Thought For The Day – Thursday 3rd September 2026
Back Together
Welcome back to the whole community of The Bishop’s Stortford High School.
We trust you had a healthy, restful, respectful, and safe summer.
As we always say, we do not need to go very far, or spend very much, to have a very nice time.
In fact, the most memorable moments, and people, are often on our doorstep and all around us.
Including today.
We think about, and support, each other, whatever respectful journeys, long or seemingly short, have been, and will be, embarked upon.
The last time we were together as a community was at Final Assembly on the 22nd of July 2026.
As detailed in the final message of last term, sent to students that evening, Final Assembly, led by wonderful student speakers, musicians, and award-winners, was an historic occasion. Fine tributes were paid to members of staff departing T.B.S.H.S., including caring and superb Science Technician Mrs. Blee. There were very inspirational, moving, and wise speeches delivered by Mrs. Matthews and Mr. Patterson. We greatly thank Mrs. Mathews for her excellent contribution to Inclusion, Special Educational Needs, Psychology, and Running Club.
Before the traditional singing of “Jerusalem” and the Prayers, Final Assembly closed with a memorable tribute to Mr. Patterson. Mr. Patterson retired after a record forty years’ service to The Bishop’s Stortford High School and the teaching profession. Mr. Patterson leaves the most outstanding legacy. In Final Assembly, Fin Macfie, a Year 13 student now, brilliantly read from a poem by Philip Larkin perspicaciously chosen by Mr. Reeve. Very appropriately, the poem, from one of Mr. Patterson’s favourite authors, contained the lines: “A decent chap, a real good sort…one of the best…head and shoulders above the rest”. The poem, thoughtfully explained by Mr. Reeve, asked the very important and pertinent question: “How many lives would have been duller / Had he not been here?”
Since Final Assembly, new staff, students, and families have joined The Bishop’s Stortford High School community. We make them feel welcome as their story becomes our story and our story becomes their story.
The next few days and weeks will be about establishing those very important routines for the new season, both in learning and living.
It should be noted that the club, and stadium, is always very busy in the holidays. Seasons merge into one. Many staff and students have been involved in: the Rugby Tour to South Africa; Year 7 Summer Camp; Year 7 Sports Camp; Year 13 and Year 11 Results Days; Year 12 Admissions. Whilst, throughout the last few weeks, the caretakers, cleaners, caterers, network, finance, and office staff were diligently, through the various heatwaves, preparing T.B.S.H.S. for the months ahead. Our superb school facilities, now in their third year, are ready once again for the players and staff. We treat them, and everyone inside and outside school, well. We take no one, and nothing, for granted.
And of course, this, and every, holiday somewhere, there are always those, students, staff, and families, diligently, unnoticeably, and quietly practicing and working in spaces far from the popular stage towards a better future. The dreams of tomorrow are worked on humbly today. Everyone’s moment and time will come. Those small silent steps will lead to wonderful outcomes.
There will be, as there has been locally, nationally, internationally, and globally, those who have had very significant challenges over the summer and before. We compassionately and thoughtfully support one another on the journey of life, taking each day at a time. Those who inspire us are always with us.
As always, care and respect will, once again, be vital this academic year. Care and respect for people. Care and respect for the wider environment.
We start well and support each other today. And every day.
