Thought For The Day – Wednesday 14th December 2022
Ethos
You have heard the word “Ethos” before. We speak of “The Ethos of TBSHS” or “The Black and Gold Ethos”. But what does the word “Ethos” mean?
Ethos in Greek means custom or character. It was originally used by the philosopher Aristotle to refer to someone’s character.
Today, “Ethos”” means the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, community or organization as manifested in its attitudes, beliefs, aspirations and actions.
On 14th December, we remember Mr. Ian Wickens, two years after Mr. Wickens’ passing. Mr. Wickens played an absolutely integral role in the creation of the ethos we enjoy today by leading a vast number of areas, inside and outside of lessons. He served the school for an historic forty eight years. All this was done with a dignity, thoughtfulness, humility, standards, meticulous organization, gentleness, resilience and character. 
In his perfect tribute, Mr. Reeve wrote Mr. Wickens was “absolutely Black and Gold, a warm, generous man who had clearly contributed so much to TBSHS over such a long time; we owe him a huge debt of gratitude”.
Mr. Wickens totally lived, and enhanced, the school’s ethos, as did his son who was a truly outstanding student and person, former Head Boy and Cambridge University graduate David Wickens, who passed away a few years ago. Mr. Ian Wickens also played a key role too in the establishment and development of our church services.
On 14th December, we think of Mr. Ian Wickens, and his wonderful family. He helped build the ethos we all benefit from in the school today.
To quote Sir Isaac Newton, we “stand on the shoulders of giants”.
