Thought For The Day – Wednesday 22^nd July 2026

Pictured above:  Mr. Patterson’s final debate at The Bishop’s Stortford High School on Thursday the 16^th of July. The most apt motion was:  “School days are the best days of our lives”.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”  (Sir Isaac Newton)

Celebrating another academic year, and Summer term, beautifully documented in another fine  “The Mitre” journal and magazine,  today’s inspirational “Final Assembly”, led by Mr. Reeve,  will be an historic, and a memorable, moment in the life of The Bishop’s Stortford High School.   “Final Assembly”, like “The Mitre”, will showcase student and staff success and service.

In particular, Mr. Patterson retires from teaching today after forty years, four decades, of service to The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

We have been blessed that Mr. Patterson has devoted his whole career, and working life, to generations of students, staff, and families at The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

There are no words to truly describe Mr. Patterson’s irreplaceable, outstanding, paradigmatic, and unique contribution and legacy.  Whether it be: as Head of English and English teacher; in his passion, scholarship and wisdom;  pastorally leading Year, and Form, groups; in the extra-curricular activities of Debating (for thirty-five years), Sport, and Educational Visits; and in looking after all students and staff, Mr. Patterson humbly, judiciously, selflessly, and thoughtfully set the standard for everyone day after day, term after term, year after year, season after season, decade after decade. In the words of the song of his beloved Leeds United Football Club,  he ensured we kept “marching on together”.

In his recent interview for T.B.S.H.S.’ illuminating  “The Globe” newspaper, Mr. Patterson beautifully articulated the importance of appreciation and aspiration.  Mr. Patterson perfectly epitomised, and epitomises, the values of The Bishop’s Stortford High School: commitment;  aspiration; respect; integrity;  community.   And our Equality Values, which are just as important, too.

The Bishop’s Stortford High School is, and will always be, The Bishop’s Stortford High School because of Mr. Patterson.

Mrs. Matthews also is a superb symbol of what it means to be “Black, Gold, and Green”. Today we will also pay a tribute to Mrs. Mathews, greatly thanking Mrs. Matthews for all Mrs. Matthews has given to The Bishop’s Stortford High School over very many years.

From Mrs. Matthews’ very important role in the influential, formative days of Psychology at the School, a very important subject in education and indeed in life, to Mrs. Matthews’ founding of Running Club, to her vital leadership role as such an inspirational Head of Learning Support and Special Educational Needs, brilliantly leading the wonderful team of Learning Support Assistants, Mrs. Matthews, and her team, like Mr. Patterson, ensured, and ensure, every student was cared for, included, inspired, and valued. Every person is sacred. Every person matters.

We wish Mrs. Matthews continued happiness, positivity, and success in her new school, never forgetting those students, staff, and families from other schools we pass on our way to our school, and always remembering those in other communities in the United Kingdom and around the world.  Education and indeed life is one community.

We also most sincerely thank the caring, and compassionate,  Learning Support Assistants Miss. Millar, Mrs. Varghese, and Mr. Knight (a fine former student of the School),  who also embark on new and exciting adventures and journeys from T.B.S.H.S. today.

As we do Mrs. Burgoyne.  A devotion to learning and a passion for academic subjects is integral to staff and students.  Mrs. Burgoyne has exemplified, and so very considerately and kindly nurtured, Mathematical, and educational, excellence and expertise.

Though he is, thankfully,  very much staying with us, we also very warmly appreciate Mr. Smith for his leadership as Head of Science.

We equally remember those students, and families,  who have left The Bishop’s Stortford High School at the close of this academic year,  thanking them for writing their memorable books and their chapters in the School’s story.  Everyone plays their part, and has a role, in the transformative drama.

For all who depart, it is only farewell, never goodbye.

Of course, new students, staff, and families will write their verse, and sing their unique song, thanks to all who came before. Past, present, and future are always one.

We thank all for everything: at T.B.S.H.S.;  in the community;  and at home.

We wish everyone, and their families, a happy, healthy, safe, and sustainable holiday. Take each day at a time.  We do not have to go very far, or spend very much, to have a nice time.  Often it is the little actions and words, given with heart,  that make the most difference. Stay kind, respectful, and safe.  We remember to manage our use of mobile devices, just as we superbly have this term.  Values apply to everyone everywhere.  Keep loving, reflecting, reading, thinking of others in need.   And we have been going, or are going,  through a challenging time, we know that, with love, resilience, and support, always remembering those who inspired us, there is a dream that never, ever ends, and there a light that never, ever goes out.

Pictured below:  The Bishop’s Stortford High School on the morning of Monday the 20^th of July 2026.