Thought For The Day – Wednesday 6th December 2023
Inspirational Commitment
Thank you very much for an outstanding Christmas Lunch for 1222 members of our community.
Inspirational commitment.
The biggest thank you goes to Mr. Cooper and the catering team for all they do, and to Mr. Reeve and all the staff who served.
It was wonderful that we were also able to think about those in need in our local community yesterday. That theme continues today with a meeting about bag packing in Room 8 at 1:30. We will pack bags on Sunday 17th December to raise money for those for whom the festive season will be very challenging. There is also a toy collection this week.
In very inspirational, moving and thoughtful assemblies this week, Mr. Gunn is reminding us that Christmas, and beyond, is not an easy time for many, particularly those missing someone special.
If we have someone who loves us, and someone we love, if we have a school and wider community which cares for us, we really are truly blessed.
And, if we feel that we have not quite found our path yet, if we are going through a very challenging time, there will, in time, be much brighter days ahead, and we know we will bring others with us on the journey.
The true heroes are those who cope with very difficult challenges.
The festive spirit at TBSHS tonight continues with our annual Christmas Concert. We thank the Music Department, Mr. Emery, Mr. Mead, all music teachers and student musicians for their inspirational and total commitment. Their inspirational commitment is founded on dedicated and diligent performance and practice each day.
Sports fixtures are continuing also with the final rugby XV fixtures, girls’ rugby and football cup competitions, amongst others. Once again, students leaving everything on the field, playing with passion and respect, making the most of the wonderful opportunities given by staff.
This week also sees the Languages Department leading a visit to Germany, as part of our superb exchange programme, whilst last Saturday, students participated in a fantastic opportunity in London to enact a legal trial. Last week saw an outstanding PTFA Candlelit Supper, raising money for the school, with parents, teachers, friends and students of the school all working together so fabulously once again.
All this requires inspirational commitment. Many hours that no one sees.
Paddy, in Year 10, who performed, like all the cast, so brilliantly in “Oliver” calculated that he had spent of 113 of 168 hours in school in the lead up to the show. Not to mention the weeks and months before. Not to mention the performances themselves. Not to mention all the other years in school and in life.
This is what it takes.
1222 Christmas lunches. That began as the school slept.
We go again and again and again and again. Healthily.
And, though the festive spirit permeates at this time of year, it is also important to keep our focus for 2023 will soon transition into 2024.
Our academic work continues to be the foundation for everything we do. Year 11 and Year 13 mock examinations are very important, for the frost of winter will soon give way to warmth of summer quicker than we realise. We will soon be opening that envelope on results day. Every game in a season matters. We are what our record says we are.
We finish the term well so we can enjoy the break and rest.
