Thought For The Day – Wednesday 20^th November 2024

Today, and each day,  we remember Mr. Darren Solomons.

Mr. Solomons passed away on this date in 2017, seven years ago.

A natural and wonderful teacher, and person, Mr. Solomons taught at the school for seven years.

Mr. Solomons was a sixth form teacher who was loved by all, including staff.

Many students and staff travelled far and wide to be at Sir’s funeral.

Further, a detailed and special memorial assembly was organised after school on a further day. So many current and former students wanted to pay their respects and tribute. The school hall was absolutely packed.   Students and staff spoke of a giving, good-humoured, human, humble, thoughtful, unique and wise person, who cared, inspired, listened and respected.  Whether students were in Mr. Solomons’ first or final class and form, in this life, they all spoke of having the same wonderful experience, opportunities and support.  Students who were not taught by Mr. Solomons, who he said “hello” to around the school, similarly.

Wonderful legacies and memories are timeless and spaceless. A bench dedicated to Mr. Solomons, has come with us to Beaumont Avenue.  It is pictured above on Monday of this week. “Past, present, future”.

Like so many past staff and students, no doubt Sir would have loved our wonderful new classrooms.  On our former London Road site, Mr. Solomons taught in the “mobiles” by our former sixth form centre. His lessons, and the community he created in them, and beyond, transcended the challenges of the facilities.

As part of a very detailed, fitting and moving tribute to Mr. Solomons at the time, Mr. Reeve perfectly stated and summed up Mr. Solomons’ enduring legacy:

“Mr. Solomons was loved and respected by staff and the sixth form students he worked with. Mr. Solomons embodied ‘The Black and Gold Spirit’.”

We deeply think about Mr. Solomons’ family today and always.

They should be proud beyond words in such challenges beyond words.

We think about all who knew Mr. Solomons and all who were taught by Sir.

Those we love, and those who we are inspired by, are always with us.

They walk with us every step of the way.

For their legacy, love, influence and inspiration is eternal.

Mr. Solomons is pictured above with Eli Haines, a former student, on a Year 13 Leavers’ Day.