Thought For The Day – Tuesday 11^th March 2025

It has always been the dream for TBSHS to play a positive and respectful part, and role, on the national stage.

The school humbly prides itself on its national reputation, as well as its vital local reputation.

This is demonstrated in: academic subjects; public examinations;  sport; music; drama; debating;  numerous local, national and international activities, opportunities, visits and visitors; the leadership of our former students in so many areas and arenas of public life; and, most importantly of all, being a good character, citizen and person.

Outstanding examples are numerous. “Oliver”, the musical performed last academic year,  was a production worthy of the “West End”.  The school enjoys debating successes, competing with a plethora of prestigious schools.  Over many generations, in their examinations, students have wonderfully represented their school, as well as themselves and their families,  when they label their papers, answer the examination questions and submit their work for final assessment.

Today, we are blessed to learn in facilities which anyone in the country, and the world, would be very grateful for.  We never forget the superb Jobbers Wood also.

We continue to pay tribute to all who are, and have been, part of the journey:  carers, guardians and parents;  staff;  students.

Everyone benefits from the school having a positive national reputation.  Though the place and position must always be earned every day, when a candidate receives an employment interview, the interviewer may have heard of their school.  The application itself will have benefited from the opportunities the school provides.  And when the candidate is successful, they help, and respect, people from all areas of life.  Equality,  diversity, inclusion.   

Another epic chapter in the school’s story is written today as the Year 10 rugby team compete in the “National Schools’ Rugby Football Union Plate Final” this afternoon at Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club.

The Bishop’s Stortford High School will play the greatly respected St. Paul’s School, London, a school with outstanding examination results and extra-curricular opportunities, founded in 1509. The motto  of St. Paul’s School  is: “Fide et Literis”. This means: “Through Faith and Learning”.  We are delighted, and honoured,  to play St. Paul’s School again, after playing the school many years ago in a weekly fixture .   

Our school motto is:  “’Respice, Aspice, Prospice”. This means:  “Look To, and Respect, The Past, Present and Future”.  We greatly look forward to sharing “The Black and Gold Spirit”, our ethos and values of commitment, aspiration, respect, integrity and community, on and off the field.  The Year 10 team, their coaches, and all the Physical Education department and volunteer staff, have worked so very hard and played so excellently throughout this season and for many years before. They will  continue their process, doing what has got them to the final, a fabulous achievement,  today.

Whether students enjoy rugby or sport or not, this is a very good, and positive, opportunity to support the school as a whole, playing a part in something bigger than ourselves.  Please support appropriately, respectfully, sensibly and thoughtfully over the early lunch.

After, and before,  the match, lesson and form focus is as vital.  Everything and everyone matters.  The sign of a good and representative community, organization and team.    

Thank you to Mr. Cooper, and his team, for kindly preparing an early lunch, and to the Senior Leadership Team, Mr. Kuan,  Mr. Barnes, Mr. Parrish and all the staff for also enabling people to watch the game. 

A club is far, far more than the team on the pitch, essential though the team on the pitch are.

During the game (of life), and after, the true measure of the person is whether they  humbly give their very best, look after others, and themselves, and show kindness and respect.

Today is also a moment for personal reflection and inspiration as we live, and tell,  our story.

How are you/we positively contributing to the school’s local, and national, reputation?  What will your/ our legacy be?    

Be good.  Do good.  Pay it forward. Pay it back.

Good luck to the players, supporting students, rugby coaches, staff, Mr. Reeve and  Dr. Coke-Woods (Head of Year 10) today.  Thank you for all they have done and will continue to do.