Thought For The Day – Wednesday 21^st October 2026

The excellent motto of T.B.S.H.S. is very appropriate for life.

Respice. Aspice. Prospice.

Respect, and look to, the Past, the Present, and the Future.

Some religions, and religious texts and thinkers, state The Timeless God they believe in  “sees” the past, present, and future in one “vision”.

As humans, in this finite,  temporal, and transient world, and life, we are influenced, instructed, and inspired by the Past, the Present, and the Future.

We have a duty, and a loyalty to, all these aspects,  and the people in such dimensions.

Wearing a Poppy is an example of such an ethic.

Whilst caring for our Environment is an example of responsibilities to, and respect for, generations to come.

In the past week, there were interesting stories involving two of our past students.

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

These two former students of T.B.S.H.S. were key players in two Year 10 T.B.S.H.S. football teams which won the “National Cup”.  

Now they play professionally on the national stage.

Last evening, for Cambridge United,  after significant injury, George Hoddle, pictured on last night’s team sheet below,  made his first full first team appearance of the season in the League for high-flying, and newly promoted, Cambridge United  (four defeats in the last forty three games), who themselves came back from two goals down, scoring in added time. George is the club’s current “Young Player of the Season” and, at the heart of the midfield.  was pivotal in their promotion season.

Last Wednesday, Zak Swanson scored a “goal of the season” contender for Portsmouth.  National radio commentary was interrupted with the news. One to be attempted in the playground: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Rgeh2lsy8tY .

There are tens of thousands of past students making a vital difference in so many areas of life.  The former students we mention in these messages are symbols of so very, very many more around the world.

Sometimes these past students return to our school. Sometimes we see them in Bishop’s Stortford. Or anywhere around the world in fact,  Many are now, or have been, parents of T.B.S.H.S. students. Others have returned to the School teach and coach.

No one ever forgets. No one is ever forgotten.

Heroes and inspirations are all around us.

What will T.B.S.H.S. students of today do tomorrow?

The vital thing, in the past, the present, and the future is to be a good, kind, respectful, and thoughtful person.

We do the very, very best we can.

For sure, there will be challenges on this journey, some of these challenges are beyond words to describe.  Some people have already experienced such life challenges.

But with love, resilience, and support, such challenges, are worked through, together.

In so many areas, The Bishop’s Stortford High School creates, and nurtures, memories, and people for life.

All founded on the wonderful work of the true (unsung) Heroes of the Home.

And the wider community too.

Tomorrow evening will see another very special opportunity at The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

The “Year 7 Concert” in the School Hall, outstandingly led, once again, by the Music Department, will see Year 7 students, who have made such a brilliant beginning to their “Black and Gold” life, showcase their musical expertise.

Always a fantastic highlight is the singing performance of all the Year 7 students on stage.

What a moment.

These students will always be able to say they performed to a massive audience.

And always a proud experience for their carers, guardians, and parents.

This is further proof that the Academy in any organisation very often leads the way.  George Hoddle, then 20, was given a key role as Cambridge United went on their promotion run last season.

Thank you to Year 7, and those students who have joined us in other year groups, especially Year 12.

Where will our journey lead?

And how will we look after others on the way?

It starts Today, always mindful of Tomorrow and Yesterday.  Always.