Human and Social Development
Our students will study personal and human social skills and as they relate to students' identity in the world - both as individuals and as members of their community. We are learning that personal and human social skills encompass the abilities students needs to thrive as individuals, to understand and care about themselves and others, and to find and achieve their purposes in the world.
Goals
- Improve student sense of well-being.
It's not just the students who have all the fun and connection. RHSS staff are big into participation! Diwali 2024 is no exception.
In the fall of 2024, our leadership students took part in an important volunteer opportunity with the Silver Fox Run at Tabor Home. Students first supported the residents in their participation of the Terry Fox/Silver Fox event and then worked and visited alongside residents after the run gardening, tidying up, and generally enjoying time together.
Over two years, RHSS students worked to raise money for the Cops for Cancer bike tour in support of childhood cancers. After raising around $800, RHSS staff and students welcomed the riders as they made their way through our building's main floor.
Rick Hansen senior students and staff rolled out the red carpet in Sept 2025 to welcome students back to the building for another fantastic year!
September 2025 meant a warm welcome to all our new and returning Hurricanes. Music was pumping, donuts were distributed, and everyone had the chance to walk the red carpet to a rousing applause!
On October 10, 2025, the RHSS Pride Alliance unveiled their mural, Happiness After the Storm. This mural depicts a whole year of happiness and celebration through four underrepresented or marginalized communities. Each panel highlights an individual season, as well as a group of people who have been historically celebrated during that time of year. The Winter panel showcases the school’s namesake, Rick Hansen, and the community that has been built to support those who are differently abled. The Spring panel represents the growth and dreams of people of colour, as this season begins with the celebration of Black History Month. The Summer panel represents the bonds and solidarity of the queer community during a pride event in June. The Fall panel represents the local Indigenous population and the beginning months of September and October which focus on Truth & Reconciliation.
The focus of the mural is representation. Whether or not it's an individual connection, a family member, or a friend; being able to see ourselves in the world helps us to find hope. Despite all the struggles of the past, we can still dream for a better future. One day this happiness will be experienced by everyone, and the storm will finally clear.