Thomas Haney Secondary School

Thomas Haney Secondary School (THSS) follows the self-directed model and is currently part of The Canadian Coalition for Self-Directed Learning. At Thomas Haney, courses are split into "Learning Guides" that are based upon the Ministry of Education's Prescribed Learning Outcomes. Students may negotiate with their teachers to develop their own pathways to demonstrating these outcomes, or they may follow the specific guide activities. THSS attracts global attention and many schools opt to emulate its delivery model.[2] Provincial exam marks at Thomas Haney are consistently above provincial and district averages,[2] and THSS has a higher than average graduation rate compared to other schools in the province; in the 2011-2012 school year the graduation rate at THSS was 93% compared to a provincial average of 81.8%.[3]

Over the years, there have been a host of distinct programs made available to Thomas Haney Secondary students. One such program, known as Connections, incorporates Social Studies 11, English 11, Biology 11, and Law 12, in order to give students a "real world" approach to these subjects and allow them to obtain credit across multiple courses with one assignment.

Thomas Haney offers a 4 course, 16 credit Equestrian Academy to both THSS students and students from other schools. Students who complete this program receive a certificate of Equestrian Studies. The Equestrian Academy offers both on-campus and online instruction. With support from professionals in the equestrian community from throughout the province, students learn about a variety of topics from guest speakers such as breeding, training, and coaching. Students also participate in many field trips throughout the program, visiting horse shows, training facilities, and colleges.[4]

THSS is also home to the Sightlines Theatre Company and the Raving Thespians Theatresports Team. The school's theatre department produces a mainstage show each year, a director's festival, and often a children's production made available to local elementary audiences. Productions have included: The Diary of Anne Frank, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, 1984, Blithe Spirit, The Crucible, and many others. The Sightlines Theatre has included alumni Cameron Labine (independent film maker and director), Kevin Kraussler (Bard on the Beach), as well as JD, Johnathan and Drew Scott (Property Brothers). Many students have moved onto varying areas of post-secondary study, or pursued careers in performing arts/entertainment industry.

School clubs include the Model United Nations Club, an ice hockey program, the Student Council, the Gardening Club and the eSports team. These clubs all have made significant donations to charities. The Model United Nations club allows students to partake in numerous United Nations simulations across the year. Several Thomas Haney students were award winners.[5] In support of the Humboldt, Sask. team tragedy, the Thomas Haney Hockey team raised over $1,000 for the team through school donations.[6]

The eSports team is run by Mark Biggar and Todd Goodman. The two teachers, along with an arsenal of students, host a LARP (Live Action Role Play) at the school annually.[7]

Student Council at this school has been active for 26 years, their motto is "For the Students, By the Students." This student run club's main goal is to bring the community together through events and raise money for local charities. Popular events include: The Wake-a-thon, The Winter Formal, and the Student Council Bottle Drive. This club supports many local charities, including MS Health Canada and Covenant House.

Upcoming clubs include an Aviation Club which will explore participating students interest in aviation and a place for students to talk about the subject.

Science Labs

The Science Labs are also large cross grade work spaces that provide students with the opportunity to complete lab work as well as smaller side rooms for small seminars and classroom teaching areas. A "science kiosk" functions as a dispensary for materials required to complete labs.

The Social Studies Great Hall The socials great hall, also known as the McIlroy Room (in honour of a retired educator) provides students with a multi grade work space in which to receive teacher support, to work in small groups, or individually. Again, this area is staffed by specialty subject teachers.

Double Rainbow

• Jonathan Scott[8]
• Drew Scott[8]
• Madeline Merlo[9]
• Keith Marković