Headlines - 31 March 2023 - Coventry Diocese Board of Education

31st March 2023

Message from April Gold, Diocesan Director of Education

Dear friends,

As we reach the end of yet another busy school term, I want thank you for your continuing courageous leadership of our Church Schools. We have seen lots of media coverage in recent weeks about schools, teachers and inspections. Much of what you do every day goes unnoticed by most people, but for those who receive your love and care it is so very often a lifeline enabling them to aspire to who they want to be, or even sometimes to just get through another difficult day. Each of you are a blessing to your community. You are a visible presence of the invisible Christian hope that we celebrate at Easter. We have had 13 OFSTED inspections and 5 SIAMS inspections this academic year so far, every report tells a story of the deep Christian vision held by each school to work in partnership with their Church and community to enable all to live life in all its fullness. I know that school leadership is always demanding and sometimes can feel lonely and a heavy burden to carry. But, I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” My prayer for you this Easter is that you will find time to rest and lay down your burdens as you reflect upon the hope offered to us all of a saviour who has overcome death and can bring us new life. May this hope carry you into the next term safe in the knowledge that you are never alone. We journey together as a family of schools to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, empowered by his Spirit to do the work he has called us to.

Many blessings – April

School News – Easter Service and a Fond Farewell

April Gold joined St Lawrence CofE Primary, Napton for their Easter service this week. The school were also saying a loving goodbye to Revd Gillian Roberts who is retiring after being in the parish for over 10 years. The school and pupils presented Revd Gillian with floral gifts and thanks for her support and guidance over the years.

Watch John Semmen’s Talk on Philosophy in KS2

from this Week’s RE:Search Group

John Semmens, a Norwich based RE specialist joined the RE:Search Group this week and gave an excellent presentation on exploring Philosophy in KS2. If you would like to see it, the 1-hour session can be viewed here. John’s work can be found on his website:

John is going to re-run a philosophy crash course, which Jen Jenkins highly recommends. It’s on the 06 June 2023 at 16:30. There is a £5 early-bird discount for those who book soon (making it £20). The booking link is here.

Please Encourage Your Governors to Book for the Annual Governors Conference

Diocesan Annual Governors’ Conference – ‘Flourishing Governance’

Saturday 20 May 2023, 09.30 – 12.30, Brandon Hall Hotel, Coventry

A morning of inspiration and networking for governors in Church of England schools in Coventry Diocese. Our keynote speaker is Graeme Robins from Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership who will be talking about how governance can support the flourishing of your schools and successfully live out the unique Christian Vision whatever your context. We will also have input from April Gold the Diocesan Director of Education, members of the Governance Reference and Advisory Group (GRAG) and Angela Dawes, former CofE Headteacher and DBE Associate.

Agenda

09.00 Arrival, Coffee and Networking
09.30 Welcome and reflection – April Gold
09.40 DBE Update – April Gold
09.50 Flourishing Governance – Graeme Robins – Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership
10.30 Coffee Break and Networking
10.50 Flourishing Governance continued
11.15 GRAG Update
11.40 How Governors can help School Leaders to Flourish – Angela Dawes – DBE Associate
12.15 Closing remarks and prayer
12.30 Depart

To book places click here.

Alive 2023 Update

We have over 8,000 of your pupils now booked to attend Alive 2023 over the two days of the Praise Party at Stoneleigh in June. All the plans are in the process of being finalised and schools will receive a comprehensive pack of information after Easter so do look out for that in your inbox. Remember to contact us to claim your coach subsidy once you’ve booked your transport. We’ll reimburse up to £5 per pupil.

Reconciliation and Peace-Building Work in Schools – A Request

We would love to hear from all our schools (including but not limited to ICON Schools) about your current work on reconciliation, peace-building and forgiveness. Please do get in touch with Jen Jenkins at: jennifer.jenkins@coventrydbe.org to share your work. Thank you!