Notes from the Principal, Sean Nosek
Once again, Thomas Haney kicked the school year off with an opening ceremony, replete with introductions of school staff, the reading of a student credo, and a guest appearance by our mascot Thor.
The tone in our school is extremely positive, and we have already successfully launched many activities and events. Our fall sports program is up and running, with three boys soccer teams, and FIVE girls volleyball teams.
The level of student engagement at THSS is impressive. Student Council, Random Acts of Kindness Club, Eco Action Team, Leadership – all these groups have already been active and involved. Under the leadership of Vice Principal Kristi Blakeway, our students raised over $3600 in honour of Terry Fox. We hosted the first ever “ball drop” event, and students were very excited to have a hot air balloon here at school.
Thanks to our friends at Remax Western Canada for donating the balloon. It was exciting to have the opportunity to go up in the balloon, and many of our students were fortunate to have the opportunity as well. Thanks also to our PE department for coordinating the run. Bard on the Beach, The Great Shoreline Cleanup, and many more activities have also already taken place.
Guest presenter Keith Hawkins spoke to our whole student body recently, and delivered an inspirational message around the power of community and working together. Stay tuned for many more cool events and happenings.
As always, you are encouraged to connect with your child’s TA, and to direct any subject specific queries to the appropriate teachers. Most THSS e–mails can be found right on our website: http://thss.ca/ We will be hosting our Parent/Student/Teacher conferences on Oct. 24th; 1-4pm & 6-8pm, a great opportunty to meet the teachers and find out your child’s progress. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Haney-Secondary-School/147403818638906
I look forward to seeing you at our annual awards ceremony on the afternoons of October 7 & 8th!
PAC News
Hi everyone! A big welcome to the parents who came out for our first very successful and fun PAC meeting of the year! For those of you who missed it, you can be sure not to miss any more very important info by showing up for the up and coming PAC event on Oct 15th at 7 p.m.
How would you like to have your teens motivate themselves, get their grades up and get their work done without you nagging, cajoling or worrying? That is what we will be hearing about from an expert in leadership development who is a published author on the subject!! This will be a hands-on real life strategy and training session that can change your life and see great results in your kids!
There will be someone at the door to say hello and show you where to go! You will not want to miss this! As well, we get to, as parents, vote on where the funding for the school will be spent. We get to hear from teachers about their ideas and plans for our kids! Lots of money on the table… Do you want to help out and have input? Your opinion counts!
See you there!
Parents of THSS
Melanie Greenough (PAC Chair)
778-865-2210
Late or Absent?
Parents, please report all student lates/absences by phoning the school prior to 9am. You may also let the office know any holidays, appmt’s you may know ahead of time. If any student arrives to school late or needs to leave school early, it is expected that they will sign in or out in the school office. Students who leave without signing out, will be considered truant and will be subject to disciplinary action.
Pre-Teen Hallowe’en at THSS Sightlines Theatre
The Pre-Teen Hallowe’en returns to the THSS Sightlines Theatre on Tue. Oct. 29 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Bring your little ghosts and goblins to this fun Hallowe’en themed event -especially designed to be “little-kid” friendly. Children will enjoy face-painting, a special Hallowe’en movie cartoon (we bet you can guess which one!), a craft and treats. Be sure to come in costume. This event is most suitable for children aged 2-8 years but everyone is welcome. Children must be accompanied by someone over the age of 16. Admission is only $3.00 Tickets can be purchased at the door. Event will take place in the Theatre and main Rotunda.
Photo Retakes
OCTOBER 9TH! If you already have had a photo package given to you THAT you do not like; please return the WHOLE package on retake day when having your picture taken.
All students are required to have a student photograph taken as the student ID card produced has the student ID number bar-coded on it and is required to sign out resources from any of the kiosks or library. There is NO COST FOR THIS ID CARD as it is included in the cost of your student fees. It is also the Go Card for public transit. Purchasing envelopes are available in the office for students who have not had a photo taken.
Gr. 12 Information, Counselling, Career Centre & Work Experience News
http://schools.sd42.ca/thscareer/
Post-secondary and Grad Information
Grade 12 Parent Info Night – was Tues, Sept 17. The Power Point presentation is available on our website, first item in the drop down menu under Counselling.
Grade 12’s who got a notice in TA to see a counsellor, please do so right away. They want to check to make sure you’re taking what you need to graduate.
Post-secondary applications are now open. Apply online at https://applybc.ca/
Loran Scholarship – applications are due to THSS Counsellors Oct 8.
