Thought For The Day – Tuesday 14^th July 2026

On Thursday the 16th July of 2026,  there will be a non-uniform day at The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

Standards, and equipment, will be as normal.   Year 7 students attending the excellent Warwick Castle educational visit will have an opportunity to support this day.

For, as we near the Summer vacation, this non-uniform day provides an important time to reflect on, and practically help, those in need, young and elderly, globally, nationally, and locally.

As we appropriately, healthily, respectfully, safely, and sustainably enjoy our Summer we are always are mindful of, and act for,  all experiencing challenges beyond words.

We may have such challenges in our lives, in the past, in the present, or in the future.  We always must treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated.  That is “The Golden Rule”.

We know life is beautiful. But we also know life is challenging and complicated.  We value the vulnerable.  We are inspired by the true resilience of all who suffer.

The suggested donation on Thursday is £2. Monies raised will go to two charities.

Firstly, U.N.I.C.E.F. is the children’s charity of the United Nations.  U.N.I.C.E.F. stands for “United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund”.  This charity, whose very appropriate motto is “For Every Child”, helps those in need globally, including in areas such as Venezuela, where over 4,000 people, so far, have died because of the recent earthquakes. Many more are, and will be, injured and traumatized.  Short-term, or emergency, aid is needed in terms of food,  immediate healthcare, shelter, and water. In time, in future days, months, and years, long-term aid will be required to help the areas affected rebuild, though human loss can never be replaced.  U.N.I.C.E.F. state that 680,000 children need humanitarian assistance after the recent earthquakes. In the U.K., “Soccer Aid”, an excellent event,  recently raised monies for U.N.I.C.E.F..

Locally and nationally, Alzheimer’s Society is a Dementia charity in the United Kingdom.  Dementia is caused by underlying brain conditions, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for a majority of cases.  Over short, and long, periods of time, Dementia impacts behaviour, communication, memory, mood, and sleep, causing massive challenges for people and families. Last week, for example, as they encouraged care for the vulnerable,   it was reported by the health service in the South-West of England that, in the heatwaves, people with dementia were still putting their heating on, and dressing as if for winter.  To raise awareness of, and funds for, Alzheimer’s Society, Channel 4 television recently showed the full match of the iconic 1966 men’s football World Cup Final in colour.

An outstanding recent documentary, “Jon Snow: A Last Big Story”,   also broadcast by Channel 4, connected the local, national, and international.

From the newsroom at “Channel 4 News”, Jon Snow visited T.B.S.H.S. twice as a guest speaker, sustainably arriving on the train with his bicycle.  Jon, who always respected our school, in word and deed, was recently diagnosed with Dementia. The tender programme, produced in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society, a link to which is below, honestly documents challenges Jon now experiences. In sharing his story, Jon is thinking of, and shining a light on, others, not himself.  Further, ever doing good,  Jon personally goes back to the future, and transcending his health challenges,  as he reports “in the field” on an environmental disaster in Zambia.: Jon Snow: A Last Big Story | Journalist’s Final Investigation After Alzheimer’s Diagnosis | C4 Docs