Thought For The Day – Friday 23rd October 2026 

Thank you for everything, so far,  this Half-Term.

We finish well, and respectfully, today.  For, how we finish, as well as how we begin, and persist, says everything about us.

We should not forget that for many in our school community here at T.B.S.H.S., this half term started in July and August.  It commenced with the caretakers and cleaners brilliantly enhancing our facilities, in a heat wave,  and involved inspirational “Summer Schools” and outstanding support, once again, with Examination Results and Admissions.

We also greatly thank all the new carers, guardians, parents, students, and staff who have joined The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

We pay great tribute to any member of this, or any other, community that has experienced any personal and health challenges.

Over the forthcoming holiday, when it arrives, we can reflect on positive, and inspirational, moments, and people, experienced since the start of the academic year.

It is very important that we treasure these, that we do not just carelessly move on to “the next thing”, without fully appreciating, and learning from, the last.

We do not take for granted such precious and magic memories and moments.

The next week will also be an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, as well as reading, resting, relaxing, and humbly reflecting on steps for further improvement.

Whilst, if we need any support, or know of anyone who needs any support, we reach out.

As we break for the half-term holiday,  we remember that Values equally apply out of school.

We stand up against all negative prejudice and negative discrimination, including Sexism, Homophobia, Antisemitism, and Racism.

Half-Term certainly provides an opportunity for us to create something very special for the School’s “Black History Month Project”.   This is such a wonderful opportunity to combine literacy and oracy in such an important cause.  Thank you very much to Mrs. Ellen and the “B.H.M.” team.

On Tuesday the 10^th of November, we will host a live broadcast with Michael Holding, the great West Indies cricketer, commentator, communicator, anti-racism advocate, live from his home in the Cayman Islands. He will be speaking about his career and his new children’s book called “Why We Kneel, How We Rise”.  After her visited T.B.S.H.S., Mr. Holding once wore our school tie on “Sky Sports”.

Over the holiday, we continue to think of all, far and near,  in need. Thank you for providing 238 K.G. of items for “Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank”, pictured below, which was described by the charity as “awesome”.  Thank you to Josh and Madi, Year 13 students, for taking all the very generous donations to Reception yesterday.

Over the next week, and in the coming weeks, the “Black and Gold” opportunities will continue; life-enhancing National and International occasions (including Remembrance Day) visits; epic Sporting challenges and fixtures; another inspirational School Show;  beautiful Concerts;  very thoughtful Christmas Community, Charity and Church Service events; a plethora of House events;  important Guests and Visitors; vital Lessons;  absolutely crucial Mock Examinations.

As regards the holidays,  as we always say, we do not have to go very far to have a very nice time.  There are wonderful places, and people, on our doorstep.  The theme for “Black History Month 2026” is honouring, respecting, and being inspired by those brilliant people in our communities.

The photograph below was taken by Mr. Harvey at “Running Club” yesterday.

Stay safe this half-term holiday.

Thank you for everything.