Thought For The Day – Monday 31^st October 2022

We hope you had a good half term and are ready to go to give your very best this important half term.

October has been Black History Month. Our actions, awareness, journey and stories will continue every month, day and week at TBSHS.   Thank you very much to all who have submitted, or who will submit,  Black History Month Anti-Racism posters for the excellent project led by Mrs. Ellen and Mrs. Matharu.  Miss. Bishop has thoughtfully communicated regular recommended inspirational library reading every week day October, including in half term.

Thank you to the group of students from Year 7 to Year 13 (see the picture above) who virtually interviewed in the Alan Turing Suite iconic cricket legend Mr. Michael Holding live from the Cayman Islands for forty minutes at lunchtime on the last Friday of half term. Born in Jamaica, Michael Holding was a vital member of the greatest ever cricket team, who were, and are, inspiring and groundbreaking role models. Mr. Holding went on to become a truly brilliant broadcaster. “No Holding Back” is the appropriate title of Michael’s 2010 autobiography.  “Illuminate the world to the achievements of all to prevent the belief that some are superior to others”, said Mr. Holding to TBSHS students last half term.  Student questions to Mr. Holding last half term focused on cricket and Michael’s inspirational work on anti-racism, including his award-winning 2021 book “Why We Kneel, How We Rise”, and his wonderful and moving speech of 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUOeeGDUdD8

Mr. Holding is always so giving and generous with his time and writes of his special relationship with The Bishop’s Stortford High School. This says everything about his truly outstanding citizenship and goodness. When he visited us in person a few years ago, “Mikey”, as he is widely known, wore our school tie on “Sky Sports” afterwards (see the picture below).

Thanks to Assistant Headteacher Mrs. Miles and Mr. Cooper and the catering team, the Caribbean and Jamaican theme continues at TBSHS today.  We will be celebrating traditional Black Jamaican food at lunch time. Jamaican cuisine is typically hearty, filling, and spicy. Jerk Chicken is chicken that is marinated in a thick mixture of spices, including onions, peppers, cloves, and chilli’s.  This dish, with the most savoury flavours of the Caribbean, will be served with a side of rice and peas.  Jerk Sweet Potato and Black Bean Pot is a warming Caribbean dish, spicy with a tangy aftertaste. Jerk spices coat sweet potato, onion, and black beans. Meatballs in tomato source will also be available.  As a sweet, Toto is a popular Jamaican cake consisting of flour, sugar, grated coconut, eggs, milk, butter, and flavourings such as allspice, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.  Over lunch, please read the hall display Mrs. Miles has very kindly and thoughtfully prepared on our special celebration today and of Black History Month.

Diversity is about everyone.  Diversity is appreciation.  Diversity enhances, inspires and illuminates society.  Diversity is necessity.