UBC Major Entrance Scholarships (MES) – No separate application is required. Selection is based on information in your application for admission. Deadline isDecember 10, 2013, in order to be considered. (If you wait until their early admission deadline of Feb 3, you won’t be eligible) http://you.ubc.ca/tuition-scholarships/canada-scholarships/major-entrance/
Other BC Post-secondary scholarships – deadlines typically correspond to early admission application dates for automatic (no separate application needed) awards. As well, all post-secondary schools have awards that do require separate applications. Links to BC post-secondary awards at:http://schools.sd42.ca/thscareer/awards-and-scholarships/post-secondary-financial-aid-and-awards/
Scholarship Information Sessions in the Career Centre – Haney Happenings will post dates & times.
Upcoming Events
Oct 10 – THSS Post-secondary Day 9:00 – 11:30 am – approximately 12 post-secondary schools from across BC will be in the Rotunda.
Oct 18 – McGill University visit, 10 am in the Career Centre.
Oct 23 – UBC visit, 9:30 – 11:00 am in the Suddaby Room
Nov 6 – Take Our Kids To Work Day – Grade 9’s spend a day in the workplace of a parent, relative, or friend to help them learn what skills are required in today’s workplace and to start exploring career options. http://www.thelearningpartnership.ca/TOKWTA’s will provide permission forms to students.
Current Work Experience/Volunteer Opportunities (forms & info in the Career Centre)
RM Hospital Volunteen
Canadian Tourism College Career Prep Program
Ghost Ridge
RCMP Youth Spring Break Academy
Librarian’s Conference at THSS Oct 18, needs student volunteers. Sign up in the Career Centre.
Welcome Staff!
Mr. Vikal Reddy teaching Math with Mrs. Mehrassa
Ms. Corinna Miller our new ABED worker
OCTOBER AWARDS
We will be recognizing those students who demonstrated a commitment to their education, displayed social responsibility and positive behaviors contributing to school culture and who set an example by their actions for their 2012-2013 school year. October 7th for this year’s gr. 9’s & 11’s in the afternoon; October 8th for this year’s gr. 10’s & 12’s in the afternoon.‘THE HAPPENING’ CRAFT FAIR AT THSS
This year’s giant craft fair is scheduled for November 23rd and 24th. This Craft Fair has a history of being one of the finest in the Lower Mainland and with crafters coming from around the province, allows you an opportunity to get a good jump on your Christmas shopping. On Saturday, the craft fair is open from 10 am – 4 pm, and on Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is $2.00. A wonderful selection of items will be on display. We would like to thank this year’s jurors for helping in March–every year we get a better selection to offer the public. A daycare will be available, staffed by the school teams–no strollers are allowed on the sales floor so parents of young children should take advantage of this service. Students will be on hand to direct traffic in the parking lot. The school teams will be doing the site preparation. Thanks to all the people who have helped us already–we’re looking forward to another successful year. Monies raised at the craft fair help fund scholarships for youth and children’s charities.
COSTUME CONTEST
Students from all grades can enter our annual lunchtime costume contest for prizes and glory on Thursday, Oct. 31st!! Let your imagination go!
ECO ACTION NEWS
Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-Up Results!
Thank you to students who participated in the Shoreline Clean-Up along the banks of the South Alouette River. Most surprising were the amount of cigarette butts found (400) and balloon remnants following a previous cleanup the week before by another group!
THSS using Solar Cones
Waste reduction has always been the focus of the groups actions since its inception. In 2015 the GVRD will not longer accept food waste in its landfills. We are happy to continue our pilot project with the installation of 2 additional solar cones bringing it to 4. So far so good … as student volunteers compost kitchen and lunch waste from the Rotunda.
‘Reduce, Reuse and Give Back’ THSS Annual Clothing Drive
Save your gently used clothing and donate to the THSS NOVEMBER 16TH – DEC 16TH. Acceptable items include; pillows, blankets, sewing supplies,coats, shoes, purses, clothing, etc. Any proceeds from the drive
are donated to a local charity in need. TA’s with the most full bags donated will win a prize! Make it count and please label all bags with TA number.
Keep your batteries out of the landfill
Students and teachers can drop off any used batteries for recycle on Monday mornings @ the Recycle station in the great hall Students and teachers can drop off any used batteries for recycle on Monday mornings @ the Recycle station in the great hall.
YEARBOOKS $50
Purchase this years yearbook online for only $50. They will continue to sell until sold out, don’t wait, order now!
UPCOMING EVENTS
10 Post-Secondary Day for gr. 12’s at THSS – morning only
14 Thanksgiving Day – school closed
15 Parents’ Advisory Council, 7:00pm
23 Gr. 12 UBC orientations 9:30-11am
24 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences 1-4pm and 6-8pm – no classes
25 Province Wide Pro-D Day –no classes