementary students. Our theatre students demonstrated tremendous talent, professionalism, and comedic timing in a fantastic opening show.
Our theatre production opened with a sold-out matinee for visiting elementary students. Our performers demonstrated exceptional comedic timing, stage presence, and professionalism and was a showcase of the confidence and craft students develop through our performing arts program. The production was a resounding success and a highlight of the month. Evening performances continue Wednesday through Friday this week with a 7;00pm curtain. Tickets are still available on VTix.
February 19 – Olympic Women’s Hockey Gold Medal Game Viewing
Students once again filled the rotunda to support Canada in the Women’s Gold Medal Game. Although the game ended in a heartbreaking loss to the U.S., the shared experience reinforced pride, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Win or lose, it’s moments like these that define our school culture.
February 20 – Outdoor Education & Peak 9: Whistler Biathlon Centre
Outdoor Education and Peak 9 students traveled to the Whistler Olympic Biathlon and Skiing Centre to learn cross-country skiing and complete a biathlon course. The experience combined endurance, focus, and resilience while exposing students to world-class, Olympic-level facilities; a powerful example of experiential learning in action.
February 20 – BC Wrestling Championships
Thunder wrestlers represented THSS at the provincial level at the BC Championships at the Pacific Coliseum. Competing among the best in the province is both an honour and a growth opportunity and our athletes did so with pride.
February 25 – Waterloo Math Contest
On February 25th, 15 THSS students participated in the prestigious University of Waterloo Math Contest; an internationally recognized competition that challenges participants with complex, multi-step problems requiring deep reasoning, creativity, and perseverance. Competing in this event reflects both academic courage and a willingness to stretch beyond the regular curriculum. These students pushed their problem-solving skills in a rigorous, competitive environment, building confidence, resilience, and advanced mathematical thinking. We are proud of each of them for taking on this challenge and representing THSS at a high academic level.
February 27 – Black Youth Club at Microsoft Event
Members of our Black Youth Club attended the 2026 Ethos Lab Blackathon — an inspiring day of culture, creativity, and innovation hosted at Microsoft. Students were challenged to design a community venue inspired by Vie’s Chicken and Steak House in historic Hogan’s Alley, a space rooted in legacy, belonging, and bringing people together. Using AI tools, they developed visual concepts of their venues and created cinematic trailers to pitch their ideas to peers. The project blended history, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and emerging technology, while honouring the deep significance of Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver’s Black community. It was powerful to see our students thoughtfully connect past and present — imagining vibrant, inclusive spaces that celebrate culture and foster connection.
Looking Ahead: Key March Events
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- Monday, March 2 – Late Start for Students (TA begins at 9:30am)
- Monday, March 9 – Grade 10 Career Fair (CLE 10)
- Real-world interviews with local businesses and industry partners
- Week of March 9–13 – Leadership Spirit Week Activities
- Jersey Day
- Annual Gym Riot
- Crêpe Truck on campus
- Friday, March 13 – Last Day of School Before Spring Break
- March 15–30 – Spring Break
- Monday, March 31– School Reopens After Spring Break
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